ATI Hematologic System Test Related

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A study is designed to investigate the rates of central line–associated blood stream infections among pediatric hematology/oncology patients. Three common central line types (totally implanted catheter [port], peripherally inserted central catheter [PICC], and tunneled externalized catheter [TEC]) were included in the study. What data structure is central line type?

  • A. Continuous
  • B. Dichotomous
  • C. Nominal
  • D. Ordinal
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nominal. Central line type is a nominal data structure because it represents categories without any inherent order or ranking. In this study, the central line types (port, PICC, TEC) are distinct categories with no numerical value or order. It's important to distinguish between the different types of central lines, but they cannot be ordered in a meaningful sequence, making them nominal.

Incorrect answers:
A: Continuous - Central line type does not have a continuous range of values, it is categorical.
B: Dichotomous - Dichotomous data structure has only two categories, while central line type has more than two distinct categories.
D: Ordinal - Ordinal data structure involves categories with a clear order or ranking, which is not applicable to central line types as they do not have a natural order.