NR503 MIDTERM ACTUAL
EXAM 2024 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Question 1: Define evidence-based practice and explain its importance in nursing.
Answer: Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available research evidence
with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. It's
important because it ensures that care provided is based on the most current and relevant
research, improving patient outcomes and promoting effective, efficient, and cost-effective
interventions.
Question 2: Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods. Provide an
example of each.
Answer: Qualitative research explores phenomena through detailed, non-numerical data,
focusing on understanding experiences and meanings. For example, a study exploring patient
experiences with chronic illness using interviews would be qualitative. Quantitative research
involves numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and determine relationships
between variables. An example is a study measuring the effectiveness of a new medication
through clinical trials with statistical analysis of outcome data.
Question 3: What are clinical practice guidelines, and how are they developed?
Answer: Clinical practice guidelines are systematically developed statements that assist
practitioners and patients in making decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical
situations. They are developed through a rigorous process involving a review of the evidence,
expert consensus, and consideration of patient preferences. Organizations like the Institute of
Medicine (IOM) often guide the development process.
Question 4: What are the key components of a critical appraisal of a research article?
Answer: Key components include evaluating the research question or hypothesis, study design,
methodology, sample size, data collection and analysis, results, and conclusions. Appraisal also
involves assessing the validity, reliability, and applicability of the findings to clinical practice.
Question 5: Discuss the importance of informed consent in research and the principles
involved.
EXAM 2024 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Question 1: Define evidence-based practice and explain its importance in nursing.
Answer: Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available research evidence
with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. It's
important because it ensures that care provided is based on the most current and relevant
research, improving patient outcomes and promoting effective, efficient, and cost-effective
interventions.
Question 2: Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods. Provide an
example of each.
Answer: Qualitative research explores phenomena through detailed, non-numerical data,
focusing on understanding experiences and meanings. For example, a study exploring patient
experiences with chronic illness using interviews would be qualitative. Quantitative research
involves numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and determine relationships
between variables. An example is a study measuring the effectiveness of a new medication
through clinical trials with statistical analysis of outcome data.
Question 3: What are clinical practice guidelines, and how are they developed?
Answer: Clinical practice guidelines are systematically developed statements that assist
practitioners and patients in making decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical
situations. They are developed through a rigorous process involving a review of the evidence,
expert consensus, and consideration of patient preferences. Organizations like the Institute of
Medicine (IOM) often guide the development process.
Question 4: What are the key components of a critical appraisal of a research article?
Answer: Key components include evaluating the research question or hypothesis, study design,
methodology, sample size, data collection and analysis, results, and conclusions. Appraisal also
involves assessing the validity, reliability, and applicability of the findings to clinical practice.
Question 5: Discuss the importance of informed consent in research and the principles
involved.
