EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN NURSING
& HEALTHCARE
A GUIDE TO BEST PRACTICE
5TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)BERNADETTE MAZUREK
MELNYK; ELLEN FINEOUT-OVERHOLT
TEST BANK
1) Reference
Ch. 1 — Making the Case for Evidence-Based Practice — Spirit
of Inquiry
Stem
A medical-surgical unit has been using the same postoperative
,ambulation routine for years, but nurses notice that patients
who mobilize earlier often report less fatigue and shorter stays.
One nurse asks whether the unit should keep the current
routine because “it has always worked,” while another wants to
examine whether the practice still reflects best care. What is
the best evidence-based response?
Options
A. Continue the routine because long-standing practice is
usually reliable
B. Ask a focused clinical question and search for current
evidence
C. Change the practice immediately based on nurse preference
D. Wait until a formal research study is conducted on the unit
Correct Answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: Cultivating a spirit of inquiry begins with
questioning current practice and seeking the best available
evidence before making changes. This response reflects the EBP
process because it moves from noticing a practice concern to
asking a clinical question that can be examined with evidence.
A: Tradition alone does not establish effectiveness and may
preserve outdated care.
C: Immediate change without appraisal risks replacing one
untested habit with another.
, D: Waiting for unit-based research is unnecessary when
existing evidence may already answer the question.
Teaching Point
Question practice first; tradition is not evidence.
Citation
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based
Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Ch. 1.
2) Reference
Ch. 1 — Making the Case for Evidence-Based Practice —
Definition of EBP
Stem
During orientation, a new nurse says, “EBP just means following
research articles.” The preceptor wants to correct this
misunderstanding and emphasize a more complete view of
practice. Which statement is best?
Options
A. EBP is the same as research because both rely on published
studies
B. EBP combines best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences
C. EBP means nurses should only follow physician orders
supported by research
, D. EBP is mainly a documentation strategy used to justify care
after the fact
Correct Answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: EBP is broader than research use alone; it
integrates research evidence with clinician expertise and
patient values/preferences. That integration is central to high-
quality clinical decision-making and is the foundation for
translating evidence into practice.
A: Research contributes to EBP, but it is not the whole
process.
C: EBP is an interprofessional decision process, not a
physician-only directive.
D: EBP guides care planning before and during care, not just
after documentation.
Teaching Point
EBP is evidence plus expertise plus patient preferences.
Citation
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based
Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Ch. 1.
3) Reference
& HEALTHCARE
A GUIDE TO BEST PRACTICE
5TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)BERNADETTE MAZUREK
MELNYK; ELLEN FINEOUT-OVERHOLT
TEST BANK
1) Reference
Ch. 1 — Making the Case for Evidence-Based Practice — Spirit
of Inquiry
Stem
A medical-surgical unit has been using the same postoperative
,ambulation routine for years, but nurses notice that patients
who mobilize earlier often report less fatigue and shorter stays.
One nurse asks whether the unit should keep the current
routine because “it has always worked,” while another wants to
examine whether the practice still reflects best care. What is
the best evidence-based response?
Options
A. Continue the routine because long-standing practice is
usually reliable
B. Ask a focused clinical question and search for current
evidence
C. Change the practice immediately based on nurse preference
D. Wait until a formal research study is conducted on the unit
Correct Answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: Cultivating a spirit of inquiry begins with
questioning current practice and seeking the best available
evidence before making changes. This response reflects the EBP
process because it moves from noticing a practice concern to
asking a clinical question that can be examined with evidence.
A: Tradition alone does not establish effectiveness and may
preserve outdated care.
C: Immediate change without appraisal risks replacing one
untested habit with another.
, D: Waiting for unit-based research is unnecessary when
existing evidence may already answer the question.
Teaching Point
Question practice first; tradition is not evidence.
Citation
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based
Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Ch. 1.
2) Reference
Ch. 1 — Making the Case for Evidence-Based Practice —
Definition of EBP
Stem
During orientation, a new nurse says, “EBP just means following
research articles.” The preceptor wants to correct this
misunderstanding and emphasize a more complete view of
practice. Which statement is best?
Options
A. EBP is the same as research because both rely on published
studies
B. EBP combines best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences
C. EBP means nurses should only follow physician orders
supported by research
, D. EBP is mainly a documentation strategy used to justify care
after the fact
Correct Answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: EBP is broader than research use alone; it
integrates research evidence with clinician expertise and
patient values/preferences. That integration is central to high-
quality clinical decision-making and is the foundation for
translating evidence into practice.
A: Research contributes to EBP, but it is not the whole
process.
C: EBP is an interprofessional decision process, not a
physician-only directive.
D: EBP guides care planning before and during care, not just
after documentation.
Teaching Point
EBP is evidence plus expertise plus patient preferences.
Citation
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-Based
Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (5th ed.). Ch. 1.
3) Reference
