Question

The nurse manager is considering increasing the number of RN staff because studies have shown that this decreases infection rates. Which purpose will decreasing infection rates serve?

Answer 1

Increasing the number of RN staff to decrease infection rates serves the purpose of improving patient safety and outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing the overall quality of care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of decreasing infection rates by increasing the number of RN staff is to improve patient safety and outcomes. Studies have shown that higher nurse staffing levels are associated with lower rates of healthcare-associated infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia or surgical site infections.

For example, a study conducted in a large hospital found that for every additional hour of nursing care per patient day, there was a 10% decrease in the risk of a ventilator-associated pneumonia. This highlights the importance of having an adequate number of qualified nurses to provide appropriate care and prevent infections.

By decreasing infection rates, healthcare facilities can also reduce the costs associated with treating infections and improve overall quality of care.