Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What is the likely result of the administrator directing nurses to focus more on resident care rather than charting?

1. Decreased quality of resident care

2. Better resident care, possible increase in deficiency citations

3. More time spent on administrative duties

4. Higher employee satisfaction

The correct answer is: Better resident care, possible increase in deficiency citations

Directing nurses to prioritize resident care over charting is likely to improve the immediacy and quality of patient interactions. When nurses allocate more time to engage with residents, they can attend more closely to individual needs, enhance the quality of care, and foster stronger relationships with those in their charge. However, this shift in focus could lead to an increase in deficiency citations due to insufficient documentation of care provided. Charting is a critical aspect of nursing practice that ensures continuity of care, supports coordinated treatment plans, and provides legal protection for both staff and the facility. Therefore, while the intention behind this directive is to enhance resident care, the potential downsides include non-compliance with regulatory requirements, resulting in citations for inadequate documentation practices. This nuanced understanding illustrates the importance of balancing hands-on care with diligent record-keeping, emphasizing that while the quality of care may improve, the implications on compliance may pose new challenges for the facility.