Obtain release forms from the parents allowing their children to participate in the study is an important action for the nurse to take prior to conducting this study, but not the most important one. Release forms or informed consent forms are documents that inform the potential participants and their parents or guardians about the nature, purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the research. They also explain the participants' rights and responsibilities, such as their right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. Release forms or informed consent forms are required by ethical and legal standards to ensure that the participants and their parents or guardians voluntarily agree to participate in the research after being fully informed about it. However, before obtaining release forms or informed consent forms from the participants and their parents or guardians, the nurse must first obtain IRB approval for the study.
 

Apply for institutional review board approval for a study involving human subjects is the most important action for the nurse to take prior to conducting this study. The institutional review board (IRB) is a commitee that reviews and approves research involving human subjects to ensure that it meets ethical and regulatory standards. The IRB protects the rights, welfare, and safety of the research participants, as well as the integrity and quality of the research. The IRB also monitors the ongoing conduct and progress of the research. The nurse must submit a detailed proposal or protocol to the IRB that describes the purpose, background, design, methods, procedures, risks, benefits, and safeguards of the research. The IRB reviews the proposal and decides whether to approve it, reject it, or request modifications. The nurse must obtain IRB approval before starting any data collection or intervention involving human subjects. The nurse must also report any changes or problems that occur during the research to the IRB and seek re-approval if necessary. The IRB approval process is an essential and mandatory step in conducting ethical and responsible research.


The other options are not correct because:
 

Review the literature to determine if other research projects have addressed this issue is an important action for the nurse to take prior to conducting this study, but not the most important one. Reviewing the literature is a process of searching, reading, analyzing, and synthesizing existing sources of information on a topic or issue.

Apply for institutional review board approval for a study involving human subjects is the most important action for the nurse to take prior to conducting this study. The institutional review board (IRB) is a commitee that reviews and approves research involving human subjects to ensure that it meets ethical and regulatory standards. The IRB protects the rights, welfare, and safety of the research participants, as well as the integrity and quality of the research. The IRB also monitors the ongoing conduct and progress of the research. The nurse must submit a detailed proposal or protocol to the IRB that describes the purpose, background, design, methods, procedures, risks, benefits, and safeguards of the research. The IRB reviews the proposal and decides whether to approve it, reject it, or request modifications. The nurse must obtain IRB approval before starting any data collection or intervention involving human subjects. The nurse must also report any changes or problems that occur during the research to the IRB and seek re-approval if necessary. The IRB approval process is an essential and mandatory step in conducting ethical and responsible research.


The other options are not correct because: