Nursing-Sensitive Indicators Essay

884 Words4 Pages
RTT1 Task 1
Deborah H. Keele
Western Governors University

Nursing-sensitive Indicators Nursing-sensitive indicators as defined by the American Nursing Association (ANA) are “indicators [that] reflect the structure, process and outcomes of nursing care.” These indicators depict the quality of care provided to any given individual client, or an institution’s population as a whole (Nursing-Sensitive Indicators). Careful scrutinization of these indicators provide reasons for keeping current practices or evidence for improving policies and procedures. In this scenario several nursing-sensitive indicators point to a need for a through system analysis. The use of restraints, the developing decubitus, and the potential for the development of a urinary tract infection are all starting points for a backwards look at where this particular organization is breaking down. The apparent disregard for religious dietary guidelines/restrictions indicates to the public a cultural insensitivity in general. This impression has led to widespread dissatisfaction and lead possible clients to seek treatment elsewhere. Understanding the whys of the substandard care Mr. J. is receiving, will aid his nurses in making the changes needed to improve that care. Why is Mr. J. in restraints? Why is the staff not exercising or repositioning him more frequently to prevent skin breakdown? Why is the staff not toileting Mr. J. on a regular basis?
Finally, where is the breakdown in communication that is causing the dietary errors? Are these dietary errors only of a cultural nature? How does the dietary department handle health dietary restrictions as well? With this understanding, the nurses will be able to determine if there is a staffing issue, whether there is a need for re-education, and how to communicate better with all staff members involved in patient care on every level,

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