NP Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

A nurse practitioner is critically appraising a randomized controlled trial. Which element most directly addresses internal validity?

Accepted Answer

Adequate allocation concealment

Answer

Allocation concealment prevents selection bias by ensuring assignment is hidden until enrollment, directly protecting internal validity.

Question 2

When using the PICO framework, what does the 'C' component represent?

Accepted Answer

Comparison or control intervention

Answer

In PICO, 'C' stands for Comparison, the alternative intervention or control against which the intervention is measured.

Question 3

A study reports a relative risk of 0.60 for a new antihypertensive drug. How should an NP interpret this finding?

Accepted Answer

The treatment group had 40% lower risk of the outcome than the control group

Answer

A relative risk of 0.60 means the treatment group's risk is 60% of the control group's risk, representing a 40% relative risk reduction.

Question 4

Which type of bias occurs when patients who are lost to follow-up differ systematically from those who complete a study?

Accepted Answer

Attrition bias

Answer

Attrition bias (also called withdrawal bias) occurs when systematic differences exist between participants who drop out and those who remain.

Question 5

An NP wants to find the highest-quality pre-appraised evidence quickly. Which resource is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Answer

Cochrane systematic reviews represent the gold standard for pre-appraised, synthesized evidence and are designed to minimize bias.

NP - Nurse Practitioner Practice Test