Deck 13: Appraising Research Evidence

Question 1

Which statement best describes appraisal of research evidence?

A) Appraisal is a critique of the weaknesses of a clinical practice guideline, systematic review, or study.
B) Appraisal is a careful personal judgment regarding the generalizability of the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, conclusions of systematic reviews, or study findings.
C) Appraisal is the opinion of an expert in the field regarding the methodological soundness of a clinical practice guideline, systematic review, or study.
D) Appraisal is a set of judgments using an objective set of criteria regarding the credibility, clinical significance, and applicability of the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, conclusions of systematic reviews, or study findings.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Which of the following statements is true of the credibility of a study finding?

A) The credibility of a finding mainly rests on whether the result is statistically significant.
B) The credibility of a finding mainly rests on whether it has undergone peer review.
C) The credibility of a finding mainly rests on the methodological soundness of the study that produced it.
D) The credibility of a finding mainly rests on the funding source and the credentials of the researchers.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Which of the following statements about using a study finding is the best guide?

A) A credible and clinically significant finding can with confidence be used as a basis for care.
B) A finding produced by a study done in a setting similar to the one in which the findings may be used can be used as a basis for care with confidence.
C) A study produced by a reputable organization can with confidence be used as a basis for care.
D) A credible and clinically significant finding of a study can be used as a basis for care after deliberation about its applicability.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

When appraising a piece of research evidence, the clinical nurse should use which of the following resources?

A) Online opinions regarding the study
B) Structured appraisal questions appropriate to the type of evidence
C) A statistical calculator
D) A healthcare librarian

Question 5

Which one of the following considerations is relevant to appraisal of the clinical significance of the findings of an experimental study?

A) The p value
B) The size of the difference in the outcomes of the treatment groups
C) The profile of the sample
D) The research design

Question 6

Which of the following issues is not part of appraisal of the applicability of study findings?

A) Similarity between patients in the studies and patients in your setting
B) Feasibility of implementing a change based on the findings
C) Setting's ability to replicate the study
D) Safety of using the change suggested by the study

Question 7

All of the following statements are true about appraising the clinical significance of a finding of study, except which one?

A) Clinical significance of the study findings is always addressed in research reports.
B) Clinical significance is a way of portraying the practical meaning of the study findings.
C) Clinical significance is a judgment based on finding information and clinical knowledge.
D) In experimental studies, the size of the treatment effect is an important determinant of clinical significance.