Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which of the following analyses focuses on causal factors behind performances?

1. Cost-benefit analysis

2. Root cause analysis

3. Randomized controlled trial

4. Regression analysis

The correct answer is: Root cause analysis

The focus of root cause analysis is to identify the fundamental underlying reasons for a specific problem or performance issue. In the context of performance analysis, it seeks to pinpoint what causes failures or inefficiencies in a process or outcome. This method involves systematically investigating the factors that contribute to a performance discrepancy, enabling practitioners to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms. By doing so, it allows for more effective and sustainable improvements in performance outcomes. In contrast, a cost-benefit analysis evaluates the financial implications of different options, weighing the costs versus the benefits associated with those choices. A randomized controlled trial is primarily used to determine the efficacy of interventions by randomly assigning subjects to different groups, but it does not inherently focus on the root causes of performance. Regression analysis, while useful for understanding relationships between variables and predicting outcomes, does not specifically delve into underlying causal factors.