Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

What type of graph is used to display variations in data over time?

1. Pie Chart

2. Bar Graph

3. Histogram

4. Line Graph

The correct answer is: Line Graph

A line graph is used to display variations in data over time because it effectively illustrates trends and changes across a continuous timeline. It uses points connected by straight lines to represent the data values at specific intervals, making it easy to observe how a variable increases or decreases over time. Line graphs are particularly valuable in fields such as healthcare management, where it is important to track metrics like patient outcomes, staff performance, or resource utilization over days, months, or years. This allows managers and leaders to make data-driven decisions based on observable trends. In contrast, pie charts are used to show proportions of a whole, bar graphs present categorical data without a time component, and histograms depict the distribution of numerical data but do not convey changes over time. Therefore, a line graph is uniquely suited for capturing the dynamic nature of data as it evolves.