Deck 5: Evidence-Based Practice

Question 1

Nurses need to become familiar with the elements of a research publication.A brief explanation of the type of measurement to be used is found in which section of a study?
1) Results
2) Methods
3) Conclusion
4) Introduction

Answer 1

2
The methods section of a study includes the description of the sample (what or who was studied),type of data collected,and the device or instrument used to measure empirical information.
The results section contains a description of the results obtained in the study,including appropriate statistical tests used to analyze the data.
The conclusion consists of the author summarizing implications that can be drawn from the study.
The introduction section presents the purpose,a summary of literature used to formulate the study,and the hypothesis tested or the research questions posed.

Question 2

An example of a predictive type of question that a nurse might use for research is which of the following?
1) "What creates an increase in stress levels?"
2) "How often does the stress reaction occur?"
3) "What does guided imagery mean to clients?"
4) "If guided imagery is used,will stress levels be reduced?"

Answer 2

4
Questioning whether stress will be reduced is an example of a predictive type of question because it connects stress reduction with the use of guided imagery.
Asking what increases stress explores factors that impact a phenomenon.It is not a predictive type of question.
Asking how often stress increases does not predict any outcome,but rather focuses on frequency of a response,which could be used in data collection.
Asking what guided imagery means does not predict any type of outcome,but rather explores meaning in order to gain understanding.

Question 3

The expected research role for the baccalaureate-prepared nurse is to:
1) Assume the role of a clinical expert
2) Acquire funding for research projects
3) Identify clinical nursing problems in practice
4) Develop methods of inquiry relevant to nursing

Answer 3

3
Nurses with a baccalaureate degree are prepared to read research critically and use existing standards to determine the readiness of the findings for clinical practice.They also participate in research activities through identification of clinical problems in nursing practice.
Nurses with a master's degree assume the role of clinical expert and are able to create a climate in which research-based change can be implemented into practice.
Doctorally-prepared nurses are responsible for acquiring funding for research from public and private sources.
Doctorally-prepared nurses are prepared to design studies independently including the development of methods of inquiry relevant to nursing.

Question 4

A sample of orthopedic clients varies greatly in their requests for postsurgical analgesics.Which type of nursing research would best examine a prospective group of clients in determining what factors affect their alterations in comfort?
1) Historical research
2) Evaluation research
3) Correlational research
4) Experimental research

Question 5

A nurse routinely uses therapeutic touch when caring for postoperative clients with incisional pain.Occasionally a client will show reluctance when the intervention is offered.The nurse's best response in such a situation is to:
1) Research for alternative interventions that will be better received by the client
2) Suggest that the client allow the intervention just once before making a final decision
3) Respect the client's wishes and rely on pain medication to help with managing the pain
4) Inform the client that the intervention has been found to be effective during several research projects

Question 6

After identifying the problem,the next step in the research process is to:
1) Select the population
2) Review the literature
3) Obtain approval to conduct the study
4) Identify the instrument to use for data analysis

Question 7

Which of the following research topics best lends itself to the experimental research process method?
1) The effects of therapeutic touch on a geriatric client diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
2) Prioritizing three nursing diagnoses for a newly admitted client with diabetes mellitus
3) Employing humor as an intervention with clients who are recovering from orthopedic surgery
4) Determining the blood pressure patterns of a client who recently experienced a cerebrovascular accident (i.e. ,stroke)

Question 8

A nurse researcher has completed a study involving the use of intravenous analgesics for postsurgical discomfort.The description of the 16 clients used for the study would best be written in which part of the research report?
1) Results section
2) Methods section
3) Discussion section
4) Introduction section

Question 9

The nurse is looking at different strategies for learning and incorporating new information into practice.A strategy that uses problem-solving is demonstrated by:
1) Repeatedly practicing vital signs until competence is achieved
2) Seeking information from the nurse manager on the client's status
3) Reviewing Maslow's hierarchy either in a textbook or on the internet
4) Trying different types of colostomy dressings for maximum therapeutic effect

Question 10

The nurse takes on ethical responsibilities when conducting research with human subjects.Which of the following violates an ethical responsibility associated with informed consent?
1) Adhering to verbal and written agreements
2) Using data obtained before the initiation of the study
3) Explaining the possibility of unknown risks when appropriate
4) Providing alternatives,including the right of refusal and standard practices

Question 11

A nurse reads about a case study involving the potential positive effects of the early stimulation of post-head-injury clients.Which of the following questions should be a priority consideration before use of the research results?
1) "What was the cost of the study?"
2) "Were ethical principles maintained?"
3) "Were the results of this study published in other journals?"
4) "Are the clients in the study similar to clients I work with?"

Question 12

When a nurse researcher distributes an explanatory information sheet to subjects solicited for participation in her study,which of the following ethical principles that guide research is this researcher using?
1) Informed consent
2) Freedom from harm
3) Protection of subjects
4) Confidentiality of subjects

Question 13

The dressing covering the pressure ulcer on a client's heel frequently becomes loosened and requires repeated reinforcement.The nurse asks,"What can be done to improve the adhering properties of this type of dressing?" The nurse has just formulated a:
1) PICO-formatted question
2) Research question (hypothesis)
3) Problem-focused triggered question
4) Knowledge-focused triggered question

Question 14

Which of the following research approaches is an example of an exploratory type of research?
1) Establishing facts and relationships of past events
2) Testing how well a program,practice,or policy is working
3) Refining a hypothesis on the relationships among phenomena
4) Portraying the characteristics of persons,situations,or groups

Question 15

The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA),implemented in 2003,may influence nursing research in the area of:
1) The cost of the study
2) Where the study may be published
3) What type of study may be conducted
4) How the data will be obtained and protected