NRS 445 Final Exam V2 | NRS 445 Nursing
Research and Evidence-Based Practice | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NRS445 Final Exam) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A nurse is preparing a clinical question using the PICOT format. Which of the following
components are correctly identified as part of the PICOT framework? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or Area of Interest
C. Comparison intervention
D. Outcome
E. Timeframe
F. Purpose of the study
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT acronym stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome, and Time. These elements help nurses refine a clinical query into a searchable
and answerable question. While the purpose of a study is important, it is not an official
component of the PICOT mnemonic used in evidence-based practice models at Grand
Canyon University.
,2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following study designs represents the highest
level of evidence (Level I)?
A. Case-control or cohort studies
B. Single correlational or observational study
C. Systematic review or meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
D. Opinion of authorities and expert committees
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Level I evidence is considered the ‘gold standard’ and consists of systematic
reviews or meta-analyses of all relevant randomized controlled trials. These studies
provide the most rigorous synthesis of evidence to support clinical decision-making. Lower
levels include individual RCTs (Level II) and non-experimental designs or expert opinions
(Levels IV-VII).
3. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report ensures that participants are treated in an
ethical manner by respecting their decisions and protecting them from harm?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Veracity
D. Respect for Persons
Correct Answer: B
, Explanation: Beneficence involves the obligation to minimize harm and maximize benefits
for research participants. It requires researchers to assess the risk-benefit ratio carefully
before proceeding with a study. This principle is one of the three foundational pillars
established by the Belmont Report to protect human subjects.
4. A researcher is conducting a study on the lived experiences of parents grieving the loss of a
child. Which type of research design is most appropriate for this study?
A. Quantitative Experimental
B. Quasi-experimental
C. Qualitative Ethnographic
D. Qualitative Phenomenological
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Phenomenological research focuses on describing the ‘lived experience’ of
individuals regarding a specific phenomenon. It seeks to understand the essence of how
people perceive their world in a subjective manner. In contrast, ethnography focuses on
cultural groups, and quantitative designs focus on numerical data and causality.
5. Which of the following are essential elements of informed consent in a nursing research
study? (Select All That Apply)
A. Disclosure of potential risks and benefits
B. Description of the study procedures
C. Assurance of the right to withdraw at any time
Research and Evidence-Based Practice | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NRS445 Final Exam) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A nurse is preparing a clinical question using the PICOT format. Which of the following
components are correctly identified as part of the PICOT framework? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or Area of Interest
C. Comparison intervention
D. Outcome
E. Timeframe
F. Purpose of the study
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT acronym stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome, and Time. These elements help nurses refine a clinical query into a searchable
and answerable question. While the purpose of a study is important, it is not an official
component of the PICOT mnemonic used in evidence-based practice models at Grand
Canyon University.
,2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following study designs represents the highest
level of evidence (Level I)?
A. Case-control or cohort studies
B. Single correlational or observational study
C. Systematic review or meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
D. Opinion of authorities and expert committees
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Level I evidence is considered the ‘gold standard’ and consists of systematic
reviews or meta-analyses of all relevant randomized controlled trials. These studies
provide the most rigorous synthesis of evidence to support clinical decision-making. Lower
levels include individual RCTs (Level II) and non-experimental designs or expert opinions
(Levels IV-VII).
3. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report ensures that participants are treated in an
ethical manner by respecting their decisions and protecting them from harm?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Veracity
D. Respect for Persons
Correct Answer: B
, Explanation: Beneficence involves the obligation to minimize harm and maximize benefits
for research participants. It requires researchers to assess the risk-benefit ratio carefully
before proceeding with a study. This principle is one of the three foundational pillars
established by the Belmont Report to protect human subjects.
4. A researcher is conducting a study on the lived experiences of parents grieving the loss of a
child. Which type of research design is most appropriate for this study?
A. Quantitative Experimental
B. Quasi-experimental
C. Qualitative Ethnographic
D. Qualitative Phenomenological
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Phenomenological research focuses on describing the ‘lived experience’ of
individuals regarding a specific phenomenon. It seeks to understand the essence of how
people perceive their world in a subjective manner. In contrast, ethnography focuses on
cultural groups, and quantitative designs focus on numerical data and causality.
5. Which of the following are essential elements of informed consent in a nursing research
study? (Select All That Apply)
A. Disclosure of potential risks and benefits
B. Description of the study procedures
C. Assurance of the right to withdraw at any time
