Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What term describes measurable items that reflect the quality of care provided?

1. Clinical indicators

2. Core measures

3. Lean items

4. Sentinel events

The correct answer is: Clinical indicators

The term that best describes measurable items that reflect the quality of care provided is clinical indicators. Clinical indicators are specific metrics used to evaluate the performance of healthcare services, reflecting the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of care delivered to patients. These indicators can include a range of data points, such as patient outcomes, adherence to evidence-based practices, and patient satisfaction scores. By tracking these indicators, healthcare providers can assess areas for improvement, ensure accountability, and enhance overall patient care. While core measures relate to specific quality measures endorsed by health organizations and often focus on particular conditions or procedures, they are a subset of clinical indicators. Lean items pertain more to process improvement methodologies aimed at reducing waste and increasing efficiency, and sentinel events are significant unexpected occurrences that result in serious harm or death. Thus, clinical indicators encompass a broader range of measurable items that are crucial for evaluating and improving the quality of care.