Extraneous variables are defined as variables that exist in all studies and can affect the measurement and relationship between study variables (Grove, Burns, & Gray, 2013, p. 694). For the present hourly rounding study, one of the extraneous variables identified is the staffing ratio. If the study unit encounters a staffing problem (understaffed), it would mean that the nurse-to-patient ratio would be higher. To address and control this variable, the two selected medical-surgical units have a fixed nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:6, per their policies and procedures. If a nurse calls in sick, the hospital's personnel department has a pool of resource nurses who move to understaffed units. Additionally, a common practice is to offer a bonus/incentive to other nurses on their day off to come in and work to fill staffing gaps. Another possible variable unrelated to the current study is that some staff (nurse or patient care technician) may simply sign the register without actually adhering to hourly rounding standards (addressing the 4Ps). ...