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. As an RN stands in line for the cafeteria cashier, he overhears the staff in front of him talking about a client the RN took care of earlier in the week. The client�s room number is mentioned along with the diagnosis and prognosis. Which of the following actions should the RN take?

A. Join in the conversation in case the RN is assigned to care for the client in the future.
B. Remind the staff members that they are in a public location and sharing this information is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
C. Correct a statement made by one of the staff members.
D. Ignore the conversation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Remind the staff members that they are in a public location and sharing this information is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

3. When seeking their first nursing job, what is the most important factor that nursing graduates look for?

A. Location
B. Money
C. Orientation
D. Vacation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Orientation. Nursing graduates prioritize the orientation program when seeking their first job as it helps them transition smoothly into their new role. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While location, salary, and vacation time are important considerations, nursing graduates specifically value a comprehensive orientation program to support their initial professional development.

4. A registered nurse (RN) administered a patient�s morning insulin as the breakfast tray arrived at 0800. The RN performed a complete assessment at the same time. Then, the RN got busy with her other patients and did not check on the patient until 1400. At that time, she found the patient unresponsive with a blood glucose of 23. Both the breakfast and lunch tray were at the bedside untouched. Which of the following could the RN be charged with?

A. Quasi-intentional tort
B. Misdemeanor
C. Negligence
D. Juvenile offense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Negligence is the failure to act in a reasonable, ordinary, and prudent manner, causing harm to someone who is owed the duty to care.

5. 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.