Clinical Nurse Leader Exam Evidence-Based Practice & Research

Question 1

In the hierarchy of evidence, which study design provides the strongest evidence for clinical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Answer

Single randomized controlled trial

Answer

Cohort study

Answer

Expert opinion and case series

Question 2

A CNL wants to implement a practice change based on a research article. Before implementing, the CNL should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Critically appraise the evidence for quality, validity, and applicability to the patient population

Answer

Share the article with all unit nurses immediately

Answer

Request administrative approval for the change

Answer

Survey patients to determine if they want the change

Question 3

Which clinical question format helps CNLs structure focused, answerable questions for evidence searches?

Accepted Answer

PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)

Answer

SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan)

Answer

SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)

Answer

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)

Question 4

A CNL is searching PubMed for evidence on pain management. Which filter would return the HIGHEST level of evidence?

Accepted Answer

Systematic Reviews filter

Answer

Randomized Controlled Trials filter

Answer

Clinical Trial filter

Answer

Case Reports filter

Question 5

Which type of research generates numerical data and seeks to establish relationships, causation, or prevalence across populations?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Mixed-methods research

Answer

Ethnographic research

Question 6

A CNL wants to understand nurses' lived experiences of moral distress. Which research approach is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative phenomenological study

Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

Cross-sectional survey

Answer

Retrospective chart review