Chapter 1
The scope of the registered nurse is defined and delineated; for what purpose?
The scope of adult health nursing is to promote health and prevent illness or injury in patients from 18 to older than 100 years of age.
Why do nurses need to know what interventions are within his/her scope?
Nurses who practice medical-surgical nursing must have a broad knowledge base to meet the needs of patients in the variety of health care settings across the continuum. Additionally, nurses must use clinical judgment to ensure patient safety as the priority in practice.
Why is there an increased focus upon patient safety and satisfaction/quality within all healthcare settings?
Healthcare errors have resulted in patient deaths and injuries and increased healthcare costs.
Explain the role of the nurse in the delivery of quality care. How does the nurse best delegate for his/her patient?
The nurse is always accountable for the task or activity that is delegated. The nurse should use the 5 rights of delegation to ensure the patient is receiving the best care.
Explain the purpose of The Joint Commission “TJC” and the National Patient Safety Goals. Furnish examples of the NPSG.
The Joint Commission is a national organization that offers peer evaluation for accreditation every 3 years for all types of US health care agencies that meet their standards.
The National Patient Safety Goals require health care organizations to focus on specific priority safety practices, many involve nursing care
Examples: drug administration, fall reduction, pressure ulcer prevention
Discuss the process of delegation for the registered nurse. To whom will the RN delegate? Who retains responsibility for the delegated activity and why?
The nurse can delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel, such as patient care techs or assistants.
The nurse is always accountable for the task or activity that is delegated. The nurse should use the 5 rights