CHS CHS Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

In clinical research terminology, what is 'publication bias' and why is it relevant to hypertension research?

Accepted Answer

The tendency for positive studies to be published more than negative ones, potentially overestimating treatment benefits

Answer

Publication bias occurs when studies showing favorable results are more likely to be published, which can overestimate the true effectiveness of antihypertensive interventions in literature.

Question 2

When applying evidence-based guidelines to an individual hypertensive patient, what is the most critical additional step beyond applying the guideline recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating the patient's values, preferences, and clinical context into the treatment decision

Answer

Evidence-based practice requires integrating research evidence with clinical expertise and individual patient values and circumstances for optimal decision-making.

Question 3

What does an 'intention-to-treat' (ITT) analysis in a hypertension RCT ensure?

Accepted Answer

All randomized patients are analyzed in their original groups regardless of adherence or dropout

Answer

ITT analysis preserves the benefits of randomization and provides a conservative, real-world estimate of treatment effectiveness by including all randomized participants.

Question 4

The ACCORD BP trial, conducted in diabetic patients, found what regarding intensive blood pressure control to systolic <120 mmHg?

Accepted Answer

It reduced stroke risk but did not significantly reduce major cardiovascular events compared to standard control

Answer

ACCORD BP found that intensive SBP control (<120 mmHg) reduced stroke risk in diabetic patients but did not significantly reduce the primary composite cardiovascular endpoint vs standard control (<140 mmHg).

Question 5

When critically appraising a hypertension study, what does 'internal validity' primarily refer to?

Accepted Answer

The degree to which the study accurately measures cause and effect within the study population

Answer

Internal validity refers to how accurately a study demonstrates a causal relationship between intervention and outcome within its own study population, free from bias and confounding.

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

CHS CHS Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2