Which of the following is an example of a nursing-sensitive patient outcome?

• A. Readmissions within 30 days.
• B. Surgical site bleeding.
• C. Medication errors.
• D. Nosocomial infections.

Answer: (D)

Nursing-sensitive patient outcomes are those outcomes that reflect the direct impact of nursing care on a patient’s health. They change when nursing practices change, such as how infections are prevented, how wounds are cared for, how patients are mobilized, and how education and discharge planning are conducted.

Nosocomial infections are a prime example because preventing them hinges on nursing actions—hand hygiene, aseptic technique during procedures, proper catheter care, wound care, oral care, and timely removal of invasive devices. When nurses consistently apply infection prevention practices, rates of hospital-acquired infections tend to decrease, illustrating a clear link between nursing care and the outcome.

The other options involve factors beyond nursing care. Readmissions within 30 days are influenced by multiple elements including medical complexity, access to outpatient care, and social support. Surgical site bleeding is more related to the surgical procedure and patient coagulation status. Medication errors involve system design, prescribing practices, and administration processes beyond nursing care alone.