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. What is the primary role of the nurse manager in risk management?

A. Ensure compliance with regulations
B. Report incidents to higher authorities
C. Minimize risks to patients and staff
D. Educate staff about safe practices

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Minimize risks to patients and staff. Nurse managers play a crucial role in risk management by identifying potential risks, implementing strategies to reduce or eliminate these risks, and ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff. Choice A is incorrect because while ensuring compliance with regulations is important, the primary role of the nurse manager in risk management is to minimize risks. Choice B is incorrect as reporting incidents is part of risk management but not the primary role of a nurse manager. Choice D is also a responsibility of nurse managers, but educating staff about safe practices is not the primary focus when it comes to risk management.

3. After the nurse has finished teaching a patient who has a new prescription for exenatide (Byetta), which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?

A. �I may feel hungrier than usual when I take this medicine.�
B. �I will not need to worry about hypoglycemia with the Byetta.�
C. �I should take my daily aspirin at least an hour before the Byetta.�
D. �I will take the pill at the same time I eat breakfast in the morning.�

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

4. Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse navigator?

A. Provide direct patient care
B. Coordinate complex care
C. Assist with administrative tasks
D. Manage clinical trials

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nurse navigator's primary role is to coordinate complex care for patients, guiding them through the healthcare system. Choice A is incorrect because nurse navigators do not provide direct patient care like nurses in clinical settings. Choice C is incorrect as nurse navigators focus on patient care coordination rather than administrative tasks. Choice D is incorrect as managing clinical trials is typically not within the scope of a nurse navigator's responsibilities.

5. Which of the following indicators is viewed as important by the nurse manager in relation to a performance model?

A. Patient outcomes
B. Rapport with staff
C. Daily job performance
D. Flexibility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patient outcomes. In a performance model, one of the key indicators that a nurse manager would focus on is patient outcomes. Patient outcomes are a direct reflection of the quality of care provided by the staff, making it a crucial aspect of evaluating performance. Choice B, rapport with staff, though important for team dynamics, is not directly related to a performance model that primarily assesses job performance. Choice C, daily job performance, is relevant but more of an outcome rather than an indicator itself. Choice D, flexibility, is a valuable trait but not specifically highlighted in the context of a performance model.