Question

A nurse groups patients with criteria such as "high risk for falls," "infection protocols," and "special communication needs" to determine the mix and number of staff needed on a telemetry unit. The nurse is using:

a. a patient classification system to determine safe staffing levels.
b. diagnostic-related groups for Medicare billing.
c. case management to coordinate care.
d. clinical pathways to determine care.

Answer 1

The nurse is using a patient classification system to determine safe staffing levels, ensuring patients are matched with nurses who have the appropriate skills to meet their needs.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse groups patients with criteria such as "high risk for falls," "infection protocols," and "special communication needs" to determine the mix and number of staff needed on a telemetry unit, the nurse is utilizing a patient classification system to determine safe staffing levels. This involves assessing the needs of the patient and aligning them with the skills and competencies of the nursing staff to ensure that each patient receives the appropriate care. This kind of system helps in organizing the nursing workload and ensures that there is an adequate number of staff for the acuity level of the patients on the unit. The goal is to promote patient safety, to manage risks, and to optimize health outcomes.