Nursing Research and
Evidence-Based
Practice
### Question 1
The nurse is implementing an evidence-based practice change on the unit. Which step should the nurse
take first in the evidence-based practice process?
A. Search for the best available evidence
B. Formulate a clinical question using the PICO format
C. Evaluate the outcomes of the practice change
D. Appraise the quality of the evidence
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: The first step in the evidence-based practice process is to formulate a clinical
question using the PICO format (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). This focused
,question guides the search for evidence and ensures a focused and efficient approach. Without a well-
formed question, the search for evidence can be unfocused and ineffective.
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B. Formulate a clinical question using the PICO format
---
### Question 2
The nurse manager is implementing a quality improvement initiative to reduce falls on the unit. Which
type of study design provides the highest level of evidence for this intervention?
A. Randomized controlled trial
B. Systematic review and meta-analysis
C. Cohort study
D. Case-control study
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: A systematic review and meta-analysis provides the highest level of evidence as
it synthesizes results from multiple studies, providing a comprehensive and reliable evidence base.
Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence but are ranked below systematic reviews in the
evidence hierarchy. The hierarchy of evidence places systematic reviews and meta-analyses at the top.
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B. Systematic review and meta-analysis
---
### Question 3
, A nurse researcher is conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new wound care protocol.
Which research design is most appropriate for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship?
A. Descriptive study
B. Correlational study
C. Randomized controlled trial
D. Case study
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the most appropriate design for
establishing cause-and-effect relationships because it controls for confounding variables and minimizes
bias through randomization. Descriptive and correlational studies describe relationships but cannot
prove causation. The RCT is considered the "gold standard" for establishing cause-and-effect
relationships in clinical research.
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: C. Randomized controlled trial
---
### Question 4
The nurse is appraising a research article about pain management interventions. Which component of
the study indicates the results are valid and reliable?
A. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal
B. The sample size was large and representative
C. The study used valid and reliable measurement tools
D. All of the above
Evidence-Based
Practice
### Question 1
The nurse is implementing an evidence-based practice change on the unit. Which step should the nurse
take first in the evidence-based practice process?
A. Search for the best available evidence
B. Formulate a clinical question using the PICO format
C. Evaluate the outcomes of the practice change
D. Appraise the quality of the evidence
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: The first step in the evidence-based practice process is to formulate a clinical
question using the PICO format (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). This focused
,question guides the search for evidence and ensures a focused and efficient approach. Without a well-
formed question, the search for evidence can be unfocused and ineffective.
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B. Formulate a clinical question using the PICO format
---
### Question 2
The nurse manager is implementing a quality improvement initiative to reduce falls on the unit. Which
type of study design provides the highest level of evidence for this intervention?
A. Randomized controlled trial
B. Systematic review and meta-analysis
C. Cohort study
D. Case-control study
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: A systematic review and meta-analysis provides the highest level of evidence as
it synthesizes results from multiple studies, providing a comprehensive and reliable evidence base.
Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence but are ranked below systematic reviews in the
evidence hierarchy. The hierarchy of evidence places systematic reviews and meta-analyses at the top.
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: B. Systematic review and meta-analysis
---
### Question 3
, A nurse researcher is conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new wound care protocol.
Which research design is most appropriate for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship?
A. Descriptive study
B. Correlational study
C. Randomized controlled trial
D. Case study
💫RATIONALE✔️✔️: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the most appropriate design for
establishing cause-and-effect relationships because it controls for confounding variables and minimizes
bias through randomization. Descriptive and correlational studies describe relationships but cannot
prove causation. The RCT is considered the "gold standard" for establishing cause-and-effect
relationships in clinical research.
💫ANSWER✔️✔️: C. Randomized controlled trial
---
### Question 4
The nurse is appraising a research article about pain management interventions. Which component of
the study indicates the results are valid and reliable?
A. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal
B. The sample size was large and representative
C. The study used valid and reliable measurement tools
D. All of the above
