In which method of nursing is the nurse expected to provide complete nursing care to the patient?

UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

The Patient Method, also known as Total Patient Care or the Case Method, is defined by one nurse being responsible for all aspects of care for a specific patient during their shift.
This model ensures holistic and continuous care because a single provider manages everything from medication and treatments to hygiene and emotional support.
It fosters a strong nurse-patient relationship and ensures clear accountability for the patient's outcomes during that shift.
This method is most commonly used in high-acuity settings like Intensive Care Units (ICUs) where constant, comprehensive monitoring is critical.

Option A: In the Team Method, care is delivered by a group of nursing personnel (including RNs, LPNs, and aides) led by a team leader. The responsibility is shared among the team, not held completely by one nurse.
Option C: 'Individual method' is not a standard, formally recognized term for a nursing care delivery model. It is used here as a distractor, likely intended to be confused with the Patient Method.
Option D: The Functional Method is task-oriented, not patient-oriented. Care is fragmented as different nurses perform specific tasks (e.g., medication nurse, treatment nurse) for all patients on the unit, rather than one nurse providing complete care to one patient.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Nursing Care Delivery Models to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Understanding different care delivery models is crucial for nurses to know their roles, responsibilities, and lines of communication within their unit.
The choice of model affects patient satisfaction, continuity of care, and staff morale. A nurse working in an ICU (likely using the Patient Method) will have a very different workflow and responsibility set than a nurse on a busy surgical floor (often using Team or Functional Nursing).
Patient safety can be impacted by the model. While the Functional Method is efficient, the fragmentation of care can increase the risk of errors if communication between staff is poor.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'complete nursing care'. This is the central concept.
Next, recall the definitions of the different nursing care delivery models provided in the options.
Match the key phrase 'complete care' to its corresponding model. 'Complete care' by a single individual is the hallmark of the Patient Method (or Total Patient Care).
Differentiate this from the other models. The Functional method is task-based and fragmented. The Team method involves shared, not complete, responsibility.
Eliminate 'Individual method' as it is not a standard term, making 'Patient method' the most accurate and correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Principles and Practice of NURSING Management Leadership for BSc Nursing 3rd Edi Jogindra Vati — Subpart A (pp 26-339 of 1017) p. 267-269

E6 Textbook of Nursing Management and Leadership I. Clemen — Subpart B (pp 328-654 of 982) p. 19-21

E6 Textbook of Nursing Management and Leadership I. Clemen — Subpart A (pp 26-327 of 982) p. 256-258