Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Simulated
After reviewing her monthly budget report, the nurse manager sees that she has a negative variance, which prompts her to change the staffing schedule. Which of the following data is an example of a negative variance?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A because a negative variance means there is a shortfall or deficit from the planned amount. In this case, a decrease in actual nursing staffing hours compared to planned hours would result in a negative variance as it indicates a staffing shortage. This prompts the nurse manager to change the staffing schedule to address the deficit.
Choice B, a surplus of available nurses, does not align with a negative variance as it indicates an excess rather than a deficit. Choice C, a decrease in the cost of medical supplies, is unrelated to the staffing schedule and does not reflect a negative variance. Choice D, an increase in patient satisfaction scores, is a positive outcome and does not indicate a negative variance in budget planning.
Choice B, a surplus of available nurses, does not align with a negative variance as it indicates an excess rather than a deficit. Choice C, a decrease in the cost of medical supplies, is unrelated to the staffing schedule and does not reflect a negative variance. Choice D, an increase in patient satisfaction scores, is a positive outcome and does not indicate a negative variance in budget planning.