A nurse is completing a clinical pathway for a child admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Which characteristic of a clinical pathway is correct?

a.
Developed and implemented by nurses
b.
Used primarily in the pediatric setting
c.
Specific time lines for sequencing interventions
d.
One of the steps in the nursing process

ANS: C

Clinical pathways measure outcomes of client care and are developed by multiple healthcare professionals. Each pathway outlines specific time lines for sequencing interventions and reflects interdisciplinary interventions. Clinical pathways are used in multiple settings and for clients throughout the life span. The steps of the nursing process are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 6

OBJ: Nursing Process Step: Planning MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment