Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

Which statement best defines clinical decision support in nursing documentation?

1. A reminder to save and sign your admission assessment

2. A visual red-alert when a patient's potassium is high

3. A pop-up to initiate discharge instructions with every physician discharge order

4. An electronic nursing care plan

The correct answer is: A pop-up to initiate discharge instructions with every physician discharge order

The choice regarding the pop-up to initiate discharge instructions with every physician discharge order best defines clinical decision support in nursing documentation because it directly facilitates decision-making at a critical point in patient care. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are designed to enhance healthcare delivery by providing prompts and reminders that improve clinical decisions and processes. In this case, having a pop-up for discharge instructions ensures that nurses are informed and reminded to provide essential information to patients just before they leave the facility. This can lead to better patient outcomes by ensuring that discharge instructions are not overlooked, thereby promoting safe transitions of care. This choice emphasizes an interactive aspect of clinical decision support, as it engages nurses at a crucial moment when they are preparing to transition patients from one level of care to another. It integrates seamlessly into the workflow and leverages technology to ensure that critical instructions are given to patients, which is a core component of effective nursing practice and patient education. Furthermore, while the other options may serve beneficial purposes, they do not encapsulate the essence of clinical decision support as comprehensively. They lack the interactive and critical function that prompts action based on real-time clinical data, which is vital in decision support systems.