which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis rca

ATI RN

ATI Leadership

1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

A. Identify the person responsible for an error
B. Determine who should be disciplined
C. Discover the underlying causes of an error
D. Evaluate the effectiveness of a new policy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Discover the underlying causes of an error.' Root cause analysis (RCA) focuses on identifying the fundamental reason(s) that led to an error or problem rather than placing blame on individuals. Choice A and B are incorrect as RCA is not about pinpointing a specific person to blame or determining disciplinary actions. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary goal of RCA is not to evaluate policy effectiveness but to uncover the root causes of issues for effective problem-solving.

2. Behavioral leadership theory recognizes three styles of leadership. Which of the following best describes democratic leadership?

A. The democratic leader communicates meaning and purpose.
B. The democratic leader gives orders and makes decisions for the group.
C. The democratic leader does little planning or decision making.
D. The democratic leader makes plans and decisions with the team.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Democratic leadership involves the leader working collaboratively with the team to make plans and decisions. This style values input from team members, encourages participation in the decision-making process, and fosters a sense of ownership among the team. Choice A is incorrect because simply communicating meaning and purpose does not capture the essence of democratic leadership. Choice B is incorrect as giving orders and making decisions for the group is more characteristic of an autocratic leadership style. Choice C is incorrect as democratic leaders are actively involved in planning and decision-making processes, contrary to doing little of it.

3. A 26-year-old female with type 1 diabetes develops a sore throat and runny nose after caring for her sick toddler. The patient calls the clinic for advice about her symptoms and a blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL despite taking her usual glargine (Lantus) and lispro (Humalog) insulin. The nurse advises the patient to

A. use only the lispro insulin until the symptoms are resolved
B. limit calorie intake until the glucose is less than 120 mg/dL
C. monitor blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise
D. decrease carbohydrate intake until glycosylated hemoglobin is less than 7%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should advise the patient to monitor her blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise. This is important because the patient is experiencing symptoms of an illness (sore throat and runny nose) that can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. By monitoring frequently, any significant rise in blood glucose can be detected early, enabling prompt intervention. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping glargine (Lantus) insulin can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Choice B is incorrect as limiting calorie intake is not the appropriate immediate action for managing high blood glucose levels. Choice D is also incorrect as adjusting carbohydrate intake based on glycosylated hemoglobin levels is not the immediate action needed in this acute situation.

4. Which of the following best describes the role of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS)?

A. Direct patient care provider
B. Administrator of healthcare facilities
C. Consultant for nursing staff
D. Policy maker in healthcare organizations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) serves as a consultant for nursing staff, providing expert advice and guidance on clinical practice. Choice A, 'Direct patient care provider,' is incorrect as CNS typically focus more on education, research, and consultation rather than direct patient care. Choice B, 'Administrator of healthcare facilities,' is incorrect as this role is usually fulfilled by nurse administrators or nurse managers. Choice D, 'Policy maker in healthcare organizations,' is incorrect as policy-making roles are typically held by individuals in healthcare administration or government positions.

5. What is the main focus of a clinical governance framework?

A. Financial performance
B. Regulatory compliance
C. Patient care quality
D. Staff satisfaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main focus of a clinical governance framework is patient care quality. This framework is designed to ensure that patient care is safe, effective, and patient-centered. Choice A, financial performance, is not the main focus of a clinical governance framework, although financial aspects may be considered. Choice B, regulatory compliance, is important but not the primary focus of a clinical governance framework. Choice D, staff satisfaction, is also important but is not the main focus of a clinical governance framework, which primarily centers around patient care quality.