Which way of selecting a journal for publication of a research study is most likely to reduce lag ...

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Rationale 1: This is not a good method because the author has no indication that the selected journal is interested in the author's manuscript.
Rationale 2: This is not the option that is most likely to reduce lag time. Although the nurse researcher may have identified the journal as an appropriate publisher for the topic, the researcher has no assurance that the journal's editor will agree.
Rationale 3: Query letters are encouraged. Editors save a great deal of editorial review time by discouraging manuscripts that do not fit the needs of the journal. Query letters may be sent to several journals simultaneously. When one journal accepts the proposed report for publication, a decision will need to be made in terms of selecting the accepting journal for publication or waiting for decisions from other journals.
Rationale 4: A manuscript should be sent to only one journal at a time. Often the journal requires a signed statement to this effect.