Question 1

All of the following are examples of evidence databases except:

Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

One of the largest biomedical research literature databases is:

Accepted Answer

MEDLINE is a widely used biomedical research literature database, containing over 26 million references to journal articles in life sciences, biomedical sciences, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and health care. It is maintained by the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Question 3

A statistical method that synthesizes findings from several studies is often referred to as:

Accepted Answer

A meta analysis is a statistical method used to merge and analyze findings from several studies on the same topic. It is used to produce a more extensive understanding of the topic and to identify consistent patterns or inconsistencies in the findings. Descriptive analysis and inferential analysis are not appropriate choices because they are not used to merge findings from several studies. Multivariate analysis is a statistical approach used to examine the relationship between multiple variables, but it is not necessarily related to synthesizing findings from several studies.

Question 4

Reasons for a research-practice gap include all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

It is not common for administration to encourage nurses to resist change in practice, as they typically aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of care. The other options, however, are common reasons for a research-practice gap. Nurses may lack the knowledge and skills to effectively read and apply research, may not be open to change, and there may be a communication barrier between nurse researchers and clinicians due to differences in language and terminology.

Question 5

The term _is often referred to as a delay in using research findings in practice.

Accepted Answer

The term "research-practice gap" is specifically used to describe the delay in using research findings in practice, while the other options are not a specific term for this phenomenon. Systematic reviews and evidence databases are tools used in evidence-based practice, which is a broader concept that includes not only the use of research findings, but also clinical expertise and patient values in decision-making.

Question 6

What resource provides the latest information on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines?

Accepted Answer

The National Guideline Clearinghouse is a publicly available database of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and related documents that provides the latest information on clinical practice guidelines. The other options may provide related information, but they are not specifically focused on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

Question 7

One of the strongest pieces of evidence a researcher can identify when addressing and answering clinical questions is the use of:

Accepted Answer

Randomized clinical trials provide the strongest evidence as they involve randomized allocation of treatments to participants, reducing the risk of bias and confounding variables. They also allow for comparisons between groups and the ability to draw cause-and-effect conclusions. Individual case-control studies and case studies are more anecdotal and may not be generalizable to larger populations, while expert opinion is subjective and may be influenced by personal biases.

Question 8

One of the weakest pieces of evidence a researcher can identify when addressing and answering clinical questions is the use of:

Accepted Answer

Expert opinion is the weakest piece of evidence as it is subjective and lacks empirical evidence. It is important to rely on empirical evidence such as randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews to answer clinical questions. Individual case-control studies and case studies can provide useful information but are limited by the small sample size and potential for bias.

Question 9

Hierarchy of evidence from strongest (clinical trials) to weakest (opinion) is also referred to as:

Accepted Answer

The hierarchy of evidence is a system used to rank the strength of research evidence from strongest to weakest. It is commonly used in appraising evidence in healthcare, and is not the same thing as evidence-based practice, research utilization, or evidence databases.

Question 10

A conscientious, explicit use of best evidence in making decisions about care is often termed:

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based medicine refers to the conscientious and explicit use of the best evidence in making decisions about individual patient care. This approach involves integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available evidence from systematic research. Choice A (evidence databases) refers only to the collection of evidence, not its use in decision making. Choice C (evidence guidelines) and D (best evidence guidelines) both refer to guidelines derived from evidence, but they do not encompass the entire process of evidence-based medicine.

Quiz 3: Understanding Evidence-Based Practice