Nursing Informatics – Lecture & Laboratory

Module #8 Student Activity Sheet

Name: MATHEW LOWELL F, DUMAYAC Section: C2 Schedule: Class number:

Date:

Lesson title: INTERNET APPLICATIONS & PDA Materials:

Electronic gadget, pen, & notebook
Learning Targets:
At the end of the module, students will be able to: References:
1. Name specific functions and tools which the internet
supports; Calano, Roel B. & Del Rio, Fernando. (2017).
2. Identify different internet applications; and, Health informatics: An illustrative approach
3. Describe how you can use the internet professionally and (1st ed.)
personally.
Saba, Virginia & McCormick, Kathleen.
(2006). Essential of nursing informatics (4th
ed.). McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.

Check for Understanding

After studying the main lesson, you may now answer the following multiple choice questions and provide the rationale for each item.

1. Which of these is an advantage in the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) in the health care setting?
a. PDAs may be synchronized with any network without the use of special equipment or software.
b. PDAs minimize the chance of interception of data transmission.
c. Current medication information may be easily stored and compared to actual client data.
d. Data loss is minimized due to long battery life and ease of backups.

Answer: C
Rationale:

Among the options provided, storing and comparing current medication information is a specific advantage of using personal digital assistants (PDAs) in the
health care setting. PDAs can be used to maintain up-to-date records of medication information for patients, making it easy for healthcare professionals to
compare this information with the actual data related to the patient. This can help in ensuring accurate and current medication management.

2. Many workstations house clinical information systems and provide Internet access in the acute care setting. Which type of
software program is most likely to be used by the health care staff providing direct patient care?
a. A programming language such as Java to access the Internet
b. A virus checker to increase security for Internet connections
c. A programming language such as COBOL to create databases
d. A programming language such as Visual Basic to enter data
Answer: B
Rationale:

Virus checkers are essential for maintaining the security of systems and preventing malware, but they are not directly involved in the tasks associated with
clinical information systems and data entry during patient care.

3. Which of the following statements is true about portable or laptop computers?

a. Portable or laptop computers are unnecessary at the bedside.
b. Portable or laptop computers can be connected to networks or peripheral devices through the use of a Personal
Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card.
c. Portable or laptop computers have been replaced by smaller handheld devices.

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 Nursing Informatics – Lecture & Laboratory
Module #8 Student Activity Sheet

d. Portable or laptop computers do not have enough memory to effectively store clinical data.
Answer: B
Rationale:
The statement that is true about portable or laptop computers is option b. Portable or laptop computers commonly use PCMCIA cards (now known
as PC cards) to connect to networks or peripheral devices. These cards provide additional functionality and connectivity options, allowing laptops to
expand their capabilities through hardware add-ons.

4. Handheld or personal digital assistants (PDAs) are more visible in the health care system. Which of the following answers
best describes an advantage of using a PDA?
a. A PDA is easily transported to the point of care.
b. The probability of theft is high; therefore, nurses can keep the device in their pockets.
c. The PDA has a small screen size.
d. PDAs can hold up to rough use.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The most accurate advantage of using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) from the options provided is that it is easily transported to the point of care. PDAs
are designed to be portable, allowing healthcare professionals to carry them conveniently to various locations within the healthcare setting where patient care
is provided. This mobility is a key advantage in facilitating quick and easy access to information at the point of care.

5. Selecting a computer system depends primarily on the needs and expectations of the organization. Which of the following
choices are not relevant in the decision making process?
a. Applications needed to accomplish goals
b. Back up options
c. Cost
d. The computer literacy of the nursing staff
Answer: D

Rationale:
In the context of selecting a computer system based on the needs and expectations of the organization, the computer literacy of the nursing staff is less likely
to be a primary factor. While staff training and familiarity with the chosen system are important for successful implementation, the primary focus is often on
the organization's needs, the functionality of the applications, backup options, and the overall cost-effectiveness of the chosen solution. The computer literacy
of the nursing staff can be addressed through training programs and support as part of the implementation process.

6. A set of instructions that communicates with the computer and tells it what to do is called which of the following?
a. Software c. Hardware
b. Manual d. Input devices
Answer: A
Rationale:
A set of instructions that communicates with the computer and tells it what to do is called software. Software consists of programs and data that enable a computer to perform
specific tasks.

7. The primary disadvantage to client/server technology is which of the following?

a. Cost
b. Vulnerability
c. Computer education
d. Staff resistance to change
Answer: B
Rationale:
Client/server systems involve the distribution of tasks between client machines and a central server. The communication between clients and servers over
networks introduces potential security vulnerabilities. Factors such as unauthorized access, data interception, and system breaches can be concerns in a

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 Nursing Informatics – Lecture & Laboratory
Module #8 Student Activity Sheet

client/server architecture. The decentralized nature of client/server systems may make them more susceptible to security risks compared to other
architectures.

8. A nurse is using a mobile device and stores his calendar, contacts, and notes. The nurse understands that this information
is stored at which location?
a. ROM
b. RAM
c. Flash memory
d. Pocket PC
Answer: A
Rationale:
ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, and it is a type of non-volatile memory that retains data even when the power is turned off. However, traditional ROM is
generally used for storing firmware and system software that are not expected to be frequently changed or updated. In the context of a nurse storing
calendar, contacts, and notes on a mobile device, these types of data are typically considered user-generated and subject to updates and changes.
Therefore, storing such information in ROM would be less common, and the more suitable storage location for user-generated data on a mobile device is
flash memory.

9. A nurse-manager is preparing a presentation for the organization about the need for nurses to use handheld devices. Which
potential benefits would a nurse-manager use to promote the use of portable handheld devices in the clinical area? Select all that
apply.
a. Improved time management
b. Fewer client errors
c. Ability to be technologically up to date
d. Increased confidence in clinical skills
e. Change in client perception of the nurse
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale:
Promoting the use of handheld devices in the clinical setting offers several compelling benefits for nurses. Firstly, the adoption of these devices facilitates
improved time management through quick access to information, reducing the administrative burden and enhancing overall efficiency. Secondly, the potential
for fewer client errors arises as handheld devices provide nurses with immediate access to accurate patient data, medication details, and other critical
information, minimizing the risk of inaccuracies in client care. Additionally, the use of handheld devices contributes to nurses being technologically up-to-date,
ensuring they have access to the latest guidelines and research, ultimately enhancing their clinical skills. This technological support fosters increased
confidence among nurses in their decision-making and execution of clinical tasks, ultimately leading to a more proficient and patient-focused healthcare
environment.

10. A nurse is using a PDA when caring for a client. The PDA contains clinical data. Which feature would be most
important when using the PDA?
a. Compatibility with the agency's system
b. Password encryption
c. Wireless accessibility
d. Availability
Answer: B
Rationale:
When using a PDA containing clinical data in a healthcare setting, one of the most important features is password encryption. Password encryption ensures
that the sensitive clinical data stored on the PDA is protected and can only be accessed by authorized personnel. This security measure is crucial for
maintaining patient confidentiality and compliance with privacy regulations. While compatibility with the agency's system, wireless accessibility, and
availability are important considerations, password encryption specifically addresses the security of the data stored on the device, making it a key feature for
protecting sensitive health information.

A. LESSON WRAP-UP

Thinking about Learning

REVIEW FOCUSED LISTING

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 Nursing Informatics – Lecture & Laboratory
Module #8 Student Activity Sheet

You may now review the list that you have created in the Lesson Preview/Review and illustrate its significance or connection in this
lesson. You must list at least 5 different concepts.

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