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. Which of the following statements regarding leadership and management is true?

A. Leadership is focused on the achievement of organizational goals.
B. One must develop the ability to adapt in order to lead.
C. Management occurs when an individual attempts to influence another.
D. Successful managers encourage others to work together toward a common goal.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Successful managers play a key role in encouraging collaboration among team members to achieve a common goal. This statement accurately reflects the essence of effective management, emphasizing the importance of fostering teamwork and cooperation to drive success. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because leadership, adaptation, and influence are not exclusively tied to the definition of successful management.

3. The nurse manager is talking with the CNA about her time management. Which of the following is an example of a nurse manager as a coach?

A. Your timely response to patients' call lights is exemplary.
B. Your appearance is seldom professional.
C. You must get the vital signs taken on time or you will be disciplined.
D. You never report AM blood sugar levels on time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Your timely response to patients' call lights is exemplary.' This choice reflects a positive reinforcement approach, providing feedback that praises and encourages good behavior. A coach in a professional setting aims to motivate, guide, and support staff rather than focusing on negative aspects or threats of discipline. Effective coaching involves recognizing and acknowledging employees' strengths and achievements to inspire continuous improvement and development. Choices B, C, and D are not examples of coaching as they either focus on criticism regarding appearance, use threatening language, or highlight a negative behavior without offering guidance or support.

4. A nurse is admitting a client who has an abdominal wound with a large amount of purulent drainage. Which of the following types of transmission precautions should the nurse initiate?

A. Droplet precautions
B. Protective environment
C. Airborne precautions
D. Contact precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Contact precautions. Contact precautions are used when there is a risk of transmission of infections through direct or indirect contact. In this scenario, the client has an abdominal wound with purulent drainage, indicating a potential for infection transmission through contact. Droplet precautions (choice A) are used for infections transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as influenza. Protective environment (choice B) is used for immunocompromised clients. Airborne precautions (choice C) are used for infections transmitted through small droplets that remain in the air, like tuberculosis. Therefore, in this case, the nurse should initiate contact precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

5. Which of the following best describes intrinsic values?

A. Intrinsic values are often abstract ideas.
B. Intrinsic values are basic needs for sustaining life.
C. Intrinsic values are qualities patients consider to be important in their private lives.
D. Intrinsic values are qualities patients consider important for nurses to have.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because intrinsic values refer to fundamental beliefs and principles that guide a person's behavior and decision-making. These values are deeply ingrained and are essential for sustaining life and well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because intrinsic values are not just abstract ideas, qualities important in private lives, or qualities patients desire in others; they are the core principles that individuals hold dear to lead a fulfilling life.