NSG 448 Final Exam V3 | NSG 448 Evidence-Based
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. Which components are included in the PICO(T) framework used to develop a clinical
research question? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population/Patient
B. Intervention
C. Comparison
D. Outcome
E. Timeframe
F. Problem Statement
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICO(T) framework is a mnemonic used to help researchers and
clinicians define the core elements of a clinical question. The acronym stands for
Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time, although ‘Time’ is sometimes
optional depending on the study. The ‘Problem Statement’ is a separate component of a
research proposal and is not technically part of the PICO(T) acronym itself.
,2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the ‘gold standard’ or
highest level of evidence?
A. Expert Opinion
B. Case-Control Studies
C. Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of RCTs
D. Quasi-experimental Studies
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) occupy the top tier of the evidence hierarchy because they synthesize findings from
multiple high-quality studies. This approach reduces bias and provides a more robust
conclusion than individual studies. In contrast, expert opinion and case-control studies
represent lower levels of evidence due to a higher potential for bias and smaller sample
sizes.
3. A nurse is identifying key stakeholders for an evidence-based practice project focused on
reducing hospital-acquired infections. Who should be included? (Select All That Apply)
A. Bedside Nurses
B. Infection Control Specialists
C. Hospital Administration
D. Patients and Families
, E. The Hospital Maintenance Staff
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have a vested interest in the
outcome of a project or are affected by the proposed changes. In a project regarding
hospital-acquired infections, bedside nurses provide direct care, while infection control
specialists offer expertise. Including administration ensures institutional support, and
involving patients and families (and even maintenance for environmental hygiene)
provides a comprehensive approach to improvement.
4. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report refers to the obligation of researchers to
maximize possible benefits and minimize possible harms?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Autonomy
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Beneficence is the ethical principle that directs researchers to act in ways
that benefit the participants and society while minimizing risk. It requires a careful risk-
benefit analysis before a study is approved. While non-maleficence means ‘do no harm,’
beneficence goes further by emphasizing the proactive promotion of well-being.
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. Which components are included in the PICO(T) framework used to develop a clinical
research question? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population/Patient
B. Intervention
C. Comparison
D. Outcome
E. Timeframe
F. Problem Statement
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICO(T) framework is a mnemonic used to help researchers and
clinicians define the core elements of a clinical question. The acronym stands for
Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time, although ‘Time’ is sometimes
optional depending on the study. The ‘Problem Statement’ is a separate component of a
research proposal and is not technically part of the PICO(T) acronym itself.
,2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the ‘gold standard’ or
highest level of evidence?
A. Expert Opinion
B. Case-Control Studies
C. Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of RCTs
D. Quasi-experimental Studies
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) occupy the top tier of the evidence hierarchy because they synthesize findings from
multiple high-quality studies. This approach reduces bias and provides a more robust
conclusion than individual studies. In contrast, expert opinion and case-control studies
represent lower levels of evidence due to a higher potential for bias and smaller sample
sizes.
3. A nurse is identifying key stakeholders for an evidence-based practice project focused on
reducing hospital-acquired infections. Who should be included? (Select All That Apply)
A. Bedside Nurses
B. Infection Control Specialists
C. Hospital Administration
D. Patients and Families
, E. The Hospital Maintenance Staff
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have a vested interest in the
outcome of a project or are affected by the proposed changes. In a project regarding
hospital-acquired infections, bedside nurses provide direct care, while infection control
specialists offer expertise. Including administration ensures institutional support, and
involving patients and families (and even maintenance for environmental hygiene)
provides a comprehensive approach to improvement.
4. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report refers to the obligation of researchers to
maximize possible benefits and minimize possible harms?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Autonomy
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Beneficence is the ethical principle that directs researchers to act in ways
that benefit the participants and society while minimizing risk. It requires a careful risk-
benefit analysis before a study is approved. While non-maleficence means ‘do no harm,’
beneficence goes further by emphasizing the proactive promotion of well-being.
