NSE 212 MIDTERM UPDATED ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
Question:
A nurse researcher recognizes that observations are influenced by human error and
bias, yet strives to approximate reality through systematic measurement and
replication. Which paradigm most aligns with this worldview?
A. Constructivist
B. Post-positivist
C. Critical social theory
D. Positivist
E. Feminist emancipatory
Answer:
Correct Answer: B. Post-positivist Rationale:
Post-positivism accepts that reality exists but can only be approximated due to bias and
measurement error. Positivism assumes reality can be perfectly known through
objective observation. Constructivist and critical paradigms emphasize multiple or
socially constructed realities. Feminist frameworks focus on empowerment rather than
ontological approximation.
Question:
A nurse uses results from a randomized controlled trial, consults a clinical guideline,
and also integrates local expert opinion and client preferences before changing
wound-care practice. Which statement best describes this nurse's approach?
A. Applying evidence-based practice
B. Engaging in research utilization
C. Practicing evidence-informed decision-making
D. Conducting translational research
E. Using anecdotal reasoning
Answer:
Correct Answer: C. Practicing evidence-informed decision-making Rationale:
Evidence-informed practice (EIP) is broader than EBP and includes research findings,
clinical expertise, and client context/values. EBP focuses primarily on integrating
high-quality research with clinical judgment and patient preferences. Research
utilization involves direct application of a single study's findings. Translational
research moves discoveries into clinical trials. Anecdotal reasoning lacks systematic
evidence.
,Question:
A student states: "Nursing research helps the profession adapt to new health issues and
maintain relevance in society." Which concept is most directly reflected in this
statement?
A. Research utilization
B. Knowledge translation
C. Significance of research
D. Evidence-based guideline development
E. Empirical knowing
Answer:
Correct Answer: C. Significance of research Rationale:
The significance of research lies in advancing nursing's scientific foundation, ensuring
it evolves with emerging health priorities. Knowledge translation refers to
implementing evidence into practice. Empirical knowing is a way of knowing through
sensory observation, not the purpose of research itself. Research utilization and
guidelines represent applied outcomes, not the fundamental significance.
Question:
Which development most strengthened the scientific foundation of nursing research in
Canada between 1960-1999?
A. Creation of hospital diploma programs
B. Introduction of doctoral programs and research grants
C. Founding of Nightingale Training School
D. Establishment of CNA Code of Ethics
E. Expansion of nurse practitioner roles
Answer:
Correct Answer: B. Introduction of doctoral programs and research grants Rationale:
The 1960-1999 era was marked by doctoral education and grant funding, advancing
theory development and independent research capacity. Earlier decades (1900-1940)
emphasized basic nurse preparation. NP roles and ethics codes expanded later and
focus on practice, not foundational research capacity.
, Question:
A nurse reads a systematic review showing improved discharge outcomes with
structured patient-education checklists but notes the studies were conducted outside
Canada with small samples. Which is the nurse's best action before applying the
findings?
A. Implement the checklist immediately because evidence supports it.
B. Conduct a pilot study in her clinical setting to test applicability.
C. Reject the evidence because it's not Canadian.
D. Use expert opinion alone until national guidelines exist.
E. Wait for a new randomized trial before acting.
Answer:
Correct Answer: B. Conduct a pilot study in her clinical setting to test applicability
Rationale:
Critical appraisal and contextual testing ensure transferability-key steps in
evidence-informed practice. Immediate implementation (A) ignores contextual fit;
rejection (C) wastes useful evidence; expert opinion alone (D) lacks rigour; and waiting
(E) delays improvement without justification.
Question:
A nurse researcher follows a structured sequence: identifying a problem, reviewing
literature, selecting a framework, formulating a hypothesis, and choosing a design.
Which characteristic best reflects the quantitative research process?
A. It emphasizes understanding lived experiences in natural contexts.
B. It is flexible and evolves as the study unfolds.
C. It uses logical reasoning, control, and objectivity to test relationships.
D. It focuses primarily on subjective interpretation of meaning.
E. It values the researcher's intuition as data.
Answer:
Correct Answer: C. It uses logical reasoning, control, and objectivity to test
relationships. Rationale:
Quantitative research follows a systematic, controlled, and empirical process designed
to test relationships or cause-and-effect between variables. Options A, B, and D describe
qualitative methods. Option E confuses intuition with data collection, which contradicts
quantitative objectivity.
CORRECT ANSWERS
Question:
A nurse researcher recognizes that observations are influenced by human error and
bias, yet strives to approximate reality through systematic measurement and
replication. Which paradigm most aligns with this worldview?
A. Constructivist
B. Post-positivist
C. Critical social theory
D. Positivist
E. Feminist emancipatory
Answer:
Correct Answer: B. Post-positivist Rationale:
Post-positivism accepts that reality exists but can only be approximated due to bias and
measurement error. Positivism assumes reality can be perfectly known through
objective observation. Constructivist and critical paradigms emphasize multiple or
socially constructed realities. Feminist frameworks focus on empowerment rather than
ontological approximation.
Question:
A nurse uses results from a randomized controlled trial, consults a clinical guideline,
and also integrates local expert opinion and client preferences before changing
wound-care practice. Which statement best describes this nurse's approach?
A. Applying evidence-based practice
B. Engaging in research utilization
C. Practicing evidence-informed decision-making
D. Conducting translational research
E. Using anecdotal reasoning
Answer:
Correct Answer: C. Practicing evidence-informed decision-making Rationale:
Evidence-informed practice (EIP) is broader than EBP and includes research findings,
clinical expertise, and client context/values. EBP focuses primarily on integrating
high-quality research with clinical judgment and patient preferences. Research
utilization involves direct application of a single study's findings. Translational
research moves discoveries into clinical trials. Anecdotal reasoning lacks systematic
evidence.
,Question:
A student states: "Nursing research helps the profession adapt to new health issues and
maintain relevance in society." Which concept is most directly reflected in this
statement?
A. Research utilization
B. Knowledge translation
C. Significance of research
D. Evidence-based guideline development
E. Empirical knowing
Answer:
Correct Answer: C. Significance of research Rationale:
The significance of research lies in advancing nursing's scientific foundation, ensuring
it evolves with emerging health priorities. Knowledge translation refers to
implementing evidence into practice. Empirical knowing is a way of knowing through
sensory observation, not the purpose of research itself. Research utilization and
guidelines represent applied outcomes, not the fundamental significance.
Question:
Which development most strengthened the scientific foundation of nursing research in
Canada between 1960-1999?
A. Creation of hospital diploma programs
B. Introduction of doctoral programs and research grants
C. Founding of Nightingale Training School
D. Establishment of CNA Code of Ethics
E. Expansion of nurse practitioner roles
Answer:
Correct Answer: B. Introduction of doctoral programs and research grants Rationale:
The 1960-1999 era was marked by doctoral education and grant funding, advancing
theory development and independent research capacity. Earlier decades (1900-1940)
emphasized basic nurse preparation. NP roles and ethics codes expanded later and
focus on practice, not foundational research capacity.
, Question:
A nurse reads a systematic review showing improved discharge outcomes with
structured patient-education checklists but notes the studies were conducted outside
Canada with small samples. Which is the nurse's best action before applying the
findings?
A. Implement the checklist immediately because evidence supports it.
B. Conduct a pilot study in her clinical setting to test applicability.
C. Reject the evidence because it's not Canadian.
D. Use expert opinion alone until national guidelines exist.
E. Wait for a new randomized trial before acting.
Answer:
Correct Answer: B. Conduct a pilot study in her clinical setting to test applicability
Rationale:
Critical appraisal and contextual testing ensure transferability-key steps in
evidence-informed practice. Immediate implementation (A) ignores contextual fit;
rejection (C) wastes useful evidence; expert opinion alone (D) lacks rigour; and waiting
(E) delays improvement without justification.
Question:
A nurse researcher follows a structured sequence: identifying a problem, reviewing
literature, selecting a framework, formulating a hypothesis, and choosing a design.
Which characteristic best reflects the quantitative research process?
A. It emphasizes understanding lived experiences in natural contexts.
B. It is flexible and evolves as the study unfolds.
C. It uses logical reasoning, control, and objectivity to test relationships.
D. It focuses primarily on subjective interpretation of meaning.
E. It values the researcher's intuition as data.
Answer:
Correct Answer: C. It uses logical reasoning, control, and objectivity to test
relationships. Rationale:
Quantitative research follows a systematic, controlled, and empirical process designed
to test relationships or cause-and-effect between variables. Options A, B, and D describe
qualitative methods. Option E confuses intuition with data collection, which contradicts
quantitative objectivity.
