NSG 448 Exam 1 V2 | NSG 448 Evidence-Based
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. When developing a clinical question using the PICOT format, which of the following are
recognized components of the mnemonic? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or issue
C. Comparison of interest
D. Outcome expected
E. Time needed for the intervention
F. Process of implementation
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT format is a standard framework used in evidence-based practice
to construct a clear and searchable clinical question. It includes the Population,
Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time frame. The ‘Process’ is not a formal
component of the PICOT mnemonic used for literature searches.
2. According to the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the gold
standard or highest level of evidence?
A. Expert opinion and consensus reports
,B. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
C. Case-control studies
D. Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of RCTs
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses sit at the top of the evidence
hierarchy because they synthesize findings from multiple high-quality studies. This
provides a more robust and generalized conclusion than any single study could offer.
Randomized controlled trials are high level but are positioned below systematic reviews.
3. In the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, what is the initial step when starting an EBP
project?
A. Forming a team
B. Identifying a trigger (knowledge-focused or problem-focused)
C. Piloting the change
D. Evaluating the outcomes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Iowa Model begins with a trigger that identifies a clinical problem or a
new knowledge discovery. This trigger prompts the nursing team to question if the current
practice is the best evidence-based approach. Following this, the team decides if the topic is
a priority for the organization.
, 4. A researcher is studying the lived experience of patients surviving a sudden cardiac arrest.
Which qualitative research design is most appropriate?
A. Ethnography
B. Grounded Theory
C. Phenomenology
D. Historical Research
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative research method specifically designed to
explore and describe the ‘lived experience’ of participants. It seeks to understand the
essence of a phenomenon from the perspective of those who have experienced it. Other
methods like ethnography focus more on culture, while grounded theory aims to develop a
theory from data.
5. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report requires that the benefits of research
outweigh the potential risks to the participants?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: C
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. When developing a clinical question using the PICOT format, which of the following are
recognized components of the mnemonic? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or issue
C. Comparison of interest
D. Outcome expected
E. Time needed for the intervention
F. Process of implementation
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT format is a standard framework used in evidence-based practice
to construct a clear and searchable clinical question. It includes the Population,
Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time frame. The ‘Process’ is not a formal
component of the PICOT mnemonic used for literature searches.
2. According to the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the gold
standard or highest level of evidence?
A. Expert opinion and consensus reports
,B. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
C. Case-control studies
D. Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of RCTs
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses sit at the top of the evidence
hierarchy because they synthesize findings from multiple high-quality studies. This
provides a more robust and generalized conclusion than any single study could offer.
Randomized controlled trials are high level but are positioned below systematic reviews.
3. In the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, what is the initial step when starting an EBP
project?
A. Forming a team
B. Identifying a trigger (knowledge-focused or problem-focused)
C. Piloting the change
D. Evaluating the outcomes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Iowa Model begins with a trigger that identifies a clinical problem or a
new knowledge discovery. This trigger prompts the nursing team to question if the current
practice is the best evidence-based approach. Following this, the team decides if the topic is
a priority for the organization.
, 4. A researcher is studying the lived experience of patients surviving a sudden cardiac arrest.
Which qualitative research design is most appropriate?
A. Ethnography
B. Grounded Theory
C. Phenomenology
D. Historical Research
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative research method specifically designed to
explore and describe the ‘lived experience’ of participants. It seeks to understand the
essence of a phenomenon from the perspective of those who have experienced it. Other
methods like ethnography focus more on culture, while grounded theory aims to develop a
theory from data.
5. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report requires that the benefits of research
outweigh the potential risks to the participants?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: C
