Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

What practical approach can reduce the high cost of post-op pneumonia occurrences?

1. Implement stringent infection controls

2. Design a respiratory care program

3. Increase nursing staff

4. Limit patient contact

The correct answer is: Design a respiratory care program

Designing a respiratory care program is an effective practical approach to reduce the high cost of post-operative pneumonia occurrences. This strategy focuses on proactive measures aimed at enhancing patient recovery, particularly concerning their respiratory health after surgery. Such a program can include educating patients about deep breathing exercises, encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, and promoting early mobilization. By actively engaging patients in their respiratory care, the risk of developing pneumonia can be significantly decreased. This not only leads to improved patient outcomes but also results in a reduction of hospital stays and associated healthcare costs, as patients are less likely to experience complications like pneumonia that would require additional treatment or extended recovery time. Implementing stringent infection controls, increasing nursing staff, and limiting patient contact are also important factors in patient care, but they do not directly focus on the specific respiratory needs post-surgery or may not have a substantial impact on preventing pneumonia. While all these approaches may contribute to overall patient safety and care quality, a targeted respiratory care program is particularly tailored to address the prevention of post-operative pneumonia effectively.