Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

How did the newly hired administrator feel about focusing on effectiveness over efficiency after retiring the mortgage?

1. He was indifferent about the Quality Indicators

2. He felt pleased that his Quality Indicators were above average

3. He was concerned about his position

4. He was distressed by the owner's reaction

The correct answer is: He was distressed by the owner's reaction

The rationale behind the choice that the administrator was distressed by the owner's reaction hinges on the potential pressures that come from a shift in focus from efficiency to effectiveness, particularly in a nursing home environment. After retiring the mortgage, the administrator likely felt a sense of relief and an opportunity to prioritize quality care over the financial efficiencies that might have previously dominated decision-making. In this context, effectiveness relates to the quality of care provided to residents—emphasizing outcomes that directly benefit their health and well-being, as reflected in Quality Indicators. However, the administrator's concern about how the owner perceives this shift suggests that there may have been a misalignment between the owner’s expectations, potentially prioritizing cost-saving and efficiency, and the administrator's commitment to improving care quality. Understanding this dynamic can illuminate the complexities faced by nursing home administrators. Balancing stakeholder expectations with a mission to enhance resident care can lead to distress when those goals conflict, especially if the owner is more invested in financial metrics rather than patient-centered outcomes. The administrator's feelings of distress are therefore a natural response to navigating these conflicting priorities and the need to advocate for quality improvements in the face of potential pushback.