NSG 324A Final Exam V2 | NSG 324A
Research and Evidence-Based Practice |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG324A
Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. In the PICOT format for framing clinical questions, what does the ‘I’ represent?
A. Intervention
B. Implementation
C. Institution
D. Investigation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The ‘I’ in PICOT stands for the intervention or issue of interest that the nurse
is examining. This component specifies the treatment, diagnostic test, or prognostic factor
being studied. Identifying the intervention clearly is essential for conducting a focused
search for relevant evidence.
2. Which of the following is considered the highest level of evidence in the evidence-based
practice hierarchy?
A. Single Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
B. Expert opinion and consensus reports
C. Case-control and cohort studies
,D. Systematic review or meta-analysis of all relevant RCTs
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A systematic review or meta-analysis is at the top of the evidence hierarchy
because it synthesizes results from multiple high-quality studies. This approach provides a
more comprehensive and reliable conclusion than any single study. It reduces the bias that
might be present in individual trials by looking at the body of evidence as a whole.
3. A nurse is conducting a study using phenomenology. Which of the following characteristics
are consistent with this qualitative research design? (Select all that apply)
A. Explores the lived experience of participants
B. Utilizes statistical analysis to test a hypothesis
C. Focuses on the meaning of a phenomenon to individuals
D. Requires the researcher to ‘bracket’ their own biases
E. Aims to generalize findings to a large population
F. Involves small, purposive samples
Correct Answer: A, C, D, F
Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative approach that seeks to understand the ‘lived
experience’ of individuals regarding a specific concept. Researchers often use bracketing to
set aside their own preconceptions to better understand the participants’ perspectives.
, Unlike quantitative research, it uses small, non-random samples and does not aim for
statistical generalization or hypothesis testing.
4. What is the primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in nursing research?
A. To ensure the study has a high enough budget for completion
B. To protect the rights and welfare of human subjects
C. To guarantee that the research findings will be published
D. To assist the researcher in data collection and analysis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The IRB is a committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical
standards are met before data collection begins. Its main focus is the protection of human
subjects, including minimizing risks and ensuring informed consent. This process is
mandatory for any institution receiving federal funding for research involving people.
5. A researcher is studying the effect of music therapy on the heart rate of postoperative
patients. In this study, music therapy is the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Extraneous variable
C. Independent variable
D. Confounding variable
Correct Answer: C
Research and Evidence-Based Practice |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG324A
Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. In the PICOT format for framing clinical questions, what does the ‘I’ represent?
A. Intervention
B. Implementation
C. Institution
D. Investigation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The ‘I’ in PICOT stands for the intervention or issue of interest that the nurse
is examining. This component specifies the treatment, diagnostic test, or prognostic factor
being studied. Identifying the intervention clearly is essential for conducting a focused
search for relevant evidence.
2. Which of the following is considered the highest level of evidence in the evidence-based
practice hierarchy?
A. Single Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
B. Expert opinion and consensus reports
C. Case-control and cohort studies
,D. Systematic review or meta-analysis of all relevant RCTs
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A systematic review or meta-analysis is at the top of the evidence hierarchy
because it synthesizes results from multiple high-quality studies. This approach provides a
more comprehensive and reliable conclusion than any single study. It reduces the bias that
might be present in individual trials by looking at the body of evidence as a whole.
3. A nurse is conducting a study using phenomenology. Which of the following characteristics
are consistent with this qualitative research design? (Select all that apply)
A. Explores the lived experience of participants
B. Utilizes statistical analysis to test a hypothesis
C. Focuses on the meaning of a phenomenon to individuals
D. Requires the researcher to ‘bracket’ their own biases
E. Aims to generalize findings to a large population
F. Involves small, purposive samples
Correct Answer: A, C, D, F
Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative approach that seeks to understand the ‘lived
experience’ of individuals regarding a specific concept. Researchers often use bracketing to
set aside their own preconceptions to better understand the participants’ perspectives.
, Unlike quantitative research, it uses small, non-random samples and does not aim for
statistical generalization or hypothesis testing.
4. What is the primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in nursing research?
A. To ensure the study has a high enough budget for completion
B. To protect the rights and welfare of human subjects
C. To guarantee that the research findings will be published
D. To assist the researcher in data collection and analysis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The IRB is a committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical
standards are met before data collection begins. Its main focus is the protection of human
subjects, including minimizing risks and ensuring informed consent. This process is
mandatory for any institution receiving federal funding for research involving people.
5. A researcher is studying the effect of music therapy on the heart rate of postoperative
patients. In this study, music therapy is the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Extraneous variable
C. Independent variable
D. Confounding variable
Correct Answer: C
