EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN NURSING
& HEALTHCARE
A GUIDE TO BEST PRACTICE
5TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)BERNADETTE MAZUREK
MELNYK; ELLEN FINEOUT-OVERHOLT
TEST BANK
1. Reference
Ch. 1 — Making the Case for Evidence-Based Practice —
Why EBP Matters
Stem
A surgical unit has used the same postoperative ambulation
routine for years, even though staff note inconsistent pain
control and delayed mobility outcomes. A new nurse asks why
the unit does not review current evidence before continuing the
,practice. Which response best reflects an evidence-based
practice approach?
Options
A. Continue the routine because it has been used successfully
for many years.
B. Change the routine only after one highly experienced nurse
approves it.
C. Examine the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and
patient preferences before deciding.
D. Wait until the problem becomes a patient safety incident
before revising the routine.
Correct Answer
C
Rationale
Correct: EBP requires integration of best evidence, clinical
expertise, and patient values to guide care decisions. The nurse
is appropriately questioning whether the current routine is
supported by evidence and whether it fits patient needs and
outcomes.
A: Longevity of a practice does not establish effectiveness.
B: One clinician’s opinion is not a substitute for a structured
evidence review.
D: EBP is proactive, not reactive to harm.
Teaching Point
Tradition is not evidence; EBP requires systematic decision-
making.
,Citation
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based
Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Ch. 1.
2. Reference
Ch. 1 — Spirit of Inquiry — Recognizing Practice Gaps
Stem
During handoff, two nurses notice that patients on the same
unit receive different teaching about wound care depending on
which nurse is assigned. One nurse wonders whether the
inconsistency affects readmissions. Which action best
demonstrates a spirit of inquiry?
Options
A. Accept variation as normal because nurses individualize care
differently.
B. Ask what evidence supports the current teaching approach
and whether outcomes differ.
C. Wait for the educator to decide whether the issue is
important.
D. Avoid raising concerns to prevent tension among staff.
Correct Answer
B
Rationale
Correct: A spirit of inquiry begins with noticing variation and
asking whether a better, evidence-supported approach exists.
, This question opens the door to evaluating outcomes and
practice effectiveness.
A: Variation alone does not justify inconsistent care.
C: Inquiry is not dependent on another person initiating the
question.
D: Avoiding the issue blocks improvement.
Teaching Point
Curiosity about variation is the first step toward better care.
Citation
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based
Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Ch. 1.
3. Reference
Ch. 1 — Making the Case for EBP — Best Evidence and
Clinical Expertise
Stem
A nurse manager reviews a proposal to replace a routine
dressing-change practice after several staff members say the old
method “works fine.” The literature shows improved infection
outcomes with the proposed practice, but the staff are
concerned about workflow. What is the best next step?
Options
A. Reject the change because staff workflow concerns outweigh
evidence.
B. Implement the evidence-based practice while planning
& HEALTHCARE
A GUIDE TO BEST PRACTICE
5TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)BERNADETTE MAZUREK
MELNYK; ELLEN FINEOUT-OVERHOLT
TEST BANK
1. Reference
Ch. 1 — Making the Case for Evidence-Based Practice —
Why EBP Matters
Stem
A surgical unit has used the same postoperative ambulation
routine for years, even though staff note inconsistent pain
control and delayed mobility outcomes. A new nurse asks why
the unit does not review current evidence before continuing the
,practice. Which response best reflects an evidence-based
practice approach?
Options
A. Continue the routine because it has been used successfully
for many years.
B. Change the routine only after one highly experienced nurse
approves it.
C. Examine the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and
patient preferences before deciding.
D. Wait until the problem becomes a patient safety incident
before revising the routine.
Correct Answer
C
Rationale
Correct: EBP requires integration of best evidence, clinical
expertise, and patient values to guide care decisions. The nurse
is appropriately questioning whether the current routine is
supported by evidence and whether it fits patient needs and
outcomes.
A: Longevity of a practice does not establish effectiveness.
B: One clinician’s opinion is not a substitute for a structured
evidence review.
D: EBP is proactive, not reactive to harm.
Teaching Point
Tradition is not evidence; EBP requires systematic decision-
making.
,Citation
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based
Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Ch. 1.
2. Reference
Ch. 1 — Spirit of Inquiry — Recognizing Practice Gaps
Stem
During handoff, two nurses notice that patients on the same
unit receive different teaching about wound care depending on
which nurse is assigned. One nurse wonders whether the
inconsistency affects readmissions. Which action best
demonstrates a spirit of inquiry?
Options
A. Accept variation as normal because nurses individualize care
differently.
B. Ask what evidence supports the current teaching approach
and whether outcomes differ.
C. Wait for the educator to decide whether the issue is
important.
D. Avoid raising concerns to prevent tension among staff.
Correct Answer
B
Rationale
Correct: A spirit of inquiry begins with noticing variation and
asking whether a better, evidence-supported approach exists.
, This question opens the door to evaluating outcomes and
practice effectiveness.
A: Variation alone does not justify inconsistent care.
C: Inquiry is not dependent on another person initiating the
question.
D: Avoiding the issue blocks improvement.
Teaching Point
Curiosity about variation is the first step toward better care.
Citation
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based
Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Ch. 1.
3. Reference
Ch. 1 — Making the Case for EBP — Best Evidence and
Clinical Expertise
Stem
A nurse manager reviews a proposal to replace a routine
dressing-change practice after several staff members say the old
method “works fine.” The literature shows improved infection
outcomes with the proposed practice, but the staff are
concerned about workflow. What is the best next step?
Options
A. Reject the change because staff workflow concerns outweigh
evidence.
B. Implement the evidence-based practice while planning
