Question 1

The conduction of nursing research is a costly and time-consuming intellectual exercise unless nurses

Accepted Answer

Unless research findings are used to guide nursing practice, the conduct of research is little more than a costly, time-consuming intellectual exercise. A general understanding of data collection and analysis methods will offer the nurse consumer enough background for study critique. Study results need to be compared with the clinician's experiences before a change in practice is made.

Question 2

Without thinking critically about a study's quality and the implications of a proposed innovation, the application of research findings can be inappropriate, ineffective, and even _______________.

Accepted Answer

Making any decision related to patient care without critically thinking about the potential risks and benefits can result in dangerous practice actions. Innocuous means producing no harm, whereas insipid means lacking in qualities that interest.

Question 3

The comparative evaluation phase of the research utilization/evidence-based practice process entails

Accepted Answer

The focus of the comparative evaluation phase is determining the cost-benefit ratio of the innovation. An innovation may produce a high probability of success and high cost while another innovation may produce moderately high success and low cost. Taking into account the patient's values and beliefs will help determine the innovation of choice. Deciding on instrumental versus conceptual utilization of the study findings and evaluating the scientific integrity of the studies being used as evidence takes place during the critical analysis stage.

Question 4

Research utilization provides the means through which nursing science is solidified and expanded so that

Accepted Answer

Research utilization refers to the process of using research knowledge to change an existing clinical practice or professional situation, which is the essence of evidence-based practice. While new textbooks may be written and studies may continue to be funded, that is not the purpose of research utilization.

Question 5

Research utilization is generally considered to be a __________ of evidence-based practice.

Accepted Answer

Research utilization is a subset of evidence-based practice because it differs in terms of triggers, sources of evidence, and evidence review processes. Research utilization is neither a product nor result of evidence-based practice because evidence from sources other than research studies is considered in the evidence-based decision-making process.

Question 6

Evidence-based practice begins with a(n)

Accepted Answer

Differences between evidence-based practice and research utilization are generally described as having different starting points or triggers. Evidence-based practice begins with a search for evidence to solve an identified clinical problem. Research utilization may begin with a problem-or may begin with new knowledge or a new idea. Determination of the cost-benefit ratio of an innovation is part of the research evaluation process.

Question 7

Which of the following research findings would be considered a good example for a research utilization project versus an evidence-based research project?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating the practice changes suggested by this study's findings (e.g., regular, structured nursing rounds) would be low risk, low cost, relatively noncontroversial, and would involve only nursing staff. Results of a RCT comparing a new medication regimen and study results to answer a clinical problem related to falls are single studies. A single study presents an issue of whether it really is acceptable to base a practice change only on research findings, particularly on findings from only a single study, and that an evidence-based research project would be called for.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of instrumental research utilization?

Accepted Answer

Instrumental research utilization is an action-oriented application of study findings to a clinical situation. Using research findings as the basis for continuing current practices or as a catalyst for evaluating current policies and practices is symbolic utilization. In contrast, understanding of an event that alters patient interaction is a conceptual utilization, which is the cognitive application of research findings to one's personal clinical practice.

Question 9

Which nursing theory is frequently used to guide the research utilization process?

Accepted Answer

Rogers' theory specifically focuses on how an innovation is communicated and translated into practice using a five-stage process. King's system framework relates to the interacting systems of individuals, nurse-patient, and families, whereas Nightingale's environmental theory linked health with five environmental factors.

Question 10

In which of the five stages of Rogers' theory does either a favorable or unfavorable attitude develop toward the innovation?

Accepted Answer

During the persuasion stage, either a favorable or unfavorable attitude is developed toward the innovation. The confirmation stage focuses on evaluating the effects of the innovation. During the knowledge stage there is awareness of a new idea from formal and informal communication of research findings.

Question 11

Stetler's model describes a five-phase research utilization process. In which stage, if none of the studies available for review are scientifically sound, would the research utilization project be discontinued?

Accepted Answer

The focus of the validation phase is the completion of a utilization-focused critique of the research studies that have been gathered. Studies that lack scientific integrity are discarded. If no studies are sound, the research utilization process is discontinued. In the comparative evaluation phase, the scientific integrity is evaluated according to four criteria. If these criteria are not met, a study is considered not usable. In the preparation phase, the purpose of the research utilization project is identified.

Question 12

Research utilization projects subject studies to three types of evaluation. Which type involves assessing research findings for their implementation potential?

Accepted Answer

Comparative analysis involves assessing research findings for their implementation potential. Costs and benefits that are likely to be associated with both implementing an innovation and not implementing the innovation are appraised in the cost-benefit appraisal. Scientific validation is a thorough critique of a study for its conceptual and methodological rigor.

Question 13

Which of the following are key components to the research utilization action plan?

Accepted Answer

The action plan for a research utilization project needs to provide step-by-step instructions for how the innovation is to be carried out and addresses how composition of the project team, communication, and education issues will be managed. Comparative analysis, cost-benefit appraisal, and scientific validation refer to the three types of evaluation that studies are subjected to. Substantive evaluation, feasibility, and transferability are the three factors considered in comparative analysis.

Question 14

Barriers to research utilization include nurses' characteristics, research characteristics, and organizational characteristics. Which of the following would be considered an organizational characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Common organization-related reasons for not using research findings in practice include limited access to research reports, lack of time to access and read research reports, and a lack of support for implementing change. Lack of authority to change patient care processes is a nurse characteristic, whereas readability of research reports is a research characteristic.

Question 15

Newsletters, journal clubs, discussion groups, research grand rounds, and posters are strategies for

Accepted Answer

Smaller-scale research utilization efforts such as newsletters, journal clubs, discussion groups, research grand rounds, and research posters are particularly effective for promoting conceptual utilization of research, which is often just the beginning of the research utilization continuum. While some of these might be alternatives to research publication and presentation by the researcher (newsletters and posters), these strategies best describe creating a culture for research utilization.

Question 16

The focus of developing an understanding of the research process for the BSN nurse is so that

Accepted Answer

Throughout the text, the ability to understand and interpret research has been emphasized as the very foundation of having an evidence-based practice. The first two answers are incorrect. The focus has been on research utilization and not developing research implementation skills. It is important to recognize that baccalaureate-prepared nurses contribute to evidence-based practice by participating on, and perhaps even leading, research teams. However, they are not the experts in the design of studies.

Question 17

The evidence-based practice movement has served to reinforce the need for nurses who are working at the bedside to have a(n)

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based practice is nursing practice and problem solutions that are based on scientific evidence rather than on tradition, authority, personal experience, trial and error, or logical thinking. It requires a basic understanding of the research process and some basic research skills. Knowledge of statistical analysis and skill in research design are higher-level research skills and not the focus of research knowledge for the point-of-care nurse.

Question 18

As evidence-based practice becomes the norm, which of the following is essential for professional survival?

Accepted Answer

Basic understanding of the research process, research critique skills, and research team member skills are the key essentials for professional survival as evidence-based practice becomes the norm. Team communication skills and research critique skills are essential.

Question 19

As a __________________ problem-solving process, research stands to provide information that is reliable, credible, and worthy of being considered as evidence for practice decisions.

Accepted Answer

Research is a scientific process that provides reliable and valid information, which can be considered as evidence for practice decisions. Research is becoming more practice-driven and there is a technical aspect to data collection and analysis. However, these are only parts of the scientific process.

Question 20

The most highly valued evidence for evidence-based practice is

Accepted Answer

Randomized-controlled studies are at the top of the evidence hierarchy. Clinically expert experience and opinion and qualitative reviews are also considered.

Quiz 17: Using Research Findings in Practice Settings