NUR 204 EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE EXAM GUIDE
2026/27 Q&A
1. Which question reflects the first step of the evidence-based
practice (EBP) process?
A. What interventions are available for this clinical problem?
B. What is the exact clinical issue we are dealing with?
C. How do we implement the best evidence?
D. How do we evaluate the outcomes?
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The first step in EBP is asking/identifying the clinical
question or problem. Formulating "what is the exact clinical issue"
precedes searching for evidence, appraising it, implementing, and
evaluating. Options A, C, and D represent later steps in the EBP
process.
2. A nurse manager implements a new protocol to reduce central
line-associated bloodstream infections based on current research.
Which EBP step is being demonstrated?
A. Asking the clinical question
B. Acquiring the evidence
C. Appraising the evidence
D. Applying the evidence
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Implementing a new protocol based on research
represents the "apply" step of EBP. Options A, B, and C occur
before implementation in the EBP sequence.
,3. Which of the following best defines evidence-based practice in
nursing?
A. Using the latest textbook information for patient care
B. Integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and
patient preferences
C. Following hospital policies and procedures strictly
D. Relying on expert opinion from senior nurses
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: EBP integrates three components: best research
evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values/preferences.
Options A, C, and D represent only single sources of information
and don't encompass the full EBP model.
4. A nurse is conducting a root cause analysis after a sentinel event
occurred. What is the primary purpose of this process?
A. To identify the individual responsible for the error
B. To list contributory factors that may have led to the occurrence
C. To document the event for legal purposes
D. To implement immediate disciplinary action
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Root cause analysis identifies contributory factors in
performance that may lead to sentinel events, focusing on system
issues rather than individual blame. Option A and D focus on
blame, while C is secondary to quality improvement.
,5. Which level of evidence is considered the highest quality for
therapeutic interventions?
A. Expert opinion
B. Case-control studies
C. Randomized controlled trials
D. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized
controlled trials represent the highest level of evidence (Level I) for
therapeutic interventions. RCTs alone (C) are Level II, case-control
studies (B) are Level III-IV, and expert opinion (A) is Level V.
6. A nurse plots the number of urinary tract infections for each
month over 1 year to determine patterns. Which type of graph is
being used?
A. Pie chart
B. Bar graph
C. Time plot (run chart)
D. Scatter plot
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A time plot or run chart measures data over time to
evaluate patterns in process variation, which is ideal for tracking
infection rates monthly. Pie charts show proportions, bar graphs
compare categories, and scatter plots show relationships between
variables.
, 7. Which QSEN competency is demonstrated when nurses,
physicians, and social workers coordinate discharge care, each
contributing based on their expertise while recognizing others'
strengths?
A. Patient-centered care
B. Quality improvement
C. Teamwork and collaboration
D. Safety
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Teamwork and collaboration involves functioning
effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering
open communication and mutual respect. The scenario describes
inter-professional collaboration specifically.
8. A nurse accidentally cuts sutures while removing a dressing,
resulting in evisceration. How is this incident best identified in
quality improvement?
A. Variance
B. Near miss
C. Sentinel event
D. Close call
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence
involving death or serious physical or psychological injury,
including evisceration. A variance (A) is a deviation from clinical
pathways, while near miss (B) and close call (D) are events that
didn't reach the patient.
2026/27 Q&A
1. Which question reflects the first step of the evidence-based
practice (EBP) process?
A. What interventions are available for this clinical problem?
B. What is the exact clinical issue we are dealing with?
C. How do we implement the best evidence?
D. How do we evaluate the outcomes?
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The first step in EBP is asking/identifying the clinical
question or problem. Formulating "what is the exact clinical issue"
precedes searching for evidence, appraising it, implementing, and
evaluating. Options A, C, and D represent later steps in the EBP
process.
2. A nurse manager implements a new protocol to reduce central
line-associated bloodstream infections based on current research.
Which EBP step is being demonstrated?
A. Asking the clinical question
B. Acquiring the evidence
C. Appraising the evidence
D. Applying the evidence
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Implementing a new protocol based on research
represents the "apply" step of EBP. Options A, B, and C occur
before implementation in the EBP sequence.
,3. Which of the following best defines evidence-based practice in
nursing?
A. Using the latest textbook information for patient care
B. Integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and
patient preferences
C. Following hospital policies and procedures strictly
D. Relying on expert opinion from senior nurses
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: EBP integrates three components: best research
evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values/preferences.
Options A, C, and D represent only single sources of information
and don't encompass the full EBP model.
4. A nurse is conducting a root cause analysis after a sentinel event
occurred. What is the primary purpose of this process?
A. To identify the individual responsible for the error
B. To list contributory factors that may have led to the occurrence
C. To document the event for legal purposes
D. To implement immediate disciplinary action
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Root cause analysis identifies contributory factors in
performance that may lead to sentinel events, focusing on system
issues rather than individual blame. Option A and D focus on
blame, while C is secondary to quality improvement.
,5. Which level of evidence is considered the highest quality for
therapeutic interventions?
A. Expert opinion
B. Case-control studies
C. Randomized controlled trials
D. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized
controlled trials represent the highest level of evidence (Level I) for
therapeutic interventions. RCTs alone (C) are Level II, case-control
studies (B) are Level III-IV, and expert opinion (A) is Level V.
6. A nurse plots the number of urinary tract infections for each
month over 1 year to determine patterns. Which type of graph is
being used?
A. Pie chart
B. Bar graph
C. Time plot (run chart)
D. Scatter plot
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A time plot or run chart measures data over time to
evaluate patterns in process variation, which is ideal for tracking
infection rates monthly. Pie charts show proportions, bar graphs
compare categories, and scatter plots show relationships between
variables.
, 7. Which QSEN competency is demonstrated when nurses,
physicians, and social workers coordinate discharge care, each
contributing based on their expertise while recognizing others'
strengths?
A. Patient-centered care
B. Quality improvement
C. Teamwork and collaboration
D. Safety
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Teamwork and collaboration involves functioning
effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering
open communication and mutual respect. The scenario describes
inter-professional collaboration specifically.
8. A nurse accidentally cuts sutures while removing a dressing,
resulting in evisceration. How is this incident best identified in
quality improvement?
A. Variance
B. Near miss
C. Sentinel event
D. Close call
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence
involving death or serious physical or psychological injury,
including evisceration. A variance (A) is a deviation from clinical
pathways, while near miss (B) and close call (D) are events that
didn't reach the patient.
