one of the most important driving forces behind health care policy changes is which of the following

ATI RN

ATI Proctored Leadership Exam

1. One of the most important driving forces behind health care policy changes is which of the following?

A. New technology
B. Outsourcing of services
C. Emerging role of nurse practitioners
D. Ability to pay for health care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Ability to pay for health care.' One of the primary factors influencing health care policy changes is the financial aspect, as the ability to afford healthcare services affects access, quality, and equity. While new technology, outsourcing of services, and the emerging role of nurse practitioners may also impact health care policies, the fundamental driver often revolves around individuals' and societies' financial capacity to pay for healthcare.

2. Why is increasing the use of advanced practice nurses encouraged?

A. A 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended nurses practice to the full extent of their education.
B. Advanced practice nurses act as an extension of physicians.
C. The National League for Nursing advocates for the master of science in nursing (MSN) as the terminal degree for nurse practitioners.
D. Advanced practice nurses lack the skills to diagnose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended that nurses practice to the full extent of their education, which includes utilizing advanced practice nurses. This supports the efficient delivery of healthcare services by leveraging the expertise and skills of advanced practice nurses. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the role of advanced practice nurses rather than providing a reason for increasing their use. Choice C is unrelated to the encouragement of increasing the use of advanced practice nurses as it focuses on the terminal degree for nurse practitioners. Choice D is incorrect as advanced practice nurses do possess the skills necessary to diagnose and provide advanced care, so the statement that they lack diagnostic skills is inaccurate.

3. What is the main goal of a nursing quality improvement (QI) program?

A. To enhance patient safety
B. To reduce healthcare costs
C. To ensure regulatory compliance
D. To maintain high patient satisfaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main goal of a nursing quality improvement (QI) program is to enhance patient safety. While reducing healthcare costs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high patient satisfaction are important aspects of healthcare delivery, the primary focus of a QI program in nursing is to improve patient safety through practices such as error reduction, risk management, and enhancing the quality of care provided.

4. The manager of a medical-surgical unit is very task-motivated. Using Fiedler's Contingency Theory, under what circumstances would the manager be most effective?

A. Only during highly stressful situations.
B. When there is little to no stress.
C. Under highly structured situations.
D. When the situation is loosely structured.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to Fiedler's Contingency Theory, task-motivated managers are most effective under highly structured situations. This is because in such environments, where priorities are clear and tasks are well-defined, task-oriented managers can excel in organizing and accomplishing objectives efficiently. Choices A and B are incorrect because the effectiveness of a task-motivated manager is not solely linked to stress levels but rather to the structure of the situation. Choice D is also incorrect as a loosely structured situation would not provide the clarity and direction that a task-motivated manager thrives in.

5. Which of the following best defines the role of a nurse educator?

A. Provide direct patient care
B. Conduct research on nursing practices
C. Develop and implement educational programs for nursing staff
D. Supervise nursing staff

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The role of a nurse educator primarily involves developing and implementing educational programs for nursing staff. While providing direct patient care and supervising nursing staff are essential functions in healthcare, these tasks are not the primary responsibilities of a nurse educator. Conducting research on nursing practices is typically associated with the role of a nurse researcher, not a nurse educator.