Quality Control & Process Improvement Flashcards
7 cards from real CNE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning โ missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Quality Control & Process Improvement flashcards as text
A nursing educator is introducing Lean methodology to a clinical unit. Which core principle best defines Lean?
Answer: Eliminating waste to maximize value for the patient
Lean methodology focuses on identifying and eliminating non-value-added waste from processes to improve efficiency and patient value.
When conducting a root cause analysis (RCA), which step should occur FIRST?
Answer: Define and describe the event or problem clearly
A root cause analysis must begin with a clear, objective description of the event before exploring contributing factors.
A nurse educator notices medication error rates are consistently above the benchmark. Which quality improvement tool would best display this trend over time?
Answer: Run chart
A run chart plots data points over time, making it ideal for identifying trends or shifts in error rates.
In the context of nursing education quality improvement, what does 'benchmarking' refer to?
Answer: Comparing performance metrics against best-practice standards or top performers
Benchmarking involves measuring an organization's processes and outcomes against recognized standards or high-performing peers.
A CNE implementing Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles should expect which characteristic of this improvement model?
Answer: Rapid, small-scale tests of change with iterative learning
PDSA cycles are designed for rapid, small-scale tests that allow teams to learn and adjust before broader implementation.
Which statement best describes a 'process measure' in quality improvement?
Answer: It tracks whether a specific care step was performed correctly
Process measures assess whether evidence-based care steps (e.g., hand hygiene compliance) are being performed as intended.
A nursing program wants to reduce the time between simulation debriefing and student feedback. This is an example of reducing which type of Lean waste?
Answer: Waiting
Waiting is a Lean waste category that includes delays between steps in a process, such as delayed feedback after simulation.