A nurse manager on a maternal newborn unit is completing chart audits to evaluate the implementation procedure for the exclusive breastfeeding protocol that was initiated on the unit. Which of the following types of audits is the nurse manager utilizing?

Rationale: A. This option is incorrect because a structure audit evaluates the environment, resources, staff qualifications, and policies that support care, rather than the specific implementation of procedures. B. This option is incorrect because an outcome audit evaluates the results of care, such as the percentage of infants exclusively breastfed at discharge or rates of complications. While important, outcome audits focus on end results rather than the process itself. C. This option is correct because a process audit evaluates how care is delivered and whether specific procedures, protocols, or guidelines are being followed correctly. By reviewing charts to determine if the exclusive breastfeeding protocol is being implemented as intended, the nurse manager is assessing the process of care. D. This option is incorrect because a concurrent audit occurs in real-time while care is being provided. The nurse manager is performing a retrospective chart review, which evaluates care after it has been delivered, not concurrently.