Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

Which elements of nursing care are indicated by nursing-sensitive indicators?

1. Input, throughput, and output

2. Assessment, implementation, and evaluation

3. Monitor, treat, and record

4. Structure, process, and outcomes

The correct answer is: Structure, process, and outcomes

Nursing-sensitive indicators are measures that reflect the impact of nursing care on patient outcomes. The correct answer highlights three critical components: structure, process, and outcomes. 1. Structure refers to the attributes of the settings where care occurs. This includes the available resources, the qualifications of nursing staff, and the organizational characteristics that influence the quality of care provided. 2. Process encompasses the activities carried out by nurses during the delivery of care. This includes interventions such as assessments, communication with patients, and the implementation of care plans. The quality of these processes directly influences patient outcomes. 3. Outcomes are the results of nursing care, reflecting the effectiveness of care interventions on patient health. These might include patient satisfaction, rates of complications, or improvements in health status. By focusing on these three elements, nursing-sensitive indicators provide a framework for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice, thereby guiding improvements in patient care and organizational performance.