Nurse Executive Test Research & Evidence-Based Practice 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nurse executive is reviewing a phenomenological qualitative study. What is the PRIMARY goal of this research approach?
- To test a hypothesis about the effect of an intervention
- To describe and interpret the lived experience of participants (Correct answer)
- To establish causal relationships between variables
- To measure the prevalence of a condition in a population
Correct answer: To describe and interpret the lived experience of participants
Phenomenology seeks to understand and interpret the meaning of lived experiences from the participants' perspectives.
Question 2: Which action BEST demonstrates a nurse executive's role in fostering a culture of evidence-based practice?
- Requiring all nurses to read at least one research article per month
- Embedding journal clubs, EBP mentors, and time for research appraisal into operations (Correct answer)
- Delegating all EBP activities to the staff education department
- Approving only protocols that have been tested with RCTs
Correct answer: Embedding journal clubs, EBP mentors, and time for research appraisal into operations
Embedding structural supports — journal clubs, mentors, protected time — creates a sustainable EBP culture rather than relying on individual mandates.
Question 3: When a nurse executive presents research findings to hospital leadership, which strategy MOST effectively bridges the gap between evidence and administrative decision-making?
- Presenting raw statistical outputs from the studies
- Translating findings into cost, patient outcomes, and operational metrics relevant to leadership priorities (Correct answer)
- Summarizing only qualitative themes to appeal to emotion
- Deferring presentation to the research department
Correct answer: Translating findings into cost, patient outcomes, and operational metrics relevant to leadership priorities
Leaders respond to evidence framed in terms of organizational priorities such as cost savings, quality metrics, and patient safety outcomes.
Question 4: A nurse executive notices that nurses on the night shift are not consistently following the new evidence-based hand hygiene protocol. Which theoretical framework would BEST guide an investigation into the barriers?
- Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Lewin's Force Field Analysis (Correct answer)
- Watson's Theory of Human Caring
Correct answer: Lewin's Force Field Analysis
Lewin's Force Field Analysis identifies driving and restraining forces affecting behavior change, helping diagnose specific barriers to implementation.
Question 5: In a randomized controlled trial, internal validity is MOST threatened by:
- A small sample size limiting statistical power
- Differential dropout (attrition) between intervention and control groups (Correct answer)
- Narrow inclusion criteria limiting generalizability
- Using a single site for data collection
Correct answer: Differential dropout (attrition) between intervention and control groups
Differential attrition means the two groups are no longer comparable at follow-up, introducing systematic bias that undermines causal conclusions.
Question 6: A nurse executive is implementing a rapid-cycle improvement process. Which model is MOST associated with 'Plan-Do-Study-Act' cycles?
- PDSA / Model for Improvement (Correct answer)
- PRECEDE-PROCEED Model
- Transtheoretical Model
- Logic Model Framework
Correct answer: PDSA / Model for Improvement
The Model for Improvement, associated with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, uses iterative PDSA cycles to test and refine changes rapidly.
Question 7: A nurse executive evaluating a clinical practice guideline notes it was last updated 8 years ago. What is the MOST appropriate action?
- Continue using the guideline since it was evidence-based when developed
- Search for updated systematic reviews and newer guidelines before recommending its use (Correct answer)
- Replace it immediately with a protocol developed internally
- Restrict its use to experienced nurses only
Correct answer: Search for updated systematic reviews and newer guidelines before recommending its use
Guidelines older than 3–5 years should be evaluated against current evidence, as new research may have changed best practice recommendations.
Nurse Executive Test Research & Evidence-Based Practice 5
A nurse executive is reviewing a phenomenological qualitative study.
What is the PRIMARY goal of this research approach?