CONTEMPORARY NURSING AND ISSUE MANAGEMENT

7. A patient is admitted with pneumonia. The case manager refers to a plan of care that specifically identifies dates when supplemental oxygen should be discontinued, positive-pressure ventilation with bronchodilators should be changed to self-administered inhalers, and antibiotics should be changed from intravenous to oral treatment, on the basis of assessment findings. This plan of care is referred to as a: a. patient classification system. b. clinical pathway. c. patient-centered plan of care. d. diagnosis-related group (DRG). ANS: B A clinical pathway is a plan that specifies the timing and sequencing of major patient care activities and interventions by the interdisciplinary team for a particular diagnosis, procedure, or health condition. DIF: Application REF: pp. 374-375 8. The nurse manager determines that four RNs, five LPN/LVNs, and two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are required per shift to meet the needs of the patient population on the unit, according to acuity and census. The nurse manager is concerned with: a. assignments. b. staffing. c. output. d. productivity. ANS: B Staffing is the activity of determining that an adequate number and mix of health care team members are available to provide safe, high-quality patient care. DIF: Comprehension REF: p. 367 9. A nurse manager is mentoring a novice nurse manager in determining staffing needs. The mentor explains, “We must determine the acuity level of the patient by: a. assessing patient satisfaction with nursing care.” b. quantifying the amount and intensity of care required.” c. examining the skill mix and educational preparation of the staff.” d. determining the number of hospital days required by the patients.” ANS: B Patient acuity is measured by determining the amount and intensity of care required. DIF: Comprehension REF: p. 367