CSR Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3

Question 1

A renal dietitian conducts a literature search and finds 12 relevant RCTs on protein intake and GFR decline. To determine which studies to include in a systematic review, she uses predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This step is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Study eligibility screening

Answer

Study eligibility screening applies predefined criteria to determine which studies meet the requirements for inclusion in the systematic review.

Question 2

In evaluating a cohort study on dietary fiber and CKD progression, which of the following best represents an example of confounding?

Accepted Answer

Participants who eat more fiber also exercise more, and exercise independently affects CKD progression

Answer

Confounding occurs when a third variable (exercise) is associated with both the exposure (fiber) and outcome (CKD progression), distorting the true relationship.

Question 3

A nephrologist proposes publishing a case report on a CKD patient who achieved significant eGFR stabilization through a plant-based renal diet. What is the primary limitation of case reports in evidence-based renal nutrition practice?

Accepted Answer

They lack a comparison group and cannot establish causality

Answer

Case reports describe individual observations without controls, making it impossible to attribute outcomes to the intervention rather than chance or other factors.

Question 4

When calculating the sample size for a CKD dietary intervention study, a researcher sets alpha at 0.05 and power at 80%. What does the 80% power signify in this context?

Accepted Answer

The study has an 80% probability of detecting a true effect if one exists

Answer

Statistical power (1-β) is the probability of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis when the alternative hypothesis is true.

Question 5

A renal dietitian finds a study on calcium supplementation in dialysis patients that was funded by a supplement manufacturer and reported only positive outcomes. Which type of bias is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Reporting and publication bias

Answer

Industry-funded studies and selective reporting of favorable outcomes are classic sources of reporting and publication bias, skewing the published literature.

(CSR) Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition Practice Test

(CSR) Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition Practice Test

CSR Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3