A nurse is serving on a continuous quality improvement (CQI) committee that has been assigned to develop a program to reduce the number of medication administration errors following a sentinel event at the facility. Which of the following strategies should the committee plan to initiate first?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Review the events leading up to each medication administration error. This strategy should be initiated first because it focuses on identifying the root causes of the errors. By reviewing the events, the committee can understand why the errors occurred and implement targeted interventions to prevent them in the future. This proactive approach addresses the underlying issues in the medication administration process, leading to sustainable improvements. Choice A is incorrect because providing an inservice on medication administration to all nurses may not address the specific causes of the errors. Choice B is incorrect as requiring staff nurses to pass an examination may not necessarily prevent errors if the underlying system issues are not addressed. Choice D is also incorrect as developing a quality improvement program for nurses involved in errors is reactive rather than proactive, and does not prevent future errors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Income. A continuous variable is one that can take on any value within a certain range. Income can vary continuously and can take on any numerical value within a wide range, making it a prime example of a continuous variable. Gender (A), Religion (C), and Ethnicity (D) are not continuous variables as they are categorical and do not have a continuous range of values. Gender is typically classified as male or female, Religion is categorized into specific belief systems, and Ethnicity is also categorized into distinct groups, making them all discrete variables.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a confounding variable is a variable that affects both the independent and dependent variables, leading to a false association between them. This can result in misleading conclusions about the relationship between the variables of interest. In contrast, choice A is incorrect because a variable not measured in the study would not impact the relationship between the variables being studied. Choice B is incorrect because a variable manipulated by the researcher would be the independent variable, not a confounding variable. Choice D is incorrect because a variable that is kept constant would not introduce any confounding effects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it focuses on addressing the issue of unfair task delegation and incomplete tasks in a professional and constructive manner. The charge nurse should discuss unit expectations with the staff nurse to clarify responsibilities and expectations. This approach promotes open communication, sets clear guidelines, and allows for mutual understanding and accountability. Option B is incorrect as it involves hearsay and does not address the issue directly. Option C is also incorrect as it threatens the staff nurse instead of providing guidance on how to improve. Option D is incorrect because it uses accusatory language and does not offer a solution to the problem. In summary, option A is the best choice as it promotes effective communication and problem-solving to resolve the conflict.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Vasoconstriction narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow, leading to higher blood pressure. 2. Vasodilation widens blood vessels, reducing resistance, resulting in lower blood pressure. 3. Therefore, the statement that vasoconstriction lowers blood pressure and vasodilation elevates blood pressure is accurate. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect because it states the opposite of the correct relationship between vasoconstriction and blood pressure. - Choices C and D are irrelevant as they do not provide any information to support or refute the given statement.