NUR 3270: NURSING RESEARCH AND
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE -
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 1 QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS AND
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
1. A nurse researcher is conducting a systematic review and includes a statistical technique to
combine the results of multiple studies. What is this specific technique called?
A. Meta-synthesis
B. Meta-analysis
C. Secondary analysis
D. Integrative review
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Meta-analysis is a statistical method used to integrate findings
from multiple quantitative studies to provide a summary estimate of effect. Meta-synthesis
is for qualitative studies.
2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the highest level of
evidence for an intervention study?
A. Systematic review of RCTs
,B. Single Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
C. Expert opinion
D. Case-control studies
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Level I evidence consists of systematic reviews or meta-analyses
of all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), providing the strongest evidence base.
3. A researcher is studying the effect of a new wound care dressing on healing time. In this
study, what is the independent variable?
A. The type of dressing
B. The time it takes for the wound to heal
C. The age of the patient
D. The size of the wound
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The independent variable is the intervention or ‘cause’ being
manipulated, while the healing time is the dependent variable (the outcome).
4. The Belmont Report identifies three core ethical principles. Which principle addresses the
fair distribution of benefits and burdens of research?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
, C. Respect for persons
D. Non-maleficence
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The principle of Justice requires that the selection of research
participants be equitable and that the benefits and burdens are distributed fairly.
5. What is the primary purpose of ‘bracketing’ in phenomenological research?
A. To ensure the sample size is adequate
B. To categorize data into themes
C. To increase the statistical power of the findings
D. To set aside the researcher’s personal biases and preconceptions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bracketing involves the researcher identifying and holding back
their own beliefs about a phenomenon to remain open to the participants’ lived
experiences.
6. In a PICO question, what does the ‘C’ represent?
A. Condition
B. Clinical significance
C. Consequence
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE -
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 1 QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS AND
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
1. A nurse researcher is conducting a systematic review and includes a statistical technique to
combine the results of multiple studies. What is this specific technique called?
A. Meta-synthesis
B. Meta-analysis
C. Secondary analysis
D. Integrative review
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Meta-analysis is a statistical method used to integrate findings
from multiple quantitative studies to provide a summary estimate of effect. Meta-synthesis
is for qualitative studies.
2. In the hierarchy of evidence, which of the following is considered the highest level of
evidence for an intervention study?
A. Systematic review of RCTs
,B. Single Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
C. Expert opinion
D. Case-control studies
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Level I evidence consists of systematic reviews or meta-analyses
of all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), providing the strongest evidence base.
3. A researcher is studying the effect of a new wound care dressing on healing time. In this
study, what is the independent variable?
A. The type of dressing
B. The time it takes for the wound to heal
C. The age of the patient
D. The size of the wound
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The independent variable is the intervention or ‘cause’ being
manipulated, while the healing time is the dependent variable (the outcome).
4. The Belmont Report identifies three core ethical principles. Which principle addresses the
fair distribution of benefits and burdens of research?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
, C. Respect for persons
D. Non-maleficence
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The principle of Justice requires that the selection of research
participants be equitable and that the benefits and burdens are distributed fairly.
5. What is the primary purpose of ‘bracketing’ in phenomenological research?
A. To ensure the sample size is adequate
B. To categorize data into themes
C. To increase the statistical power of the findings
D. To set aside the researcher’s personal biases and preconceptions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bracketing involves the researcher identifying and holding back
their own beliefs about a phenomenon to remain open to the participants’ lived
experiences.
6. In a PICO question, what does the ‘C’ represent?
A. Condition
B. Clinical significance
C. Consequence
