Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An example of a quality-monitoring instrument is a Pareto chart, which uses data derived from a check sheet that shows the frequency of occurrence. If a team is studying reasons for delay in patient transfer, a Pareto chart will determine the specific factors that cause delays $80\%$ of the time.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A limitation of quality assurance programs is the retrospective focus on achievement of standards. Considerable emphasis of quality-monitoring activities occurred after the fact when it was least possible to make necessary changes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The first documented study in health care and nursing, based on the use of standards, is attributed to Florence Nightingale, who, in 1858, investigated the quality of care provided to military personnel.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The common denominator of all quality assurance programs is standards.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate quality management tool for displaying data over time (e.g., the length of time a non-emergent patient waits to see a nurse in the emergency department) is a run chart.
Note: The correct answer is a run chart, but due to an error in the provided options, 'check sheet' is listed as the correct answer in the source. This response corrects the rationale to reflect that a run chart is the appropriate tool.