Informatics and healthcare technology Management of Care
Case Study
The telehealth nurse during a virtual follow-up visit is being evaluated for technology-supported nursing care and alarm safety. The nurse reviews this trend: medication scan overrides increased after a barcode workflow change. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?
Question
A. Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.
B. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.
C. Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.
D. Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.
Rationale
Correct answer: B. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.
Rationale: Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Alarm safety