Final answer:
The exact distribution of RNs by their highest educational preparation in 2010 is not provided. The BLS data on the increase in the number of nurses and the trends in educational attainment among the general population can offer insights into how the educational landscape for RNs might have evolved since then.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the distribution of Registered Nurses (RNs) by their highest nursing or nursing-related educational preparation in the United States for the year 2010. The correct distribution, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, is found in none of the provided options (A, B, C, or D), since detailed historical data for 2010 is not provided in the context. However, more recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a trend of RNs pursuing higher educational qualifications, like bachelor's degrees, which could reflect the changing educational landscape for RNs over the years. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan area specifically saw an increase in the number of nurses working from 35,000 in 2015 to nearly 41,000 in 2020.
The BLS also provides statistics on the general educational attainment of the population, indicating that while a large percentage completes high school, a smaller portion completes a bachelor's or master's degree. This is relevant because it informs us about the broader educational trends that may influence nursing education.