NSG 324A Exam 4 V2 | NSG 324A
Research and Evidence-Based Practice |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG324A
Exam 4) | Grand Canyon University
1. When developing a clinical question using the PICOT format, which elements should the
nurse include to ensure the question is well-structured? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or area of interest
C. Comparison intervention or group
D. Outcome of interest
E. Time needed to achieve the outcome
F. Financial cost of the research
Correct Answer: ABCDE
Explanation: The PICOT format is a consistent formula for developing clinical research
questions that include Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. Each
component helps to clarify the focus of the literature search and the scope of the clinical
problem. Financial cost is not an official component of the PICOT mnemonic used in
evidence-based practice models.
,2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the strongest level of
evidence for making clinical decisions regarding an intervention?
A. Single randomized controlled trial (RCT)
B. Case-control studies
C. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
D. Expert opinion and consensus reports
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials is categorized as Level I
evidence because it synthesizes findings from multiple high-quality studies. This approach
provides a more comprehensive and statistically powerful conclusion than any individual
study. It minimizes the risk of bias inherent in single-study designs and represents the gold
standard for clinical practice guidelines.
3. A nurse researcher is studying the lived experience of patients undergoing chemotherapy
for the first time. Which qualitative research design is most appropriate for this study?
A. Grounded Theory
B. Phenomenology
C. Ethnography
D. Case Study
Correct Answer: B
, Explanation: Phenomenology focuses on describing the ‘lived experience’ of individuals
regarding a specific phenomenon to understand its essence. The researcher seeks to
understand the world from the perspective of the participants who have experienced the
situation. Unlike grounded theory, which aims to develop a theory from data,
phenomenology aims for deep description and meaning.
4. The researcher finds a p-value of 0.03 in a study comparing two wound care treatments.
How should this result be interpreted given a standard alpha level of 0.05?
A. There is a 3% chance that the treatment is effective.
B. The results are not statistically significant, and the null hypothesis should be accepted.
C. The results are statistically significant, and the null hypothesis should be rejected.
D. The findings are clinically significant regardless of the p-value.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A p-value less than the predetermined alpha level (usually 0.05) indicates
that the observed results are unlikely to have occurred by chance alone. This leads the
researcher to reject the null hypothesis, suggesting a significant relationship or difference
exists. Statistical significance does not always imply clinical significance, but it is a primary
metric for quantitative analysis.
5. Prior to conducting a research study, the researcher must obtain informed consent. Which
elements are essential components of this process? (Select All That Apply)
A. Disclosure of potential risks and benefits
Research and Evidence-Based Practice |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG324A
Exam 4) | Grand Canyon University
1. When developing a clinical question using the PICOT format, which elements should the
nurse include to ensure the question is well-structured? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or area of interest
C. Comparison intervention or group
D. Outcome of interest
E. Time needed to achieve the outcome
F. Financial cost of the research
Correct Answer: ABCDE
Explanation: The PICOT format is a consistent formula for developing clinical research
questions that include Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time. Each
component helps to clarify the focus of the literature search and the scope of the clinical
problem. Financial cost is not an official component of the PICOT mnemonic used in
evidence-based practice models.
,2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the strongest level of
evidence for making clinical decisions regarding an intervention?
A. Single randomized controlled trial (RCT)
B. Case-control studies
C. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
D. Expert opinion and consensus reports
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials is categorized as Level I
evidence because it synthesizes findings from multiple high-quality studies. This approach
provides a more comprehensive and statistically powerful conclusion than any individual
study. It minimizes the risk of bias inherent in single-study designs and represents the gold
standard for clinical practice guidelines.
3. A nurse researcher is studying the lived experience of patients undergoing chemotherapy
for the first time. Which qualitative research design is most appropriate for this study?
A. Grounded Theory
B. Phenomenology
C. Ethnography
D. Case Study
Correct Answer: B
, Explanation: Phenomenology focuses on describing the ‘lived experience’ of individuals
regarding a specific phenomenon to understand its essence. The researcher seeks to
understand the world from the perspective of the participants who have experienced the
situation. Unlike grounded theory, which aims to develop a theory from data,
phenomenology aims for deep description and meaning.
4. The researcher finds a p-value of 0.03 in a study comparing two wound care treatments.
How should this result be interpreted given a standard alpha level of 0.05?
A. There is a 3% chance that the treatment is effective.
B. The results are not statistically significant, and the null hypothesis should be accepted.
C. The results are statistically significant, and the null hypothesis should be rejected.
D. The findings are clinically significant regardless of the p-value.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A p-value less than the predetermined alpha level (usually 0.05) indicates
that the observed results are unlikely to have occurred by chance alone. This leads the
researcher to reject the null hypothesis, suggesting a significant relationship or difference
exists. Statistical significance does not always imply clinical significance, but it is a primary
metric for quantitative analysis.
5. Prior to conducting a research study, the researcher must obtain informed consent. Which
elements are essential components of this process? (Select All That Apply)
A. Disclosure of potential risks and benefits
