Chapter 5 Evidence-Based Practice Fundamentals of Nursing 11th Edition (Potter & Perry) 50 NCLEX-Style Exam Questions with Detailed Rationales

1. A nurse is formulating a clinical question to guide evidence-based practice. Which component of the PICO format represents the "C"? A. Current intervention B. Clinical guideline C. Comparison intervention D. Control outcome Answer: C Rationale: In the PICO format, "C" stands for "Comparison," which refers to an alternative intervention or standard practice for comparison. ________________________________________ 2. Which level of evidence is considered the most reliable in evidence-based practice? A. Case report B. Randomized controlled trial C. Expert opinion D. Cross-sectional study Answer: B Rationale: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are high-level evidence due to their design that minimizes bias. ________________________________________ 3. Which of the following best defines evidence-based practice in nursing? A. Applying experience from senior nurses to all patient situations B. Using clinical research, expertise, and patient preferences for care C. Following hospital policy for all nursing actions D. Referring only to textbook knowledge for decision-making Answer: B Rationale: EBP integrates current research, clinical experience, and patient values to deliver high-quality care. ________________________________________ 4. What is the main goal of implementing evidence-based practice in nursing? A. To reduce nursing workload B. To avoid hospital policies C. To improve patient outcomes D. To reduce costs of medical research Answer: C Rationale: The ultimate goal of EBP is to enhance patient outcomes through informed, effective care. ________________________________________ 5. A nurse finds a new journal article supporting a change in wound care technique. What should the nurse do first before applying it in practice? A. Discuss it with the patient B. Share it with a physician C. Critically appraise the article D. Submit a research proposal Answer: C Rationale: Before integrating new evidence, it is essential to appraise its validity, relevance, and applicability. ________________________________________ 6. A nurse educator teaches about EBP. Which response by a student shows understanding? A. “EBP ignores patient preferences.” B. “EBP is based solely on nursing theory.” C. “EBP includes patient values and best research evidence.” D. “EBP only applies to hospital settings.” Answer: C Rationale: EBP involves combining research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences. ________________________________________ 7. Which study design provides the strongest evidence for a clinical practice change? A. Qualitative interviews B. Cohort study C. Systematic review with meta-analysis D. Case series Answer: C Rationale: Systematic reviews with meta-analyses are at the top of the evidence hierarchy. ________________________________________ 8. In EBP, what is the importance of patient preferences? A. They are secondary to research findings B. They ensure ethical, individualized care C. They delay decision-making D. They are irrelevant in emergencies Answer: B Rationale: Integrating patient preferences ensures respect, compliance, and individualized care. ________________________________________ 9. A new graduate nurse asks why EBP is important. What is the best response? A. “It’s required by law.” B. “It saves you from thinking too much.” C. “It supports clinical decisions with scientific evidence.” D. “It limits the choices you make.” Answer: C Rationale: EBP helps nurses make informed decisions backed by credible research. ________________________________________ 10. Which step in EBP involves identifying a clinical issue and forming a searchable question? A. Evaluate B. Integrate C. Ask D. Share Answer: C Rationale: The first step in EBP is to ask a focused clinical question, often using PICO. ________________________________________ 11. A nurse is searching for evidence to support a change in catheter care. What type of resource should be prioritized? A. Blog posts from nurses B. Peer-reviewed journal articles C. Company advertisements D. Nursing textbooks over 10 years old Answer: B Rationale: Peer-reviewed journals provide current, credible, and evidence-based information. ________________________________________ 12. What distinguishes evidence-based practice from traditional nursing care? A. EBP relies on rituals B. EBP ignores prior experience C. EBP is based on science and research D. EBP is limited to new graduates Answer: C Rationale: EBP emphasizes scientific reasoning and systematic evidence. ________________________________________ 13. In what phase of EBP does the nurse determine the effectiveness of a new intervention? A. Appraise B. Integrate C. Evaluate D. Formulate Answer: C Rationale: The evaluation step assesses the effectiveness of applied evidence in practice. ________________________________________ 14. What is a common barrier to implementing EBP in clinical settings? A. Too many available studies B. Excessive time for reading C. Lack of research on nursing topics D. Limited time and support in the workplace Answer: D Rationale: Time constraints and lack of administrative support are frequent EBP barriers. ________________________________________ 15. What is the benefit of using the PICO format? A. It narrows the patient population B. It helps in forming unstructured questions C. It guides evidence search with a clear focus D. It eliminates patient input Answer: C Rationale: PICO provides a structured method to ask focused clinical questions. ________________________________________