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. 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.

3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with hypovolemia, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L to the provider. Hypovolemia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hyperkalemia (potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L) is a serious condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate attention. The other laboratory results, BUN, creatinine, and sodium, are also important in assessing renal function and fluid balance, but the priority in this case is the elevated potassium level due to its potential life-threatening complications.

4. 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.

5. The length of a coaching session should be no longer than:

A. 15 minutes.
B. 60 minutes.
C. 10 minutes.
D. 30 minutes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: '10 minutes.' Coaching sessions are recommended to last between 5-10 minutes to ensure they are concise and impactful. Choice A ('15 minutes') is incorrect because it exceeds the recommended duration. Choice B ('60 minutes') is incorrect as it is too long for an effective coaching session, leading to decreased engagement. Choice D ('30 minutes') is also incorrect as it surpasses the optimal time frame for a coaching session.