NSG 448 Final Exam V1 | NSG 448 Evidence-Based
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. When developing a PICOT question, which components are essential for defining the scope
of the evidence-based practice project? (Select all that apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or issue of interest
C. Comparison of interest
D. Outcome desired
E. Time frame
F. Financial budget
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT format is a standard framework used in evidence-based practice
to organize and prioritize clinical questions. Each letter stands for a specific element:
Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. Financial budget is not part of
the mnemonic, although it is a practical consideration for project implementation.
2. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based
Practice?
A. To provide a step-by-step guide for individual clinical decision-making.
,B. To serve as a framework for organizations to implement EBP and improve patient
outcomes.
C. To rank the levels of evidence from systematic reviews to expert opinion.
D. To define the ethical boundaries of human subject research.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Iowa Model is a widely used framework that guides healthcare
organizations through the process of implementing EBP changes. It focuses on triggers for
change, such as clinical problems or new knowledge, and leads the team through pilot
testing and evaluation. This model emphasizes the institutional context rather than just the
individual practitioner’s actions.
3. In the hierarchy of evidence, which study design is considered the ‘gold standard’ for
testing the effectiveness of a specific intervention?
A. Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
B. Case-control study
C. Qualitative phenomenological study
D. Expert opinion of a task force
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Randomized Controlled Trials are considered the gold standard for clinical
interventions because they minimize bias through randomization and control groups. They
, sit at the top of the hierarchy for individual studies, surpassed only by systematic reviews
or meta-analyses of multiple RCTs. This design provides the strongest evidence for cause-
and-effect relationships.
4. A nurse researcher is evaluating a new protocol for post-operative pain management.
Which of the following are examples of outcome measures? (Select all that apply)
A. Patient pain scores on a 0-10 scale
B. Length of hospital stay
C. Number of nurses trained on the new protocol
D. Patient satisfaction scores
E. Frequency of adverse drug events
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: Outcome measures reflect the impact of an intervention on patient health
status or healthcare delivery efficiency. Examples include pain levels, length of stay, and
patient satisfaction, as they directly measure the result of the clinical change. In contrast,
the number of nurses trained is a process measure, focusing on how the intervention was
implemented rather than the result itself.
5. What is the primary role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in the context of an
evidence-based practice project?
A. To ensure the project is financially viable for the hospital.
B. To protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in the study.
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. When developing a PICOT question, which components are essential for defining the scope
of the evidence-based practice project? (Select all that apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or issue of interest
C. Comparison of interest
D. Outcome desired
E. Time frame
F. Financial budget
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT format is a standard framework used in evidence-based practice
to organize and prioritize clinical questions. Each letter stands for a specific element:
Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. Financial budget is not part of
the mnemonic, although it is a practical consideration for project implementation.
2. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based
Practice?
A. To provide a step-by-step guide for individual clinical decision-making.
,B. To serve as a framework for organizations to implement EBP and improve patient
outcomes.
C. To rank the levels of evidence from systematic reviews to expert opinion.
D. To define the ethical boundaries of human subject research.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Iowa Model is a widely used framework that guides healthcare
organizations through the process of implementing EBP changes. It focuses on triggers for
change, such as clinical problems or new knowledge, and leads the team through pilot
testing and evaluation. This model emphasizes the institutional context rather than just the
individual practitioner’s actions.
3. In the hierarchy of evidence, which study design is considered the ‘gold standard’ for
testing the effectiveness of a specific intervention?
A. Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
B. Case-control study
C. Qualitative phenomenological study
D. Expert opinion of a task force
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Randomized Controlled Trials are considered the gold standard for clinical
interventions because they minimize bias through randomization and control groups. They
, sit at the top of the hierarchy for individual studies, surpassed only by systematic reviews
or meta-analyses of multiple RCTs. This design provides the strongest evidence for cause-
and-effect relationships.
4. A nurse researcher is evaluating a new protocol for post-operative pain management.
Which of the following are examples of outcome measures? (Select all that apply)
A. Patient pain scores on a 0-10 scale
B. Length of hospital stay
C. Number of nurses trained on the new protocol
D. Patient satisfaction scores
E. Frequency of adverse drug events
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: Outcome measures reflect the impact of an intervention on patient health
status or healthcare delivery efficiency. Examples include pain levels, length of stay, and
patient satisfaction, as they directly measure the result of the clinical change. In contrast,
the number of nurses trained is a process measure, focusing on how the intervention was
implemented rather than the result itself.
5. What is the primary role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in the context of an
evidence-based practice project?
A. To ensure the project is financially viable for the hospital.
B. To protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in the study.
