NP Quality Control & Assurance 2

Question 1

A nurse practitioner participates in a root cause analysis (RCA) after a patient fall. What is the PRIMARY purpose of an RCA?

Accepted Answer

Identify system and process failures to prevent recurrence

Answer

RCA focuses on identifying underlying system and process vulnerabilities rather than individual blame to drive systemic improvement.

Question 2

Which quality improvement model uses Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles as its framework?

Accepted Answer

The Model for Improvement

Answer

The Model for Improvement, developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, uses PDSA cycles to test and implement changes.

Question 3

A quality dashboard shows a clinic's diabetes HbA1c control rate is at the 30th percentile compared to national benchmarks. This type of comparison is known as:

Accepted Answer

Benchmarking

Answer

Benchmarking compares an organization's performance metrics against external standards or peer organizations.

Question 4

Under the CMS Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), NPs managing transition of care should prioritize which action to prevent penalties?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring robust follow-up within 7-14 days post-discharge

Answer

Timely post-discharge follow-up is a key evidence-based strategy to reduce preventable readmissions targeted by HRRP.

Question 5

A nurse practitioner notices that opioid prescribing patterns in the practice vary widely among providers. Which tool best visualizes this variation to initiate a QI discussion?

Accepted Answer

Control chart

Answer

A control chart plots data over time with statistical control limits to distinguish common-cause variation from special-cause variation among providers.

NP - Nurse Practitioner Practice Test

NP - Nurse Practitioner Practice Test

NP Quality Control & Assurance 2