Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which care delivery model involves a nurse taking 24-hour responsibility for a patient's care?

1. Team nursing

2. Primary nursing

3. Functional nursing

4. Total patient care

The correct answer is: Primary nursing

The care delivery model in which a nurse takes 24-hour responsibility for a patient's care is primary nursing. This approach emphasizes a single nurse being accountable for a patient's overall care throughout their hospital stay. This model allows for the development of a deeper nurse-patient relationship, enabling the nurse to become familiar with the patient's needs, preferences, and unique health status. In primary nursing, the assigned nurse coordinates the patient's care plan, making crucial decisions and ensuring continuity of care by serving as the primary point of contact for both the patient and the healthcare team. This model also promotes a holistic approach, as the nurse is able to provide a more personalized care experience based on ongoing assessments and interactions with the patient. Each of the other care models mentioned operates differently. For instance, team nursing involves a group of nurses working collectively to care for a group of patients, which means that no single nurse has overall responsibility for a specific patient. In functional nursing, tasks are divided among team members based on functions (e.g., one nurse may administer medications while another assists with bathing), leading to less continuity. Total patient care similarly prioritizes whole-person care but does not designate a single nurse for all responsibilities, often relying on multiple caregivers to meet various patient needs.