Manager of Care
What is the primary responsibility of the RN as the manager of care?
To plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate the patient's nursing and collaborative plan of care.
Name one factor that influences patient outcomes besides the illness itself.
Culture, spirituality, development, environment, or social support.
What is a clinical pathway?
A standardized, evidence-based plan that guides care for a specific diagnosis or procedure.
When should discharge planning begin?
Soon after admission.
Why is family involvement important during hospitalization?
It promotes coping, support, and recovery.
What is the primary goal of nursing in the secondary (acute care) setting?
Restore the patient's self-care abilities while preventing complications.
What is spiritual distress?
Difficulty finding meaning, hope, or peace related to illness or life events.
Why are clinical pathways used?
To improve outcomes, reduce variation, and provide efficient evidence-based care.
Who often coordinates discharge planning for patients with complex needs?
Answer:
Case manager (RN or social worker).
What should the nurse do if family visits increase patient stress?
Limit or modify visitation to meet the patient's needs.
According to Orem, when does a person require secondary health care?
When self-care or dependent-care needs exceed self-care abilities.
A patient's religion prohibits blood transfusions. What should the nurse do?
Respect the patient's beliefs while collaborating to provide safe alternative care.
Who evaluates whether a patient is progressing appropriately along a clinical pathway?
The RN.
What is the purpose of home health nursing?
To provide continued skilled care while promoting independence at home.
A patient's room contains candles and a faith healer is leading prayer. What is the nurse's priority?
Assess for safety while respecting cultural and spiritual beliefs.
What are the two priority outcomes for patients in acute care?
• Increase independence in self-care
• Prevent complications
What is cultural strain?
Stress that occurs when healthcare conflicts with a patient's cultural beliefs or values.
Why is discharge planning started early in hospitalization?
To ensure a safe transition and identify post-discharge needs.
What is respite care?
Temporary relief for caregivers by providing short-term care for the patient.
What should the nurse assess before sharing information with family members?
Patient permission, privacy, and confidentiality.
A patient suddenly becomes increasingly short of breath after surgery. As the manager of care, what is the RN's FIRST responsibility?
Perform a focused assessment, recognize the change in condition, intervene, and notify the provider as appropriate.
According to Giger and Davidhizar, name three cultural assessment areas.
What is the RN's responsibility if a patient is not meeting expected clinical pathway outcomes?
Collaborate with the healthcare team and revise the plan of care.
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Palliative care can occur alongside curative treatment; hospice focuses on comfort when life expectancy is about six months or less.
A patient avoids eye contact during assessment. What should the nurse consider?
Eye contact may have different meanings in different cultures; avoid making assumptions.