Which of the following nursing care models is characterised by a single registered nurse (RN) responsible for the complete care of a group of patients during their shift?

1. A

   Modular nursing model

2. B

   Functional nursing model

3. C

   Total patient care model

4. D

   Team nursing model

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 31 July-2025

Explanation

• The Total Patient Care model, also called the case method, involves one nurse providing all aspects of care for a specific group of patients during their shift.
• This model ensures holistic care and high accountability, as a single RN is responsible for everything from medication administration to emotional support.
• It fosters a strong nurse-patient relationship due to the consistent and comprehensive interaction throughout the shift.
• This approach is distinct from other models where tasks are divided (Functional) or shared among a team (Team/Modular).

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Modular nursing involves a team of caregivers assigned to a specific geographic area (a 'module') of a unit. It is a variation of team nursing, not care by a single RN.
• Option B: Functional nursing is a task-oriented model where different staff members perform specific tasks (e.g., one nurse gives all medications, another does all assessments) for all patients on a unit. Care is fragmented and not provided by a single RN for a group of patients.
• Option D: Team nursing involves a group of healthcare professionals (led by an RN) who work together to provide care for a larger group of patients. The RN leads and delegates but does not provide all care personally.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Knowing Nursing Care Delivery Models helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
• Understanding nursing care models is crucial for nurses to know their roles, responsibilities, and the structure of care delivery in their workplace, which directly impacts patient safety and quality of care.
• The Total Patient Care model, while providing excellent continuity, is resource-intensive. Hospitals must balance the quality of care with financial constraints, often leading to the use of hybrid models.
• What if? If a hospital is facing a severe nursing shortage, it might shift from a Total Patient Care or Team Nursing model to a Functional Nursing model to ensure essential tasks are completed for all patients, even though this may compromise the holistic nature of care.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'single registered nurse (RN),' 'responsible,' and 'complete care.'
• This points to a model where one person has total accountability for all aspects of care.
• Next, recall or look up the definitions of the four nursing models provided in the options.
• Compare the definition of each model with the key phrases from the question.
• Eliminate the models that do not fit. Functional nursing is task-based. Team and Modular nursing involve groups of caregivers.
• The only model that matches the description of a single RN providing all care for a shift is the Total Patient Care model.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Nursing Care Delivery Models
• Stem keywords: nursing care models, single registered nurse, complete care, shift
• Lead-in keywords: Which of the following

Question ID

Qh0TRGZ1xEx3P5mvw2h_vn

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Principles and Practice of NURSING Management Leadership for BSc Nursing 3rd Edi Jogindra Vati — Subpart A (pp 26-339 of 1017) pp. 268-270, 208-210, 206-208