How should the hospital administrator describe an acute care of the elderly (ACE) unit to the nursing staff?

How should the hospital administrator describe an acute care of the elderly (ACE) unit to the nursing staff?

• A. It will be run like a nursing home
• B. It is no different from other hospital units
• C. It primarily aims to return patients to their homes
• D. It will be guided by nurse-driven protocols

Answer: (D)

ACE units organize care around nurse-driven, evidence-based protocols that empower bedside nurses to initiate timely, standardized interventions for common geriatric issues. This approach helps prevent delirium and functional decline, promotes early mobilization and appropriate medication management, and ensures coordinated, geriatrics-focused care within the acute hospital setting. While discharge goals are important, the defining feature is that care is guided by nurse-led protocols, enabling consistent, efficient management tailored to older adults. The other options describe settings or aims that don’t capture this core practical model.

ACE units organize care around nurse-driven, evidence-based protocols that empower bedside nurses to initiate timely, standardized interventions for common geriatric issues. This approach helps prevent delirium and functional decline, promotes early mobilization and appropriate medication management, and ensures coordinated, geriatrics-focused care within the acute hospital setting. While discharge goals are important, the defining feature is that care is guided by nurse-led protocols, enabling consistent, efficient management tailored to older adults. The other options describe settings or aims that don’t capture this core practical model.