Chapter 16: Technology and Informatics

Chapter 16: Technology and Informatics

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

Question 1

What is nursing informatics?

1. The combination of computer and information science with nursing science
2. All computer technology
3. The medical record
4. Internet and World Wide Web sources of healthcare information

Correct Answer: 1

Rationale: Nurses transform data into information; they use informatics to manage and communicate data. Informatics assists them in storing clinical data, translating clinical data into information, and utilizing the data as part of an interdisciplinary team. All computer technology, including programming and maintaining computer equipment, is not within the scope of nursing informatics. The medical record refers to paper copies of patient care information, medical records may also be computerized and may be a component of the job responsibilities of the informatics nurse, but is not the definition of nursing informatics. The internet provides sources of information that nurses may use but is not a descriptor of nursing informatics.

Cognitive Level: Remembering

Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment

Client Need Sub: Management of Care

QSEN Competencies: VI.A.1. Explain why information and technology skills are essential for safe patient care.

AACN Essential Competencies: IV.2. Use telecommunication technologies to assist in effective communication in a variety of healthcare settings.

NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science; Knowledge; Defining what is informatics

Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Assessment; Communication and Documentation

Learning Outcome: 1. Define nursing informatics and technology assessment.

Page Number: p. 301

Question 2

What do requirements for certification as an informatics nurse include?

1. A minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing or relevant field
2. An advanced practice license
3. A minimum of an associate degree in nursing
4. A master’s degree in nursing

Correct Answer: 1

Rationale: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has compiled a list of eligibility requirements for certification as a nursing informatics specialist. The educational requirement is that the applicant possesses a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing or baccalaureate degree in relevant field. An advanced practice license is not required.

Cognitive Level: Understanding

Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment

Client Need Sub: Management of Care

QSEN Competencies: VI.C.1. Appreciate the necessity for all health professionals to seek lifelong, continuous learning of information technology skills.

AACN Essential Competencies: IV.2. Use telecommunication technologies to assist in effective communication in a variety of healthcare settings.

NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science; Knowledge; Defining what is informatics

Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Planning; Communication and Documentation

Learning Outcome: 1. Define nursing informatics and technology assessment.

Page Number: p. 301

Question 3

In the hospital setting, what may the job description of informatics nurses involve?

1. Programming computers
2. Any aspect of information systems
3. Managing medical records departments
4. Managing the help desk

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale: Competencies vary for informatics nurses; the job description will usually include design, development, and testing of new clinical applications. Informatics nurses may also be responsible for adapting existing systems to fit client needs, complex problem solving, database development, and application design and testing. All computer technology, including programming and maintaining computer equipment, is not within the scope of nursing informatics. Managing medical record departments requires skills in medical coding that is not part of training for the informatics nurse. Managing the help desk in the information systems department is usually done by a computer programmer or engineer who can assist with computer programming.

Cognitive Level: Applying

Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment

Client Need Sub: Management of Care

QSEN Competencies: VI.A.1. Explain why information and technology skills are essential for safe patient care.

AACN Essential Competencies: IV.2. Use telecommunication technologies to assist in effective communication in a variety of healthcare settings.

NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science; Knowledge; Defining what is informatics

Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Assessment; Communication and Documentation

Learning Outcome: 1. Define nursing informatics and technology assessment.

Page Number: p. 302

Question 4

Which statement best defines data?

1. Synthesized information
2. Related concepts
3. Discrete entities that are described objectively without interpretation
4. Interpreted, organized, or structured information

Correct Answer: 3

Rationale: Data are discrete entities that are described objectively without interpretation. Data are transformed into a knowledge base for the nurse to utilize to assess and implement care. After care interventions, nurses collect additional data to evaluate the care given and patient outcomes. Synthesized information is also referred to as knowledge. Related concepts are processes that have key elements linking them together. Information is data that has been interpreted, organized, or structured.

Cognitive Level: Remembering

Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment

Client Need Sub: Management of Care

QSEN Competencies: VI.A.1. Explain why information and technology skills are essential for safe patient care.

AACN Essential Competencies: IV.2. Use telecommunication technologies to assist in effective communication in a variety of healthcare settings.

NLN Competencies: Knowledge and Science; Knowledge; Defining what is informatics

Nursing/Integrated Concepts: Assessment; Communication and Documentation

Learning Outcome: 1. Define nursing informatics and technology assessment.

Page Number: p. 304