A nurse says, "When I was in school, I learned to call upset patients by name to get their attention; however, I read a descriptive research study that says that this approach does not work. I plan to stop calling patients by name." Which statement is the best appraisal of this nurse's comment?
A) One descriptive research study rarely provides enough evidence to change practice.
B) Staff nurses apply new research findings only with the help from clinical nurse specialists.
C) New research findings should be incorporated into clinical algorithms before using them in practice.
D) The nurse misinterpreted the results of the study. Classic tenets of practice do not change.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Descriptive research findings provide evidence for practice but must be viewed in relation to other studies before practice changes. One study is not enough. Descriptive studies are low on the hierarchy of evidence. Clinical algorithms use flowcharts to manage problems and do not specify one response to a clinical problem. Classic tenets of practice should change as research findings provide evidence for change.

A Nurse Says, "When I Was in School, I Learned