Potter & Perry: Fundamentals of Nursing, 7th Edition

Test Bank
Chapter 5: Evidence-Based Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. 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
ANS: 3
An example of an exploratory type of research is to develop or refine a hypothesis about
the relationships among phenomena.
An example of a historical type of research is to establish facts and relationships
concerning past events.
An example of an evaluation type of research is to test how well a program, practice, or
policy is working.
An example of a descriptive type of research is to accurately portray characteristics of
persons, situations, or groups and the frequency with which certain events or
characteristics occur.
PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 62
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
2. 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
ANS: 4
HIPAA regulations identify how protected health information of potential research
subjects is to be managed. The researcher must be able to ensure that the data will be
protected and used only by the researcher.
HIPAA regulations should not influence the area of cost in nursing research.
The focus of HIPAA regulations is not on where a study may be published.
HIPAA regulations should not influence the type of study conducted.
PTS: 1
DIF: A
OBJ: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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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
ANS: 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 masters 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.
PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 55
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
4. 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
ANS: 1
As a component of informed consent, research subjects are given full and complete
information about the purpose of the study, procedures, data collection, potential harm
and benefits, and alternative methods of treatment.
Research aspects such as minimizing the risk to participants, allowing reasonable risk to
participants in relation to anticipated benefits, and monitoring the research to ensure the
safety of participants follow the ethical standard of freedom from harm.
In the case of research, institutions have Health Information Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations that identify how protected health information of
research subjects is to be managed. The nurse researcher who follows HIPAA guidelines
is following the principle of protection of subjects.
Confidentiality guarantees that any information provided by the subject will not be
reported in any manner that identifies the subject and will not be made accessible to
people outside the research team. Describing how confidentiality is maintained is a
component of informed consent.

Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Test Bank

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PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 63
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
5. 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
ANS: 2
Using data obtained before the initiation of the study would be a breach of privacy
because the participant has not yet given informed consent for use of those data.
Adhering to verbal and written agreements is central to informed consent and the
implementation of ethical research.
One component of informed consent is the inclusion of informing the research subject of
the potential harm and benefits. This would include the risks to the subject (including
financial risks) and the potential for no benefit.
Within the consent document, the researcher must outline alternative methods of
treatment and alternatives to participation, including the right to withdraw from the study
at any given time.
PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 63
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
6. 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
ANS: 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.

Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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The introduction section presents the purpose, a summary of literature used to formulate
the study, and the hypothesis tested or the research questions posed.
PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 59
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
7. 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
ANS: 2
After identifying the problem, the next step in the research process is to review the
literature to determine what is known about the problem.
Following identification of the problem and review of the literature, the researcher will
design the study protocol. Selecting the population is a component of this phase of the
research process.
Obtaining necessary approvals is part of conducting the study, which follows the design
phase in the research process.
Identifying the instrument to use for data analysis occurs during the process of designing
the study protocol. This step would occur during the study design phase of the research
process after problem identification and literature review have taken place.
PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 58
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
8. 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
ANS: 3
Correlational research explores the interrelationships among variables of interest (such as
factors affecting client comfort) without any active intervention by the researcher.
Historical research is designed to establish facts and relationships concerning past events.
It would not use prospective groups of clients.
Evaluation research tests how well a program, practice, or policy is working.
In experimental research, the investigator controls the study variable and randomly
assigns subjects to different conditions.

Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Test Bank

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PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 62
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
9. 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 Alzheimers
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)
ANS: 3
In experimental research, the investigator controls the study variable (use of humor) and
randomly assigns subjects to different conditions (those who receive humor as an
intervention, and those who do not).
The effect of therapeutic touch on a geriatric client with Alzheimers disease lends itself
to the nursing process as a nursing intervention to perhaps assist a client in meeting a goal
of preventing social isolation. To use the experimental research process, there would have
to be other clients involved (i.e., a group of clients with Alzheimers disease who receive
therapeutic touch, and a group of clients with Alzheimers disease who do not receive
therapeutic touch) to determine whether or not therapeutic touch had any effect.
Prioritizing nursing diagnoses for client care is an example of using the nursing process.
Determining the blood pressure patterns of a client who recently had a cerebrovascular
accident is a part of the assessment phase of the nursing process. In contrast to an
experimental research study, no variable is being controlled by the nurse.
PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 62
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
10. 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 clients status
3. Reviewing Maslows hierarchy either in a textbook or on the internet
4. Trying different types of colostomy dressings for maximum therapeutic effect
ANS: 4

Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Test Bank

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Trying various ways of resolving clients health care needs or evaluating health care
products, as in trying different types of colostomy dressings for maximum effect, is an
example of the problem-solving strategy for knowledge acquisition.
Practicing skills is an example of gaining experience to increase ones knowledge.
Information-seeking is a strategy used to obtain knowledge from experts in a particular
field.
Reviewing Maslows hierarchy in a reference textbook or on the internet is another
example of acquiring knowledge through information-seeking.
PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 55
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
11. 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
ANS: 2
A description of the clients used is found in the methods section of the research study.
The results section contains a description of the results obtained in the study, including
appropriate statistical tests used to analyze the data.
The discussion section presents the authors interpretation of the results, including
conclusions and implications that can be drawn from the study.
The introductory section presents the purpose of the study, a summary of literature, and
the hypotheses tested or questions posed.
PTS: 1
DIF: A
REF: 59
OBJ: Knowledge
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
12. A nurse reads about a case study involving the potential positive effects of the early
stimulation of posthead-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?
ANS: 4
Determination of whether the subjects and environment in the study are similar to the
clients for whom the nurse provides care in the particular practice setting is necessary
before research can be considered for use in practice.

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Although cost may be a consideration in determining the feasibility of applying research

findings, it is not the priority consideration for research utilization. The research findings
would first have to be applicable to the practice setting and client population.
Even though research may indicate ethical principles were maintained, it does not
necessarily mean that it is feasible to apply the findings in practice. For example, cost
issues may limit the use of research findings.
The number of journals that published the research results of the study should not be the
priority consideration in implementation of its findings. To judge the scientific worth of
the study; however, it is important to examine the amount of supportive evidence
provided by other scientific studies that have obtained similar results.
PTS: 1
DIF: C
REF: 59
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
13. 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?
ANS: 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.
PTS:

1
DIF: A
REF: 55
OBJ:
Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment
14. 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 nurses 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 clients 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
Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Test Bank

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ANS: 1
Evidence-based practice is a problem-solving approach to clinical practice that integrates
the conscientious use of best evidence in combination with a clinicians expertise and
client preferences and values in making decisions about client care. If the client is not
receptive to an intervention, the best nursing response is to search for an alternative
evidence-based therapy that the client will accept.
Suggesting the client allow intervention once before making a decision may be
considered as long as there is no pressure placed on the client to accept the intervention,
but it is not the best option provided because there is no guarantee that the client will be
receptive to the intervention, and the problem regarding incisional pain would then go
unaddressed.
While requesting the clients wishes is not inappropriate, it does not address the issue of
best evidence-based practice and so is not the best option available.
Informing the client that intervention has been effective in research may be considered as
long as there is no pressure placed on the client to accept the intervention, but it is not the
best option provided because there is no guarantee that the client will be receptive to the
intervention, and the problem regarding incisional pain would then go unaddressed.
PTS: 1
DIF: C
REF: 55
OBJ: Analysis
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment/Physiological
Integrity
15. The dressing covering the pressure ulcer on a clients 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
ANS: 3
A problem-focused trigger question is one you face while caring for a client or a trend
you see on a nursing unit. For example, while caring for an unconscious client, you think,
What is the best solution to use when giving mouth care to this client?
The more focused a question you ask, the easier it will be to search for evidence in the
scientific literature. PICO is a formatting process used when searching the literature for
information on a specific topic.
Hypotheses are predictions made about the relationship or difference between study
variables (a concept, characteristic, or trait that varies within subjects).
A knowledge-focused trigger is a question regarding new information available on a
topic. For example, What is the current evidence to improve pain management in clients
with migraine headaches?
PTS:

1
DIF:
Comprehension

REF: 55

OBJ:

Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Test Bank
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX test plan designation: Safe, Effective Care Environment

Mosby items and derived items 2009, 2005 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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