NSG 324A Exam 3 V1 | NSG 324A
Research and Evidence-Based Practice |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG324A
Exam 3) | Grand Canyon University
1. Which of the following describes the primary goal of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in the
clinical nursing setting?
A. To standardize care based solely on historical institutional policies.
B. To ensure that all nursing staff follow a rigid, unchangeable set of rules.
C. To reduce the cost of healthcare by limiting expensive research-based interventions.
D. To integrate clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Evidence-Based Practice is a problem-solving approach to clinical practice
that incorporates the best evidence from well-designed studies, patient preferences, and
the clinician’s expertise. By using this multi-faceted approach, nurses can provide the
highest quality of care and improve patient outcomes. This shift ensures that nursing
interventions are not based on outdated traditions but on proven scientific methods.
2. A nurse is reviewing the hierarchy of evidence for a research project. Which level of
evidence is considered the highest or most reliable for clinical decision-making?
A. A single randomized controlled trial (RCT).
,B. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs.
C. Case-control and cohort studies.
D. Opinions of respected authorities and expert committees.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Systemate reviews and meta-analyses are at the top of the evidence
hierarchy because they synthesize findings from multiple high-quality studies. This
synthesis provides a more comprehensive and statistically powerful view of a clinical
intervention than a single study could offer. Utilizing the highest level of evidence ensures
that clinical guidelines are based on robust and validated research data.
3. In the PICOT format for developing a research question, what are the essential components
that should be identified? (Select all that apply)
A. Population or Patient.
B. Intervention or Influence.
C. Comparison or Control.
D. Outcome of interest.
E. Timeframe for the study.
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT format is a standard tool used to frame clinical questions to make
evidence searching more efficient. Each letter represents a critical element: Population,
, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. By defining these parameters clearly, the
researcher can focus the literature search and ensure the results are directly applicable to
the clinical problem.
4. When evaluating a quantitative research study, which term refers to the extent to which
an instrument consistently measures the same attribute?
A. Validity.
B. Reliability.
C. Generalizability.
D. Objectivity.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Reliability is defined as the consistency or stability of a measurement tool
over time and across different populations. A reliable instrument will produce similar
results when used repeatedly under the same conditions. This is essential in research to
ensure that the data collected is dependable and not the result of random error.
5. Ethical conduct in research is governed by several key principles. Which of the following
are the primary ethical principles outlined in the Belmont Report? (Select all that apply)
A. Beneficence.
B. Respect for persons.
C. Justice.
Research and Evidence-Based Practice |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG324A
Exam 3) | Grand Canyon University
1. Which of the following describes the primary goal of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in the
clinical nursing setting?
A. To standardize care based solely on historical institutional policies.
B. To ensure that all nursing staff follow a rigid, unchangeable set of rules.
C. To reduce the cost of healthcare by limiting expensive research-based interventions.
D. To integrate clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Evidence-Based Practice is a problem-solving approach to clinical practice
that incorporates the best evidence from well-designed studies, patient preferences, and
the clinician’s expertise. By using this multi-faceted approach, nurses can provide the
highest quality of care and improve patient outcomes. This shift ensures that nursing
interventions are not based on outdated traditions but on proven scientific methods.
2. A nurse is reviewing the hierarchy of evidence for a research project. Which level of
evidence is considered the highest or most reliable for clinical decision-making?
A. A single randomized controlled trial (RCT).
,B. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs.
C. Case-control and cohort studies.
D. Opinions of respected authorities and expert committees.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Systemate reviews and meta-analyses are at the top of the evidence
hierarchy because they synthesize findings from multiple high-quality studies. This
synthesis provides a more comprehensive and statistically powerful view of a clinical
intervention than a single study could offer. Utilizing the highest level of evidence ensures
that clinical guidelines are based on robust and validated research data.
3. In the PICOT format for developing a research question, what are the essential components
that should be identified? (Select all that apply)
A. Population or Patient.
B. Intervention or Influence.
C. Comparison or Control.
D. Outcome of interest.
E. Timeframe for the study.
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT format is a standard tool used to frame clinical questions to make
evidence searching more efficient. Each letter represents a critical element: Population,
, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. By defining these parameters clearly, the
researcher can focus the literature search and ensure the results are directly applicable to
the clinical problem.
4. When evaluating a quantitative research study, which term refers to the extent to which
an instrument consistently measures the same attribute?
A. Validity.
B. Reliability.
C. Generalizability.
D. Objectivity.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Reliability is defined as the consistency or stability of a measurement tool
over time and across different populations. A reliable instrument will produce similar
results when used repeatedly under the same conditions. This is essential in research to
ensure that the data collected is dependable and not the result of random error.
5. Ethical conduct in research is governed by several key principles. Which of the following
are the primary ethical principles outlined in the Belmont Report? (Select all that apply)
A. Beneficence.
B. Respect for persons.
C. Justice.
