The best method of patient care in a ward is?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Nursing Foundation

Hard

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Explanation

The Team method involves a collaborative group of nursing staff (RNs, LPNs, UAPs) led by a professional RN team leader.
It was designed to provide comprehensive and continuous care, overcoming the fragmented nature of the functional method.
This model effectively utilizes the diverse skills of all team members, making it a practical and efficient system for a general ward setting.
The team leader is responsible for planning, delegating, and supervising the care for a group of patients, ensuring quality and coordination.

Option A: This method is task-oriented, where one nurse may give all medications and another does all dressings. This leads to fragmented, impersonal care and a lack of holistic understanding of the patient.
Option B: Also known as Total Patient Care, this method involves one nurse providing all care for a single patient during a shift. While it offers excellent continuity, it is not cost-effective for a general ward with many patients and is resource-intensive.
Option D: This is not a standard, widely recognized term for a model of nursing care delivery. It serves as a distractor option.

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.
The choice of a nursing care model directly impacts patient outcomes, continuity of care, and patient satisfaction. A well-organized model like team nursing improves communication and reduces errors.
This decision also affects nurse job satisfaction. The team method can increase a sense of belonging and value for all staff members, as their contributions are recognized within the team structure.
From a management perspective, the team model allows for a flexible and cost-effective staffing mix, which is crucial for budget management in a hospital ward.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'best method', 'patient care', and 'ward'. The term 'ward' indicates a general, non-specialized inpatient unit.
Next, recall the definitions and primary applications of the different nursing care delivery models listed in the options.
Analyze each option's suitability for a general ward. Consider factors like quality of care, continuity, staff utilization, and cost-effectiveness.
Eliminate the Functional method because it leads to fragmented care. Eliminate the Case method because it is too resource-intensive and not practical for a general ward setting.
Recognize that 'Paired method' is not a standard term, making it a likely distractor.
Conclude that the Team method offers the best balance of quality care, staff collaboration, and resource efficiency for a general ward.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Nursing Care Delivery Models
Stem keywords: best method, patient care, ward
Lead-in keywords: best
Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.

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E6 Textbook of Nursing Management and Leadership I. Clemen — Subpart B (pp 328-654 of 982) pp. 19-21, 132-134