NRS 445 Exam 1 V3 | NRS 445 Nursing Research
and Evidence-Based Practice | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NRS445 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon
University
1. A nurse researcher is developing a clinical question using the PICOT format. Which of the
following components are essential parts of this framework? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or area of interest
C. Comparison intervention or group
D. Outcome
E. Timeframe
F. Financial cost
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT acronym stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome, and Time. Each element is crucial for narrowing down a clinical problem into a
searchable and answerable question. Financial cost is not a standard component of the
PICOT mnemonic, although it may be a practical consideration later in the EBP process.
2. According to the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the ‘gold
standard’ for providing the highest level of evidence for clinical practice?
A. Case-control studies
,B. Qualitative descriptive studies
C. Expert opinion and editorials
D. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Systematic reviews of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are situated at
the top of the evidence hierarchy (Level I). They provide the most rigorous and reliable
evidence because they synthesize data from multiple high-quality experiments. Other
levels, such as expert opinion, represent the lowest level of evidence due to potential bias.
3. What is the primary purpose of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in nursing?
A. To ensure that clinical decisions are based on the best available research, clinical
expertise, and patient preferences
B. To reduce the workload of the nursing staff
C. To follow hospital policies strictly without questioning their origin
D. To publish more papers in academic journals
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Evidence-Based Practice aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating
the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. It moves away from
tradition-based practice and toward scientifically validated methods. This triple-pillar
approach ensures that care is both effective and patient-centered.
, 4. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report ensures that research participants are
treated fairly and that the benefits and burdens of research are distributed equitably?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of Justice requires that the selection of research subjects be fair
and that no specific group is unfairly targeted or excluded. It ensures that the risks and
rewards of research are shared across the population rather than burdening vulnerable
groups. This is a foundational ethical guideline for all human subjects research.
5. A researcher is studying the effect of a new wound dressing on the healing rate of pressure
ulcers. In this study, the healing rate is considered which type of variable?
A. Independent variable
B. Extraneous variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Dependent variable
Correct Answer: D
and Evidence-Based Practice | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NRS445 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon
University
1. A nurse researcher is developing a clinical question using the PICOT format. Which of the
following components are essential parts of this framework? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or area of interest
C. Comparison intervention or group
D. Outcome
E. Timeframe
F. Financial cost
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT acronym stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome, and Time. Each element is crucial for narrowing down a clinical problem into a
searchable and answerable question. Financial cost is not a standard component of the
PICOT mnemonic, although it may be a practical consideration later in the EBP process.
2. According to the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the ‘gold
standard’ for providing the highest level of evidence for clinical practice?
A. Case-control studies
,B. Qualitative descriptive studies
C. Expert opinion and editorials
D. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Systematic reviews of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are situated at
the top of the evidence hierarchy (Level I). They provide the most rigorous and reliable
evidence because they synthesize data from multiple high-quality experiments. Other
levels, such as expert opinion, represent the lowest level of evidence due to potential bias.
3. What is the primary purpose of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in nursing?
A. To ensure that clinical decisions are based on the best available research, clinical
expertise, and patient preferences
B. To reduce the workload of the nursing staff
C. To follow hospital policies strictly without questioning their origin
D. To publish more papers in academic journals
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Evidence-Based Practice aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating
the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. It moves away from
tradition-based practice and toward scientifically validated methods. This triple-pillar
approach ensures that care is both effective and patient-centered.
, 4. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report ensures that research participants are
treated fairly and that the benefits and burdens of research are distributed equitably?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of Justice requires that the selection of research subjects be fair
and that no specific group is unfairly targeted or excluded. It ensures that the risks and
rewards of research are shared across the population rather than burdening vulnerable
groups. This is a foundational ethical guideline for all human subjects research.
5. A researcher is studying the effect of a new wound dressing on the healing rate of pressure
ulcers. In this study, the healing rate is considered which type of variable?
A. Independent variable
B. Extraneous variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Dependent variable
Correct Answer: D
