Patient Outcomes and Safety Flashcards

Which psychological effect does access to a window view of nature have on hospitalized patients?

Answer: Reduced pain medication requests and shorter recovery time

Roger Ulrich's landmark research showed patients with nature views requested less pain medication and were discharged faster than those facing a wall.

Staff travel distance in a nursing unit is most directly linked to which patient safety outcome in EBD?

Answer: Response time to patient calls and emergencies

The longer nurses must walk to reach a patient, the slower response times to call lights and emergencies, which can worsen outcomes.

Which HCAHPS domain is most directly influenced by the physical environment of a healthcare facility?

Answer: Quietness of the hospital environment at night

The HCAHPS quietness domain measures patient perceptions of nighttime noise, which is directly controlled by the physical acoustic environment.

Evidence-based design most strongly supports which intervention to reduce patient delirium in ICUs?

Answer: Access to natural light to maintain circadian rhythm and day-night orientation

Natural light cycles help ICU patients maintain circadian orientation, which is a key protective factor against delirium.

In EBD, 'patient-controlled environments' refer to:

Answer: Systems that let patients adjust lighting, temperature, and entertainment from the bedside

Patient-controlled room systems allow patients to personalize their physical environment, which reduces anxiety and improves satisfaction.

Which evidence-based design strategy most directly reduces nurse burnout and staff turnover?

Answer: Providing dedicated staff respite areas and reducing unnecessary walking distance

Physical respite spaces and reduced physical demands through efficient layouts are linked to lower nurse fatigue, burnout, and turnover intent.