CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT & DATA ANALYTICS
1. Define a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS).
Answer: A health IT system that provides clinicians with knowledge and patient-
specific information to enhance decision-making.
Rationale: CDSS helps improve patient outcomes by providing alerts, reminders,
and evidence-based guidance.
2. True or False: CDSS can replace the clinician’s judgment.
Answer: False
Rationale: CDSS supports but does not replace clinical judgment.
3. What are the primary types of CDSS?
Answer:
Knowledge-based (rules, guidelines)
Non-knowledge-based (machine learning, predictive models)
Rationale: Different CDSS types provide alerts, recommendations, or
predictive analytics.
4. Define alert fatigue.
Answer: When clinicians become desensitized to frequent alerts, potentially
leading to ignored or overridden warnings.
Rationale: Critical to balance alert frequency to avoid compromising patient
safety.
5. True or False: Dashboards are used for monitoring key metrics in healthcare.
Answer: True
, Rationale: Dashboards visualize performance, quality indicators, and patient
outcomes for informed decisions.
6. How does predictive analytics support nursing informatics?
Answer: Uses historical and real-time data to forecast patient risks, resource
needs, or outcomes.
Rationale: Enables proactive care and risk mitigation.
7. What is the role of alerts in CDSS?
Answer: Notify clinicians about critical events, abnormal values, drug interactions,
or required interventions.
Rationale: Supports timely, evidence-based action to enhance patient safety.
8. Define workflow optimization in nursing informatics.
Answer: Adjusting processes and technology to streamline tasks, reduce
redundancies, and improve efficiency.
Rationale: Ensures clinical systems enhance rather than hinder patient care.
9. True or False: Predictive models in CDSS require continuous evaluation and
updates.
Answer: True
Rationale: Ensures accuracy, reliability, and relevance in changing clinical
environments.
10. Give examples of CDSS outputs.
Answer:
Alerts for abnormal lab values
Reminders for preventive care
Drug interaction warnings