Statistical Quiz (Nursing)

In nursing research, observational studies are sometimes referred to as natural experiments. Explain what this means. Choose the correct answer below.

• In an observational study, subjects are assigned to different treatment groups through random selection.

• In an observational study, a researcher measures characteristics of interest of a part of a population but does not change existing conditions.

• In an observational study, subjects are paired up according to a similarity.

• In an observational study, a treatment is applied to part of a population and responses are observed.

Answer explanation

In an observational study, researchers observe and measure characteristics without manipulating conditions, making it akin to a natural experiment where variables are not controlled.

Determine whether the variable is qualitative or quantitative. Explain your reasoning. The variable is (1) __________ because nursing specialties are (2) __________.

Answer explanation

The variable is qualitative because nursing specialties are attributes or labels. They categorize types of nursing rather than represent measurable quantities.

Identify the sampling technique used. A researcher randomly selected 30 hospitals and interviewed all of the nurses at each hospital.

• random

• stratified

• convenience

• cluster

• systematic

Answer explanation

The researcher used a cluster sampling technique by randomly selecting 30 hospitals (clusters) and interviewing all nurses within those selected hospitals, rather than sampling nurses from the entire population.

The blood pressure readings for 10 nursing patients are listed below. Find the range of the data set. 120, 132, 118, 129, 109, 140, 133, 129, 136, 108

• 28

• 32

• 14

• 24.5

Answer explanation

To find the range, subtract the smallest value (108) from the largest value (140). Thus, 140 - 108 = 32. Therefore, the range of the data set is 32.

A nurse is monitoring the blood pressure of a patient. The average systolic blood pressure for the patient is 56 mmHg with a standard deviation of 4 mmHg. If the patient's current systolic blood pressure is 64 mmHg, find the z-score.

• z = 1.07

• z = 2.00

• z = -1.07

• z = 1.75

Answer explanation

To find the z-score, use the formula z = (X - μ) / σ. Here, X = 64 mmHg, μ = 56 mmHg, and σ = 4 mmHg. Thus, z = (64 - 56) / 4 = 2.00. Therefore, the correct answer is z = 2.00.

Determine whether the statement below is true or false. If it is false, rewrite it as a true statement. Choose the correct answer below.

• This statement is false. A true statement is that choosing 4 nurses from 7 is the same as choosing 3 nurses to not be on the team.

• This statement is false. A true statement is that choosing 2 nurses from 7 is the same as choosing 5 nurses to not be on the team.

• This statement is false. A true statement is that choosing 5 nurses from 7 is the same as arranging 2 nurses in order.

• This statement is true.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that choosing 4 nurses from 7 is equivalent to choosing 3 nurses not to be on the team. This is true because both scenarios represent the same selection process.

Identify the two events described in the study and determine if the results indicate that the events are independent or dependent. Explain your reasoning. A study found that there is no relationship between working in a nursing environment and developing stress-related illnesses. Identify the two events. Choose the correct answer below.

• Developing stress-related illnesses and not developing stress-related illnesses.

• Being around patients with stress-related illnesses and working in a nursing environment.

• Working in a nursing environment and developing stress-related illnesses.

• Working in a nursing environment and not working in a nursing environment.

Answer explanation

The two events are working in a nursing environment and developing stress-related illnesses. The study indicates no relationship between them, suggesting they are independent events.

Are the events independent or dependent? Choose the correct answer below.

• Independent. Developing a nursing-related condition is related to working in a hospital environment.

• Independent. Working in a hospital environment does not cause nursing-related conditions.

• Dependent. Working in a hospital environment does cause nursing-related conditions.

• Dependent. The type of nursing-related condition developed is caused by one's exposure to a hospital environment.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is independent because working in a hospital does not directly cause nursing-related conditions. While there may be a correlation, it does not imply causation.

The probability that a nurse will administer a medication correctly is P(E) = 0.24. Find the probability that the nurse will not administer the medication correctly. (Simplify your answer.)

Answer explanation

The probability that the nurse will not administer the medication correctly is the complement of administering it correctly. Thus, P(not E) = 1 - P(E) = 1 - 0.24 = 0.76. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.76.

Explain why the statement is incorrect. The probability of a patient recovering fully after a surgery is 148%. What makes the statement incorrect?

• The probability of an event must be contained in the interval [1,100].

• The probability of an event cannot exceed 100%.

• An event needs to have more than one possible outcome.

• The chance of recovery is always more than 100%.

Answer explanation

The statement is incorrect because probabilities must be between 0% and 100%. A probability of 148% exceeds this range, making it impossible for an event to occur.