Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which statement about clinical decision making is least accurate?

1. Patients' decision-making activity decreases with age

2. Clinical nurses manage patient data to affect therapeutic results

3. Most patients prefer to leave decision making to healthcare providers

4. There are very few decision support systems available

The correct answer is: There are very few decision support systems available

The statement regarding there being very few decision support systems available is the least accurate because, in modern healthcare, there is a growing number of decision support systems utilized to aid clinicians in making informed choices. These systems are designed to provide evidence-based recommendations, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve patient management. With advancements in technology and data analytics, decision support systems have been increasingly integrated into clinical practice, making them widely available across various healthcare settings. In contrast, the other statements reflect aspects of patient decision-making and clinical practice. It is recognized that patients’ involvement in decision-making can vary with age and that some may prefer to defer to healthcare providers for decisions regarding their care. Additionally, clinical nurses play a vital role in managing patient data to improve therapeutic outcomes, which is a fundamental aspect of their practice.