NRS 445 Exam 2 V3 | NRS 445 Nursing Research
and Evidence-Based Practice | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NRS445 Exam 2) | Grand Canyon
University
1. A researcher is studying the effect of a new position protocol on the incidence of pressure
ulcers in ICU patients. In this study, the ‘new position protocol’ represents which variable?
A. Dependent variable
B. Confounding variable
C. Extraneous variable
D. Independent variable
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The independent variable is the intervention or treatment that is
manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect. In this scenario, the protocol is the
intervention being tested to see if it changes the outcome. The dependent variable would
be the incidence of pressure ulcers.
2. Which of the following are characteristics of qualitative research designs? Select all that
apply.
A. Use of large, random samples to ensure generalizability
B. Focus on discovering meaning and multiple realities
C. Data collection through semi-structured interviews or observations
,D. Analysis of data using statistical software for p-values
E. Emphasis on the participant’s perspective (emic view)
F. Inductive reasoning processes
Correct Answer: B, C, E, F
Explanation: Qualitative research focuses on subjective experiences and social contexts
rather than numerical data. It utilizes small, purposive samples to reach data saturation
rather than large random samples for statistical power. Methods include interviews and
observations to develop themes through inductive reasoning.
3. A nursing student is reviewing a research article that uses a ‘crossover design.’ The student
correctly identifies this as which type of research?
A. Experimental research
B. Qualitative research
C. Correlational research
D. Ethnographic research
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A crossover design is a type of experimental design where subjects receive
more than one treatment and serve as their own control. This design helps to minimize the
influence of confounding variables between subjects. It is classified under quantitative
experimental research because it involves manipulation and control.
, 4. What is the primary purpose of random assignment in an experimental study?
A. To distribute participant characteristics evenly between groups
B. To eliminate the need for an informed consent process
C. To ensure the sample is representative of the entire population
D. To increase the likelihood of a Type II error
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Random assignment is used to place participants into intervention or control
groups by chance. This technique helps ensure that any differences found at the end of the
study are due to the intervention rather than pre-existing differences. It strengthens
internal validity by controlling for selection bias.
5. Which level of evidence is considered the highest in the hierarchy of evidence for evidence-
based practice?
A. Single randomized controlled trial (RCT)
B. Expert opinion and consensus reports
C. Systematic review or meta-analysis of RCTs
D. Case-control and cohort studies
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A systematic review or meta-analysis of all relevant RCTs provides the
highest level of evidence because it synthesizes findings from multiple high-quality studies.
and Evidence-Based Practice | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NRS445 Exam 2) | Grand Canyon
University
1. A researcher is studying the effect of a new position protocol on the incidence of pressure
ulcers in ICU patients. In this study, the ‘new position protocol’ represents which variable?
A. Dependent variable
B. Confounding variable
C. Extraneous variable
D. Independent variable
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The independent variable is the intervention or treatment that is
manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect. In this scenario, the protocol is the
intervention being tested to see if it changes the outcome. The dependent variable would
be the incidence of pressure ulcers.
2. Which of the following are characteristics of qualitative research designs? Select all that
apply.
A. Use of large, random samples to ensure generalizability
B. Focus on discovering meaning and multiple realities
C. Data collection through semi-structured interviews or observations
,D. Analysis of data using statistical software for p-values
E. Emphasis on the participant’s perspective (emic view)
F. Inductive reasoning processes
Correct Answer: B, C, E, F
Explanation: Qualitative research focuses on subjective experiences and social contexts
rather than numerical data. It utilizes small, purposive samples to reach data saturation
rather than large random samples for statistical power. Methods include interviews and
observations to develop themes through inductive reasoning.
3. A nursing student is reviewing a research article that uses a ‘crossover design.’ The student
correctly identifies this as which type of research?
A. Experimental research
B. Qualitative research
C. Correlational research
D. Ethnographic research
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A crossover design is a type of experimental design where subjects receive
more than one treatment and serve as their own control. This design helps to minimize the
influence of confounding variables between subjects. It is classified under quantitative
experimental research because it involves manipulation and control.
, 4. What is the primary purpose of random assignment in an experimental study?
A. To distribute participant characteristics evenly between groups
B. To eliminate the need for an informed consent process
C. To ensure the sample is representative of the entire population
D. To increase the likelihood of a Type II error
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Random assignment is used to place participants into intervention or control
groups by chance. This technique helps ensure that any differences found at the end of the
study are due to the intervention rather than pre-existing differences. It strengthens
internal validity by controlling for selection bias.
5. Which level of evidence is considered the highest in the hierarchy of evidence for evidence-
based practice?
A. Single randomized controlled trial (RCT)
B. Expert opinion and consensus reports
C. Systematic review or meta-analysis of RCTs
D. Case-control and cohort studies
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A systematic review or meta-analysis of all relevant RCTs provides the
highest level of evidence because it synthesizes findings from multiple high-quality studies.
