NSG 448 Exam 1 V3 | NSG 448 Evidence-Based
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse researcher is developing a clinical question using the PICOT format. Which of the
following elements are essential components of this framework? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or Area of Interest
C. Comparison intervention or group
D. Outcome of interest
E. Timeframe
F. Financial cost of implementation
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT framework stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome, and Time. It is a standardized method used by healthcare professionals to
formulate clinical questions that are searchable and answerable. Financial cost, while
important in project management, is not an official component of the acronym’s structural
logic.
,2. When evaluating the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the ‘gold
standard’ or highest level of evidence (Level I)?
A. Case-control studies
B. Systematic reviews or Meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
C. Expert opinion of clinical leaders
D. Single descriptive or qualitative studies
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Level I evidence consists of systematic reviews or meta-analyses of all
relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies synthesize the results of
multiple high-quality experiments to provide the strongest basis for clinical practice
changes. Case-control studies and expert opinions represent lower levels of evidence due
to higher risks of bias.
3. A nurse is conducting a qualitative research study focused on the lived experiences of
patients diagnosed with terminal cancer. Which research tradition is the nurse most likely
utilizing?
A. Phenomenology
B. Grounded Theory
C. Ethnography
D. Historical Research
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative research approach that focuses on the
description and interpretation of the lived experiences of participants. The goal is to
understand the ‘essence’ of a phenomenon from the perspective of those who have
experienced it. Grounded theory, by contrast, seeks to develop a theoretical model based
on the data, while ethnography focuses on cultural groups.
4. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report ensures that the benefits of research are
distributed fairly across different populations and that vulnerable groups are not exploited?
A. Beneficence
B. Respect for Persons
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of Justice requires that the selection of research subjects be
equitable and that the burdens and benefits of research are shared fairly. It prevents
researchers from targeting specific groups, such as prisoners or the impoverished, simply
because of their availability or status. Beneficence focuses on maximizing benefits and
minimizing harms, while Respect for Persons involves autonomy and informed consent.
5. In quantitative research, what is the primary purpose of using a random sample?
A. To ensure that the participants find the study interesting
, B. To reduce the cost of data collection
C. To increase the generalizability of the findings to the larger population
D. To make the data analysis process simpler for the researcher
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Random sampling is a probability-based technique where every member of
the population has an equal chance of being selected. This minimizes selection bias and
ensures that the sample is representative of the target population. Consequently, the
results obtained from the sample can be generalized back to the population with greater
confidence.
6. The nurse is reviewing a research article and notes a P-value of 0.02. How should the nurse
interpret this finding, assuming an alpha level of 0.05?
A. The results are not statistically significant.
B. The intervention had no effect on the outcome.
C. The null hypothesis should be accepted.
D. There is a 2% chance that the results are due to random error.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A P-value of 0.02 is less than the standard alpha level of 0.05, meaning the
results are statistically significant. It indicates there is only a 2% probability that the
Project Capstone | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG448 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse researcher is developing a clinical question using the PICOT format. Which of the
following elements are essential components of this framework? (Select All That Apply)
A. Population of interest
B. Intervention or Area of Interest
C. Comparison intervention or group
D. Outcome of interest
E. Timeframe
F. Financial cost of implementation
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The PICOT framework stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome, and Time. It is a standardized method used by healthcare professionals to
formulate clinical questions that are searchable and answerable. Financial cost, while
important in project management, is not an official component of the acronym’s structural
logic.
,2. When evaluating the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the ‘gold
standard’ or highest level of evidence (Level I)?
A. Case-control studies
B. Systematic reviews or Meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
C. Expert opinion of clinical leaders
D. Single descriptive or qualitative studies
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Level I evidence consists of systematic reviews or meta-analyses of all
relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies synthesize the results of
multiple high-quality experiments to provide the strongest basis for clinical practice
changes. Case-control studies and expert opinions represent lower levels of evidence due
to higher risks of bias.
3. A nurse is conducting a qualitative research study focused on the lived experiences of
patients diagnosed with terminal cancer. Which research tradition is the nurse most likely
utilizing?
A. Phenomenology
B. Grounded Theory
C. Ethnography
D. Historical Research
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative research approach that focuses on the
description and interpretation of the lived experiences of participants. The goal is to
understand the ‘essence’ of a phenomenon from the perspective of those who have
experienced it. Grounded theory, by contrast, seeks to develop a theoretical model based
on the data, while ethnography focuses on cultural groups.
4. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report ensures that the benefits of research are
distributed fairly across different populations and that vulnerable groups are not exploited?
A. Beneficence
B. Respect for Persons
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of Justice requires that the selection of research subjects be
equitable and that the burdens and benefits of research are shared fairly. It prevents
researchers from targeting specific groups, such as prisoners or the impoverished, simply
because of their availability or status. Beneficence focuses on maximizing benefits and
minimizing harms, while Respect for Persons involves autonomy and informed consent.
5. In quantitative research, what is the primary purpose of using a random sample?
A. To ensure that the participants find the study interesting
, B. To reduce the cost of data collection
C. To increase the generalizability of the findings to the larger population
D. To make the data analysis process simpler for the researcher
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Random sampling is a probability-based technique where every member of
the population has an equal chance of being selected. This minimizes selection bias and
ensures that the sample is representative of the target population. Consequently, the
results obtained from the sample can be generalized back to the population with greater
confidence.
6. The nurse is reviewing a research article and notes a P-value of 0.02. How should the nurse
interpret this finding, assuming an alpha level of 0.05?
A. The results are not statistically significant.
B. The intervention had no effect on the outcome.
C. The null hypothesis should be accepted.
D. There is a 2% chance that the results are due to random error.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A P-value of 0.02 is less than the standard alpha level of 0.05, meaning the
results are statistically significant. It indicates there is only a 2% probability that the
