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. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon
B. 35-year-old with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL
C. 60-year-old with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who has poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa
D. 68-year-old with type 2 diabetes who has severe peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who presents with poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa requires immediate attention. These signs indicate severe dehydration and potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications. Assessing this patient first allows for prompt intervention and monitoring to stabilize their condition. Choice A is less urgent as the patient has possible dawn phenomenon, which is a common early-morning rise in blood glucose levels. Choice B, with a blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL, indicates hyperglycemia but does not present with signs of severe dehydration like the patient in choice C. Choice D, with peripheral neuropathy and foot pain, is important but not as urgent as addressing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

3. When a nurse observes a fellow nurse preparing an incorrect dose of medication, what is the best action to take?

A. Ignore the error
B. Administer the medication anyway
C. Correct the error without informing the nurse
D. Report the error to the supervisor immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best action to take when a nurse observes a fellow nurse preparing an incorrect dose of medication is to report the error to the supervisor immediately. Reporting the error is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent any potential harm. Ignoring the error (Choice A) is not appropriate as it puts the patient at risk. Administering the medication anyway (Choice B) could harm the patient. Correcting the error without informing the nurse (Choice C) does not address the root cause of the issue, which should be brought to the attention of the supervisor for proper investigation and resolution.

4. Which of the following is a recommendation for avoiding charges of negligence and false imprisonment for confused clients?

A. Carefully assess and document client status.
B. Ensure all patient information is logged out and the nurse has signed out of the computer before leaving the computer station.
C. Keep careful notes while providing care to ensure accurate documentation later in the day.
D. Discuss safety needs with clients.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carefully assess and document client status. By carefully assessing and documenting the client's status, healthcare providers can ensure they have a clear understanding of the client's condition, needs, and any potential risks. This helps in providing appropriate care and avoiding situations that may lead to charges of negligence or false imprisonment. Choice B is incorrect because logging out of computer systems is more related to data security and confidentiality rather than preventing negligence or false imprisonment. Choice C is not directly related to avoiding charges of negligence and false imprisonment but rather ensuring accurate documentation. Choice D, while important for overall client safety, does not specifically address the issue of avoiding charges of negligence and false imprisonment for confused clients.

5. When considering virtue ethics, which of the following is true?

A. Virtue ethics attributes behaviors to moral rules.
B. Virtue ethics attributes behaviors to knowledge of consequences.
C. Virtue ethics focuses on moral character, rather than rules for behavior.
D. Virtue ethics is a formal statement of rules for behavior.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Virtue ethics focuses on qualities and moral character rather than rules or duties. Virtue ethics emphasizes developing good character traits, such as courage, honesty, and compassion, to guide behavior rather than adhering to specific moral rules or focusing on the consequences of actions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because virtue ethics does not attribute behaviors to moral rules, knowledge of consequences, or formal statements of rules for behavior; instead, it emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtuous character.