A parent calls the hospital hot line and is connected to the triage nurse. The caller proclaims: 'I found my child with odd stuff coming from the mouth and an unmarked bottle nearby.' Which of these comments would be the best tool for the nurse to determine if the child has swallowed a corrosive substance?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking the child if the mouth is burning or if there is throat pain can help determine if a corrosive substance has been swallowed. Corrosive substances can cause immediate pain and burning sensation in the mouth and throat. This information is crucial for assessing the severity of the situation and providing appropriate care. Choice B is incorrect because taking the child's pulse and checking for breathing difficulties do not directly help in identifying if a corrosive substance has been ingested. Choice C is incorrect because the color of the child's lips and nails and voiding habits are not specific indicators of corrosive substance ingestion. Choice D is incorrect because symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps can be caused by various factors and may not specifically indicate ingestion of a corrosive substance.

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. By analyzing the events leading up to each error, the committee can pinpoint specific breakdowns in the medication administration process and implement targeted interventions to prevent future errors. This approach focuses on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to errors, leading to more effective and sustainable improvements in medication safety. Choice A is incorrect because providing an inservice on medication administration may be beneficial but does not address the specific causes of the errors. Choice B is also incorrect as simply requiring staff nurses to pass an examination may not address the systemic issues that contribute to errors. Choice D is incorrect as developing a quality improvement program for nurses involved in errors is reactive rather than proactive and may not prevent future errors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Independent variable. The independent variable is the one that the researcher manipulates or controls to observe its effect on the dependent variable. It is the cause in a cause-and-effect relationship. The dependent variable, on the other hand, is the outcome that is measured and affected by the independent variable. Control variables are factors that are held constant to prevent them from influencing the results. Moderating variables are factors that can influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, but they are not directly manipulated by the researcher in the study.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because analyzing pre-existing health records is an example of secondary data analysis, where researchers use data that was collected by someone else for a different purpose. This method is cost-effective and time-saving. Choice A involves collecting original data, not analyzing existing data. Choice C involves conducting primary data collection through interviews. Choice D involves conducting an experimental study, not analyzing existing data. In summary, B is correct as it aligns with the definition and characteristics of secondary data analysis, while the other choices involve primary data collection methods.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Review the events leading up to each medication administration error. This should be initiated first because it allows the committee to identify root causes of errors and implement targeted interventions. By understanding the sequence of events, the committee can uncover system weaknesses or breakdowns that contribute to errors. A: Providing an inservice may be helpful, but without understanding the specific factors leading to errors, it may not address the underlying issues causing the errors. B: Requiring a competency exam is important, but addressing the system failures that lead to errors should take priority to prevent future errors. D: Developing a quality improvement program is necessary, but without a thorough understanding of the events leading to errors, the program may not effectively target the root causes of errors.