In ACE unit care organization, which approach best describes how patient care is organized?

In ACE unit care organization, which approach best describes how patient care is organized?

• A. Physician-only rounds
• B. Nurse-driven protocols guide care
• C. No standardized protocols
• D. Short-stay protocols with minimal assessment

Answer: (B)

In ACE units, patient care is organized around standardized, nurse-driven protocols that guide day-to-day management of older adults. These protocols cover common geriatric issues such as delirium prevention and screening, early mobility and functional support, hydration and nutrition, falls prevention, and medication reconciliation. Nurses initiate and implement these measures within the interdisciplinary team, with physicians providing medical oversight and escalation as needed. This approach ensures consistent, timely, evidence-based care, reduces variability, and supports safe transitions and discharge planning. Relying on physician-only rounds, having no standardized protocols, or using short-stay protocols with minimal assessment would not align with how ACE units structure comprehensive geriatric care.

In ACE units, patient care is organized around standardized, nurse-driven protocols that guide day-to-day management of older adults. These protocols cover common geriatric issues such as delirium prevention and screening, early mobility and functional support, hydration and nutrition, falls prevention, and medication reconciliation. Nurses initiate and implement these measures within the interdisciplinary team, with physicians providing medical oversight and escalation as needed. This approach ensures consistent, timely, evidence-based care, reduces variability, and supports safe transitions and discharge planning. Relying on physician-only rounds, having no standardized protocols, or using short-stay protocols with minimal assessment would not align with how ACE units structure comprehensive geriatric care.