A client in the hospital is concerned about the cost of receiving ...

[jazziefee]

A client in the hospital is concerned about the cost of receiving hospitalized care. What should the nurse realize is causing the increase in the client's medical expenses?
 
  1. Health care of the older adult
  2. Number of uninsured population
  3. Changes in birth rate over last 20 years
  4. Cost of prescription drugs
  5. State of inflation
  6. Amount of diagnosed chronic illnesses

Question 2

A client asks the nurse to explain the difference between an HMO and a PPO. What should the nurse include when responding to the client?
 
  1. You'll have good health care benefits, so don't worry.
  2. Both the HMO and PPO are covered by your employer, so it's really not your concern.
  3. Your PPO offered you a choice in your health care provider as well as services. Now, you will choose a primary care provider who will evaluate your health and will coordinate all of your care.
  4. You really should be happy about the HMO. You'll pay little, if any, out-of-pocket expense.

[jliusyl]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Rationale 1: The total population is growing, especially the older adult segment that tends to have greater health care needs compared to younger persons.
Rationale 2: The uninsured numbers are on the rise: 17 of persons under age 65.
Rationale 3: Birth rates have dropped in the last 20 years, and so do not have a major impact on health care costs.
Rationale 4: The cost of prescription drugs is increasing, and represents 19 of total health care expenditures in the United States.
Rationale 5: Inflation increases all costs.
Rationale 6: The total population is growing, especially the older adult segment that tends to have diagnosed chronic illnesses.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Telling the client not to worry does not address the client's question, which is to explain the difference.
Rationale 2: Telling the client not to worry does not address the client's question, which is to explain the difference.
Rationale 3: HMO plans emphasize wellness, and members choose a primary care provider who evaluates their health status and coordinates their care. Clients are limited in their ability to select health care providers and services, but available services are at minimal and predetermined cost to the client. PPOs consist of a group of physicians that provide an insurance company or employer with health services at a discounted rate. One advantage of the PPO is that it provides clients with a choice of health care providers and services.
Rationale 4: Even though telling the client that she will have little out-of-pocket expense may be truthful, it doesn't answer the question.