What are Nursing-Sensitive Indicators?

• A. Indicators that reflect the structure, process, and outcomes of nursing care.
• B. Indicators of physician performance.
• C. Financial metrics only.
• D. Administrative compliance metrics.

Answer: (B)

Nursing-sensitive indicators are measures that specifically capture how nursing care affects patient outcomes. They reflect three linked aspects: the structure (resources like nurse staffing levels and qualifications), the process (nursing care activities and adherence to care protocols), and the outcomes (patient results such as falls, infections, pressure ulcers, pain control, functional status, and satisfaction with nursing care). Because they tie patient outcomes directly to nursing care, these indicators focus on the impact of nursing practice itself rather than physician performance, broad financial metrics, or administrative compliance. Examples include staffing levels, adherence to nursing protocols, rate of hospital-acquired conditions, and patient satisfaction related to nursing care.