NSG 448 Final Exam V2 | NSG 448 Evidence-Based
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. When developing a clinical question using the PICOT format, which components are
essential for a well-structured question? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population or Patient
B. Intervention or Issue
C. Comparison or Control
D. Outcome
E. Timeframe
F. Financial Cost
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT format is a standardized method for developing clinical research
questions to ensure all necessary components are addressed. The acronym stands for
Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time, providing a clear
framework for searching literature. Financial cost, while important for implementation, is
not a formal component of the PICOT mnemonic structure used for evidence-based practice
inquiries.
,2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the highest level of
evidence (Level I)?
A. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
B. Expert Opinion and Committee Reports
C. Evidence from a single descriptive or qualitative study
D. Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of all relevant RCTs
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are considered Level I evidence
because they synthesize data from multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials. This
synthesis provides a more comprehensive and statistically powerful conclusion than any
single study alone. According to the Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt hierarchy, these
summaries represent the gold standard for clinical decision-making.
3. A nurse researcher is evaluating a study where participants were randomly assigned to
either a treatment group or a control group. This design is primarily classified as:
A. Experimental research
B. Qualitative research
C. Correlational research
D. Descriptive research
Correct Answer: A
,Explanation: Experimental research is characterized by the manipulation of an
independent variable, the presence of a control group, and the random assignment of
subjects. These elements allow the researcher to establish cause-and-effect relationships
between variables. Randomized Controlled Trials are the most common example of this
rigorous quantitative design in nursing research.
4. A nurse is reviewing a study that explores the lived experience of patients surviving a
myocardial infarction. This type of research is:
A. Quantitative research
B. Phenomenological research
C. Grounded theory research
D. Ethnographic research
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative research methodology that focuses on
understanding the ‘lived experience’ of individuals regarding a specific phenomenon. The
researcher gathers data through in-depth interviews to capture the essence of what
participants feel and perceive. This approach is distinct from ethnography, which focuses
on culture, or grounded theory, which focuses on developing a theoretical model.
5. Which of the following are recognized barriers to the implementation of Evidence-Based
Practice (EBP) in a clinical setting? (Select All That Apply)
A. Lack of time for staff to read research
, B. Insufficient authority to change practice
C. Strong organizational support and resources
D. Inadequate skills in searching for evidence
E. Resistance to change by colleagues or management
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: Barriers to EBP often include organizational factors such as a lack of time,
limited access to databases, and professional factors like a lack of knowledge in research
appraisal. Resistance from peers or management can further hinder the translation of
evidence into clinical protocols. Conversely, strong organizational support is considered a
facilitator, not a barrier, to the adoption of EBP.
6. What is the primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in nursing research?
A. To ensure the study has sufficient funding for completion.
B. To protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects.
C. To review the statistical analysis for mathematical accuracy.
D. To assist in the publication process in peer-reviewed journals.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The IRB is a committee that reviews research proposals to ensure that
ethical standards are maintained and that human subjects are protected from harm. They
assess the informed consent process, the risks versus benefits, and the privacy measures
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. When developing a clinical question using the PICOT format, which components are
essential for a well-structured question? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population or Patient
B. Intervention or Issue
C. Comparison or Control
D. Outcome
E. Timeframe
F. Financial Cost
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT format is a standardized method for developing clinical research
questions to ensure all necessary components are addressed. The acronym stands for
Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time, providing a clear
framework for searching literature. Financial cost, while important for implementation, is
not a formal component of the PICOT mnemonic structure used for evidence-based practice
inquiries.
,2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the highest level of
evidence (Level I)?
A. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
B. Expert Opinion and Committee Reports
C. Evidence from a single descriptive or qualitative study
D. Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of all relevant RCTs
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are considered Level I evidence
because they synthesize data from multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials. This
synthesis provides a more comprehensive and statistically powerful conclusion than any
single study alone. According to the Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt hierarchy, these
summaries represent the gold standard for clinical decision-making.
3. A nurse researcher is evaluating a study where participants were randomly assigned to
either a treatment group or a control group. This design is primarily classified as:
A. Experimental research
B. Qualitative research
C. Correlational research
D. Descriptive research
Correct Answer: A
,Explanation: Experimental research is characterized by the manipulation of an
independent variable, the presence of a control group, and the random assignment of
subjects. These elements allow the researcher to establish cause-and-effect relationships
between variables. Randomized Controlled Trials are the most common example of this
rigorous quantitative design in nursing research.
4. A nurse is reviewing a study that explores the lived experience of patients surviving a
myocardial infarction. This type of research is:
A. Quantitative research
B. Phenomenological research
C. Grounded theory research
D. Ethnographic research
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative research methodology that focuses on
understanding the ‘lived experience’ of individuals regarding a specific phenomenon. The
researcher gathers data through in-depth interviews to capture the essence of what
participants feel and perceive. This approach is distinct from ethnography, which focuses
on culture, or grounded theory, which focuses on developing a theoretical model.
5. Which of the following are recognized barriers to the implementation of Evidence-Based
Practice (EBP) in a clinical setting? (Select All That Apply)
A. Lack of time for staff to read research
, B. Insufficient authority to change practice
C. Strong organizational support and resources
D. Inadequate skills in searching for evidence
E. Resistance to change by colleagues or management
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: Barriers to EBP often include organizational factors such as a lack of time,
limited access to databases, and professional factors like a lack of knowledge in research
appraisal. Resistance from peers or management can further hinder the translation of
evidence into clinical protocols. Conversely, strong organizational support is considered a
facilitator, not a barrier, to the adoption of EBP.
6. What is the primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in nursing research?
A. To ensure the study has sufficient funding for completion.
B. To protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects.
C. To review the statistical analysis for mathematical accuracy.
D. To assist in the publication process in peer-reviewed journals.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The IRB is a committee that reviews research proposals to ensure that
ethical standards are maintained and that human subjects are protected from harm. They
assess the informed consent process, the risks versus benefits, and the privacy measures
