Quality Improvement Flashcards

A vascular access nurse audits central line dressing changes and finds 35% of dressings are applied incorrectly. Which QI strategy addresses this through system-level change?

Answer: Implementing a standardized dressing change kit and checklist

System-level changes such as standardizing supplies and using checklists reduce variation and improve compliance more reliably than individual interventions.

What does a Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) less than 1.0 indicate for a facility's CLABSI performance?

Answer: The facility has fewer infections than predicted

An SIR below 1.0 means the facility experienced fewer infections than statistically predicted based on its patient population.

Which element is ESSENTIAL to include in a QI project charter for vascular access improvement?

Answer: A defined problem statement, aim, scope, and team members

A project charter defines the problem, measurable aim, project scope, and identifies team members to guide the QI effort.

In the context of central venous catheter QI, which metric is a PROCESS measure rather than an outcome measure?

Answer: Rate of chlorhexidine skin prep compliance during insertion

Compliance with chlorhexidine prep is a process measure reflecting adherence to a specific care step, not the end outcome.

A quality team performs a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) on the PICC insertion process. What is the primary goal of FMEA?

Answer: Proactively identify potential failures and prioritize preventive actions

FMEA is a prospective tool that identifies potential failure modes before they cause harm, enabling preventive action.

Which of the following BEST describes a 'bundle' in vascular access quality improvement?

Answer: A group of evidence-based practices implemented together to improve outcomes

A bundle combines a small set of evidence-based interventions that, when performed together consistently, significantly improve patient outcomes.

What does 'all-or-nothing' bundle compliance measurement mean?

Answer: All bundle elements must be completed for the insertion to count as compliant

All-or-nothing compliance counts a bundle as complete only when every element is performed, reflecting the interdependence of bundle components.