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 allows the committee to identify the root causes of the errors, understand the contributing factors, and implement targeted interventions to prevent future errors. By reviewing the events, the committee can analyze system weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and implement evidence-based practices to enhance medication safety. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Providing an inservice on medication administration to all nurses may be beneficial, but it does not address the specific issues that led to the errors. B: Requiring staff nurses to demonstrate competency through an examination is important, but it is more effective after identifying and addressing the root causes of errors. D: Developing a quality improvement program for nurses involved in errors is essential, but it is more effective after understanding the underlying reasons for the errors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Certainly! The correct answer is B: Test cause-and-effect relationships. Experimental methodology involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effects on a dependent variable. This allows researchers to establish causal relationships between variables. Describing a phenomenon (Choice A) is more aligned with observational studies, not experiments. Gathering descriptive data (Choice C) refers to methods like surveys or interviews, which are not exclusive to experimental designs. Identifying variables (Choice D) is a preliminary step in designing an experiment but does not capture the essence of experimental methodology, which is to establish cause-and-effect relationships through controlled manipulation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a dependent variable is the outcome that is being measured to determine the effect of the independent variable. It is not manipulated (choice A), controlled for (choice C), or randomly assigned (choice D) by the researcher. By measuring the dependent variable, researchers can assess how changes in the independent variable affect the outcome, making choice B the most appropriate selection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Checking the client's medical record is crucial to confirm the provider's prescription. 2. This action ensures patient safety and adherence to the provider's orders. 3. It is essential to verify the order before proceeding to avoid potential harm or legal issues. Incorrect Choices: B: This choice assumes the provider prescribed the procedure without confirmation, risking error. C: Assuring the client without verifying the order could lead to unnecessary intervention. D: Informing the charge nurse without verifying the order may result in miscommunication and potential errors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, "Down and back." For a two-year-old with antibiotic ear drops, the ear should be gently pulled down and back to straighten the ear canal. This position helps ensure that the drops reach the eardrum effectively. Option A, "Up and back," is incorrect as it can cause the drops to run out of the ear. Options C and D are likely left blank as they are irrelevant to the proper administration of ear drops.