NURSING RESEARCH QUIZ 1

What is the definition of the trial and error method in problem solving?

It is a problem-solving method where different solutions are tried until one works.

How is trial and error used in research?

It is seen in early studies to test and refine interventions.

Is trial and error the preferred method for delivering nursing care? Why or why not?

No, it is not preferred because it can lead to unpredictable, ineffective, or harmful outcomes and varied care without strong data or proven methods.

What risks are associated with using trial and error in nursing care?

It may lead to ineffective or harmful outcomes, varied care, and unnecessary risks for patients due to decisions made without strong data.

When might trial and error be used in nursing practice?

When there is limited evidence available or when patient responses to interventions vary significantly.

 How can trial and error be helpful in uncertain clinical situations?

It helps individualize care when responses vary or evidence is lacking.

 How does trial and error compare to evidence-based practice in reliability?

It is less reliable than evidence-based practice, which uses scientific evidence and proven methods for better and more standardized care.

What are the limitations of trial and error in healthcare settings?

It is less reliable, potentially risky, and may lead to non-standardized, inconsistent care.

What is considered the best practice when using trial and error in nursing care?

Combine it with clinical judgment and patient preferences, use only when needed, and document outcomes.

What is the definition of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?

EBP is a systematic approach that integrates the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values to guide decision-making in nursing.

How does your professor define EBP?

The conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of theory-derived, research-based information in making decisions about care delivery to individuals or groups, considering individual needs and preferences.

What are the 5 main steps of the EBP process?

Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess.

What does the "ASK" step in EBP involve?

Formulating a clear, answerable question, often using the PICO(T) format (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time).

What is an example of a PICO(T) question?

 In hospitalized older adults (P), does turning every 2 hours (I) compared to every 4 hours (C) reduce pressure injury incidence (O)?

What does the "ACQUIRE" step involve in the EBP process?

Searching for the best available evidence.

What does the "APPRAISE" step involve in EBP?

Critically evaluating the evidence for validity and level of evidence.

What happens in the "APPLY" step of EBP?

Integrating the evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences.

What does the "ASSESS" step involve in EBP?

Evaluating the outcome and the overall process.

 What is Level 1 evidence in EBP?

The highest quality evidence; includes summaries, synopses, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and clinical practice guidelines based on multiple studies.

What is Level 2 evidence in EBP?

Evidence from one type of study (RCTs), with a clinical focus and minimal bias.

What is Level 3 evidence in EBP?

Evidence from quasi-experimental studies—interventions without random assignment; higher risk of bias than RCTs.

What is Level 4 evidence in EBP?

Observational studies like case-control and cohort studies that do not involve independent variables; weaker than experimental designs.

What is Level 5 evidence in EBP?

Evidence from integrative reviews or metasyntheses; helps understand patterns and themes using lower-level evidence.

What is Level 6 evidence in EBP?

Single descriptive or qualitative studies, EBP projects, or case studies—useful for understanding patient experiences.

What is Level 7 evidence in EBP?

The lowest level; based on clinical expertise or expert opinion—such as narrative reviews or authoritative opinions; most prone to bias.

What are the three core principles of ethical research?

Autonomy (Respect for Persons), Beneficence, and Justice.

What does the principle of autonomy emphasize in research ethics?

Every participant has the right to make informed decisions about participation; informed consent must be obtained and understood.

Who are considered vulnerable populations under the principle of autonomy?

Children, cognitively impaired individuals, prisoners, and others with diminished autonomy.

What does beneficence mean in the context of research ethics?

Researchers must do no harm and maximize possible benefits while minimizing potential harm to participants.

How is beneficence applied in research design?

Through risk-benefit analysis, protecting participant safety, confidentiality, and well-being.

What does the ethical principle of justice require in research?

Fairness in participant selection and equal distribution of research benefits and burdens.

What are two key concerns addressed by the principle of justice?

Preventing exploitation of vulnerable populations and ensuring fair access to potential benefits.

What was Willowbrook State School?

A state-run institution in Staten Island, NY, for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What unethical research occurred at Willowbrook in the 1950s–1970s?

Researchers deliberately infected children with the hepatitis virus to study its natural history and potential vaccines

How were children infected with hepatitis at Willowbrook?

Some were fed contaminated food or injected with the virus.

Which U.S. agency primarily protects human subjects in research?

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

What is the Common Rule?

 A federal policy that governs the ethical conduct and oversight of research involving human subjects.

Besides the OHRP, what other agencies regulate human research in the U.S.?

The FDA (for clinical trials) and HIPAA (for data privacy).

What is the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)?

To protect the rights, safety, and welfare of research participants by reviewing and overseeing research protocols.

What are the key responsibilities of IRBs?

Ensuring risks are minimized, benefits outweigh risks, informed consent is properly obtained, privacy is protected, and selection of participants is fair.

What are the requirements for IRB membership?

At least 5 members with diversity in gender, race, background, and expertise.

What types of members must be included in an IRB?

Scientific members, a nonscientific member (e.g., lawyer, clergy, ethicist), and at least one unaffiliated member.

Why must IRBs include an unaffiliated member?

To represent community interests and provide an outside perspective.

Can IRB members review studies in which they have a conflict of interest?

No, members with conflicts of interest must not review or vote on those projects.

What are the five levels of collaboration in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?

Individual, Organizational, Regional, National, and International.

Why is collaboration essential for sustaining EBP?

It prevents resource waste, promotes rapid sharing of findings, and supports nurses with access to information, skills, and technical support.

 What ethical consideration exists across all levels of collaboration?

Collaboration must ensure ethical practices in sharing and applying research findings.

What is the role of staff nurses in individual-level collaboration?

They identify clinical problems at the bedside.

How do nurse managers contribute to EBP at the individual level?

They use evidence to guide operations and management decisions.

What is the role of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in EBP collaboration?

They use evidence to write and modify practice standards.

How do nurse executives promote EBP at the individual level?

They incorporate EBP language into the organization’s mission and vision.

What actions can healthcare systems take at the organizational level to support EBP?

Recognize nurses' interest in research-based practice, set a vision of excellence, build infrastructure, and promote a culture of EBP.

What is the focus of regional-level collaboration in EBP?

Nurses from a large geographic area work together to improve practice by leveraging local resources.

Why is collaboration with a local librarian important for EBP?

Librarians are experts in searching databases (e.g., CINAHL, PubMed, Ovid) and help nurses find high-quality evidence.

What is the “house calls” program at the University of Iowa?

Librarians visit researchers’ offices to assist with literature searches.

How can nurses collaborate with local nursing programs at the regional level?

By working with faculty to synthesize and appraise evidence, review implementation science, outcomes, and sustainability strategies.

What committees can nursing professors join in hospital systems to support EBP?

Research committees, evidence-based planning committees, and quality outcomes committees.

What are regional centers of excellence, and how do they support EBP?

They offer toolkits, training, conferences, and expert guidance to help nurses implement best practices.

What is the National Nursing Practice Network (NNPN)?

A community of over 100 healthcare organizations that promote and implement EBP.

Name at least four national organizations that support EBP in nursing.

AHRQ, NINR, Oncology Nursing Society, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

 What are some national organizations that provide clinical tools and resources for EBP?

DynaMed and UpToDate.

What does the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) do to support EBP?

Promotes nursing excellence through certifications and Magnet recognition which emphasize EBP.

What are key international organizations that support EBP?

The Cochrane Collaboration, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), The Joanna Briggs Institute.

What is World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day?

An international initiative to raise awareness of the importance of evidence-based healthcare.

How does Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) contribute to EBP?

It leads in developing and sharing knowledge to improve nursing practice and honors excellence in EBP and research.

What is the Founder’s Award from Sigma Theta Tau International?

An award recognizing excellence in research.