Galen NSG 4000 Exam 2 | Nursing Practice – Complex Health
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. A nurse researcher is planning a study to measure the effect of a new patient education
program on medication adherence. The researcher measures adherence using a standardized,
validated questionnaire. Which type of research is being conducted?
A) Qualitative research
B) Quantitative research
C) Mixed-methods research
D) Historical research
Correct Answer: Quantitative research
Rationale: Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to test
objective theories by examining the relationship among variables. This study uses a
standardized questionnaire to produce measurable, numerical data on medication adherence.
2. A nurse is reading a research article that describes a study exploring the lived experiences of
patients with chronic pain. The researcher uses in-depth interviews to collect data. This is an
example of which type of research?
A) Quantitative research
B) Experimental research
C) Qualitative research
D) Correlational research
Correct Answer: Qualitative research
,Rationale: Qualitative research is used to explore and understand the meaning individuals or
groups ascribe to a social or human problem. It focuses on subjective experiences and uses
methods like interviews and observations.
3. A nurse is appraising a research article. The study uses a randomized controlled trial (RCT)
design with a large sample size. According to the hierarchy of evidence, this study would be
classified as:
A) Level I
B) Level II
C) Level III
D) Level IV
Correct Answer: Level II
Rationale: In the hierarchy of evidence, a well-designed randomized controlled trial (RCT) is
considered Level II evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs are Level I.
4. A nurse is searching for the strongest evidence to support a change in clinical practice. Which
of the following sources would provide the highest level of evidence?
A) A single randomized controlled trial (RCT)
B) A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
C) A qualitative study on patient satisfaction
D) A case study report from a clinical expert
Correct Answer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
,Rationale: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs represent the highest level of evidence
because they synthesize findings from multiple high-quality studies, providing the most reliable
evidence base for practice change.
5. A nurse is preparing a PICOT question. Which element of the PICOT question is represented
by the patient's diagnosis of hypertension?
A) Population
B) Intervention
C) Comparison
D) Outcome
Correct Answer: Population
Rationale: The patient's diagnosis, such as hypertension, is part of the Population element of
the PICOT question. It helps to define the specific group of patients to whom the evidence will
be applied.
6. A nurse is reading a research article and notes that the authors used a "double-blind" design.
What is the primary purpose of double-blinding?
A) To ensure the study has a large sample size
B) To reduce the risk of bias by keeping both participants and researchers unaware of group
assignments
C) To make the study results statistically significant
D) To increase the generalizability of the findings
Correct Answer: To reduce the risk of bias by keeping both participants and researchers
unaware of group assignments
, Rationale: Double-blinding is a method used to reduce bias in research. It ensures that neither
the participants nor the researchers interacting with them know which group is receiving the
intervention versus the control.
7. A nurse is appraising a research study and finds that the study has a high risk of bias. Which
of the following is a potential source of bias?
A) Using a large, diverse sample
B) Random assignment of participants
C) Lack of blinding of participants or researchers
D) Using a validated measurement tool
Correct Answer: Lack of blinding of participants or researchers
Rationale: Bias can be introduced into a study when participants or researchers are aware of
group assignments, as this can influence outcomes or their interpretation.
8. A nurse is reading a systematic review. Which of the following is a key strength of a systematic
review?
A) It is based on a single expert opinion
B) It uses a rigorous, predefined method to minimize bias
C) It is a quick and easy way to find evidence
D) It is only conducted on qualitative research
Correct Answer: It uses a rigorous, predefined method to minimize bias
Rationale: A systematic review uses a rigorous, transparent, and replicable methodology to
identify, select, and appraise all relevant studies, minimizing bias and providing a reliable
evidence base.
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. A nurse researcher is planning a study to measure the effect of a new patient education
program on medication adherence. The researcher measures adherence using a standardized,
validated questionnaire. Which type of research is being conducted?
A) Qualitative research
B) Quantitative research
C) Mixed-methods research
D) Historical research
Correct Answer: Quantitative research
Rationale: Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to test
objective theories by examining the relationship among variables. This study uses a
standardized questionnaire to produce measurable, numerical data on medication adherence.
2. A nurse is reading a research article that describes a study exploring the lived experiences of
patients with chronic pain. The researcher uses in-depth interviews to collect data. This is an
example of which type of research?
A) Quantitative research
B) Experimental research
C) Qualitative research
D) Correlational research
Correct Answer: Qualitative research
,Rationale: Qualitative research is used to explore and understand the meaning individuals or
groups ascribe to a social or human problem. It focuses on subjective experiences and uses
methods like interviews and observations.
3. A nurse is appraising a research article. The study uses a randomized controlled trial (RCT)
design with a large sample size. According to the hierarchy of evidence, this study would be
classified as:
A) Level I
B) Level II
C) Level III
D) Level IV
Correct Answer: Level II
Rationale: In the hierarchy of evidence, a well-designed randomized controlled trial (RCT) is
considered Level II evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs are Level I.
4. A nurse is searching for the strongest evidence to support a change in clinical practice. Which
of the following sources would provide the highest level of evidence?
A) A single randomized controlled trial (RCT)
B) A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
C) A qualitative study on patient satisfaction
D) A case study report from a clinical expert
Correct Answer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
,Rationale: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs represent the highest level of evidence
because they synthesize findings from multiple high-quality studies, providing the most reliable
evidence base for practice change.
5. A nurse is preparing a PICOT question. Which element of the PICOT question is represented
by the patient's diagnosis of hypertension?
A) Population
B) Intervention
C) Comparison
D) Outcome
Correct Answer: Population
Rationale: The patient's diagnosis, such as hypertension, is part of the Population element of
the PICOT question. It helps to define the specific group of patients to whom the evidence will
be applied.
6. A nurse is reading a research article and notes that the authors used a "double-blind" design.
What is the primary purpose of double-blinding?
A) To ensure the study has a large sample size
B) To reduce the risk of bias by keeping both participants and researchers unaware of group
assignments
C) To make the study results statistically significant
D) To increase the generalizability of the findings
Correct Answer: To reduce the risk of bias by keeping both participants and researchers
unaware of group assignments
, Rationale: Double-blinding is a method used to reduce bias in research. It ensures that neither
the participants nor the researchers interacting with them know which group is receiving the
intervention versus the control.
7. A nurse is appraising a research study and finds that the study has a high risk of bias. Which
of the following is a potential source of bias?
A) Using a large, diverse sample
B) Random assignment of participants
C) Lack of blinding of participants or researchers
D) Using a validated measurement tool
Correct Answer: Lack of blinding of participants or researchers
Rationale: Bias can be introduced into a study when participants or researchers are aware of
group assignments, as this can influence outcomes or their interpretation.
8. A nurse is reading a systematic review. Which of the following is a key strength of a systematic
review?
A) It is based on a single expert opinion
B) It uses a rigorous, predefined method to minimize bias
C) It is a quick and easy way to find evidence
D) It is only conducted on qualitative research
Correct Answer: It uses a rigorous, predefined method to minimize bias
Rationale: A systematic review uses a rigorous, transparent, and replicable methodology to
identify, select, and appraise all relevant studies, minimizing bias and providing a reliable
evidence base.
