NSG 324A Exam 1 V3 | NSG 324A
Research and Evidence-Based Practice |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG324A
Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. Which of the following best describes the fundamental purpose of Evidence-Based Practice
(EBP) in the nursing profession?
A. To integrate the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values for
optimal outcomes.
B. To ensure that all nursing care is based strictly on tradition and historical precedent.
C. To reduce the cost of healthcare by eliminating expensive medical technologies.
D. To replace clinical judgment with standardized protocols derived only from quantitative
studies.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Evidence-Based Practice is defined as the integration of the best available
research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences. This triad approach
ensures that nursing care is individualized while remaining grounded in scientifically
proven methods. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes and provide the highest
quality of care possible in various clinical settings.
2. In the PICOT format for developing a research question, what does the ‘I’ represent?
A. Implementation
,B. Institution
C. Investigation
D. Intervention
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The ‘I’ in the PICOT mnemonic stands for Intervention or Interest. This
component identifies the specific treatment, therapy, or clinical issue that the nurse is
examining for its effect on a population. Clearly defining the intervention is crucial for
conducting a focused and effective search of the medical literature.
3. Which factors are commonly identified as barriers to the implementation of Evidence-
Based Practice in nursing? (Select All That Apply)
A. Lack of time to read and appraise research.
B. Limited access to electronic databases and journals.
C. Resistance to change within the organizational culture.
D. Abundance of institutional funding for research dissemination.
E. Lack of knowledge regarding research appraisal skills.
F. Inadequate support from nursing leadership or administration.
Correct Answer: ABCEF
Explanation: Barriers to EBP are multifaceted and can occur at both the individual and
organizational levels. Common obstacles include a lack of time during shifts, insufficient
,skills to evaluate research critically, and a workplace culture that values ‘the way we’ve
always done it’ over new evidence. Addressing these barriers requires a combination of
educational support, improved resource access, and a supportive administrative
environment.
4. A nurse researcher is looking for the highest level of evidence to support a change in
wound care protocols. Which type of study should the nurse prioritize?
A. Case-control study
B. Systematic review or meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
C. Single descriptive or qualitative study
D. Expert opinion from a specialty organization
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: According to the Hierarchy of Evidence, systematic reviews and meta-
analyses of all relevant Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are considered Level 1
evidence. These studies synthesize findings from multiple high-quality research projects to
provide a comprehensive conclusion. This level of evidence provides the strongest basis for
making clinical practice changes due to its rigorous methodology and reduced risk of bias.
5. What is the primary objective of qualitative research in nursing?
A. To test hypotheses and determine cause-and-effect relationships.
B. To generalize findings to a large population using statistical analysis.
C. To gain a deep understanding of human experiences and social processes.
, D. To control variables and minimize the influence of the researcher.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Qualitative research focuses on exploring the subjective experiences,
meanings, and perspectives of individuals or groups. It uses methods such as interviews
and focus groups to gather rich, descriptive data rather than numerical values. This
approach is essential for understanding the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind patient behaviors and
health phenomena.
6. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report requires researchers to treat participants
fairly and ensure an equitable distribution of the burdens and benefits of research?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The principle of Justice dictates that the selection of research participants
should be fair and that no specific group should bear the burden of research while others
reap the benefits. It prevents the exploitation of vulnerable populations and ensures that
research subjects are chosen based on scientific needs rather than convenience. This
ethical framework is a cornerstone of modern human subjects research protections.
Research and Evidence-Based Practice |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG324A
Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. Which of the following best describes the fundamental purpose of Evidence-Based Practice
(EBP) in the nursing profession?
A. To integrate the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values for
optimal outcomes.
B. To ensure that all nursing care is based strictly on tradition and historical precedent.
C. To reduce the cost of healthcare by eliminating expensive medical technologies.
D. To replace clinical judgment with standardized protocols derived only from quantitative
studies.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Evidence-Based Practice is defined as the integration of the best available
research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences. This triad approach
ensures that nursing care is individualized while remaining grounded in scientifically
proven methods. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes and provide the highest
quality of care possible in various clinical settings.
2. In the PICOT format for developing a research question, what does the ‘I’ represent?
A. Implementation
,B. Institution
C. Investigation
D. Intervention
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The ‘I’ in the PICOT mnemonic stands for Intervention or Interest. This
component identifies the specific treatment, therapy, or clinical issue that the nurse is
examining for its effect on a population. Clearly defining the intervention is crucial for
conducting a focused and effective search of the medical literature.
3. Which factors are commonly identified as barriers to the implementation of Evidence-
Based Practice in nursing? (Select All That Apply)
A. Lack of time to read and appraise research.
B. Limited access to electronic databases and journals.
C. Resistance to change within the organizational culture.
D. Abundance of institutional funding for research dissemination.
E. Lack of knowledge regarding research appraisal skills.
F. Inadequate support from nursing leadership or administration.
Correct Answer: ABCEF
Explanation: Barriers to EBP are multifaceted and can occur at both the individual and
organizational levels. Common obstacles include a lack of time during shifts, insufficient
,skills to evaluate research critically, and a workplace culture that values ‘the way we’ve
always done it’ over new evidence. Addressing these barriers requires a combination of
educational support, improved resource access, and a supportive administrative
environment.
4. A nurse researcher is looking for the highest level of evidence to support a change in
wound care protocols. Which type of study should the nurse prioritize?
A. Case-control study
B. Systematic review or meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
C. Single descriptive or qualitative study
D. Expert opinion from a specialty organization
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: According to the Hierarchy of Evidence, systematic reviews and meta-
analyses of all relevant Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are considered Level 1
evidence. These studies synthesize findings from multiple high-quality research projects to
provide a comprehensive conclusion. This level of evidence provides the strongest basis for
making clinical practice changes due to its rigorous methodology and reduced risk of bias.
5. What is the primary objective of qualitative research in nursing?
A. To test hypotheses and determine cause-and-effect relationships.
B. To generalize findings to a large population using statistical analysis.
C. To gain a deep understanding of human experiences and social processes.
, D. To control variables and minimize the influence of the researcher.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Qualitative research focuses on exploring the subjective experiences,
meanings, and perspectives of individuals or groups. It uses methods such as interviews
and focus groups to gather rich, descriptive data rather than numerical values. This
approach is essential for understanding the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind patient behaviors and
health phenomena.
6. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report requires researchers to treat participants
fairly and ensure an equitable distribution of the burdens and benefits of research?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The principle of Justice dictates that the selection of research participants
should be fair and that no specific group should bear the burden of research while others
reap the benefits. It prevents the exploitation of vulnerable populations and ensures that
research subjects are chosen based on scientific needs rather than convenience. This
ethical framework is a cornerstone of modern human subjects research protections.
