Evidence-Based Practice & Research Flashcards
6 cards from real CNL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Evidence-Based Practice & Research flashcards as text
In the hierarchy of evidence, which study design provides the strongest evidence for clinical decision-making?
Answer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses synthesize multiple RCTs, providing the highest level of evidence for clinical practice recommendations.
A CNL wants to implement a practice change based on a research article. Before implementing, the CNL should FIRST:
Answer: Critically appraise the evidence for quality, validity, and applicability to the patient population
Critical appraisal of evidence quality and applicability to the specific patient population must precede any practice change based on research.
Which clinical question format helps CNLs structure focused, answerable questions for evidence searches?
Answer: PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)
The PICO framework structures clinical questions in a way that facilitates efficient, targeted database searches for relevant evidence.
A CNL is searching PubMed for evidence on pain management. Which filter would return the HIGHEST level of evidence?
Answer: Systematic Reviews filter
Filtering for systematic reviews returns the highest level of evidence, as these synthesize findings across multiple RCTs.
Which type of research generates numerical data and seeks to establish relationships, causation, or prevalence across populations?
Answer: Quantitative research
Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis to identify patterns, relationships, and causation across populations.
A CNL wants to understand nurses' lived experiences of moral distress. Which research approach is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Qualitative phenomenological study
Phenomenological qualitative research is designed to explore the lived experiences and meanings individuals assign to their experiences, making it ideal for studying moral distress.
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Sources & references
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- aacnnursing.org — Exam format, passing score, time limit, test delivery, test dates, eligibility, fees, retake fee, retake policy, score release · verified Oct 2026