Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

What does a Pareto Chart visually represent?

1. A timeline of events

2. Frequency of issues from highest to lowest

3. Employee performance metrics

4. Patient satisfaction scores

The correct answer is: Frequency of issues from highest to lowest

A Pareto Chart is a specialized type of bar graph used to visually represent the frequency or impact of problems, issues, or causes of a particular phenomenon arranged from the highest to the lowest. This concept is rooted in the Pareto Principle, which asserts that a large majority of problems are often caused by a small number of issues. The primary purpose of the chart is to identify the most significant factors in a process, allowing leaders to prioritize improvements effectively. By using a Pareto Chart, managers can easily observe which issues are most prevalent, guiding their decision-making on where to focus their efforts for the greatest impact. This visualization is particularly valuable in quality improvement initiatives within healthcare settings.