what is the main purpose of a clinical audit

ATI RN

ATI Leadership Practice A

1. What is the main purpose of a clinical audit?

A. To measure patient satisfaction
B. To evaluate the effectiveness of clinical practices
C. To identify areas for improvement
D. To standardize patient care protocols

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of a clinical audit is to identify areas for improvement in clinical practices. While patient satisfaction might be a component evaluated during an audit, the primary goal is to ensure that care is safe, effective, and patient-centered, rather than solely focusing on satisfaction. Evaluating the effectiveness of clinical practices is a related but more specific goal compared to the broader aim of identifying areas for improvement. Standardizing patient care protocols can be a result of a clinical audit, but it is not the main purpose, which is to pinpoint areas needing enhancement.

2. The type of theory that discusses how motivation works to direct a person's efforts is:

A. Reinforcement.
B. Operant.
C. Conditioning.
D. Process.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Process. Process theory focuses on how motivation directs an individual's efforts into performance. Reinforcement theory, on the other hand, views motivation as a form of learning. It involves operant conditioning, where behavior is associated with consequences. Conditioning is a broad term that includes both classical and operant conditioning, but it does not specifically address how motivation directs efforts. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of discussing how motivation works to direct a person's efforts.

3. In order to assist an older diabetic patient to engage in moderate daily exercise, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

A. Determine what type of activities the patient enjoys.
B. Remind the patient that exercise will improve self-esteem.
C. Teach the patient about the effects of exercise on glucose levels.
D. Give the patient a list of activities that are moderate in intensity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to determine what type of activities the patient enjoys. This approach is crucial as it helps in personalizing the exercise plan to the patient's preferences, making it more likely for them to adhere to it. Choice B is incorrect because focusing on self-esteem may not directly motivate the patient to engage in exercise. Choice C, although important, may not be the initial step as understanding the patient's preferences comes first. Choice D limits the patient's autonomy by not involving them in the decision-making process.

4. An RN�s client with terminal pancreatic cancer asks questions about a do not resuscitate order. Which of the following statements should be included in the RN�s teaching to the client?

A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
B. Physicians must write do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.
C. A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.
D. A DNR requires a court decision.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.

5. Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

A. Choosing between two equally undesirable alternatives
B. Reporting a colleague's unethical behavior
C. Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to disclose information
D. Deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An ethical dilemma in nursing involves deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics, balancing competing values and principles. Choices A, B, and C do not directly represent ethical dilemmas in nursing. Choice A describes a general ethical dilemma, choice B involves professional conduct rather than a dilemma, and choice C refers to a confidentiality issue rather than conflicting ethical principles.