D662 WGU Exam ACTUAL EXAM
2026/2027 | D662 Personalized Learning
Classrooms | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Evidence-Based Practice & Research Translation
Q1: A nurse practitioner is reviewing a proposed project to implement a new fall-prevention protocol in
a long-term care facility. The project involves comparing fall rates before and after the intervention
using facility data. Which determination regarding Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is most
accurate?
A. IRB approval is required because the project involves human subjects.
B. IRB approval is not required because the project is considered Quality Improvement (QI), not
research. [CORRECT]
C. IRB approval is deferred until the results are published in a peer-reviewed journal.
D. IRB approval is required only if the facility receives federal funding.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Quality Improvement (QI) projects are designed to improve local practice using existing data
and standard of care interventions, whereas research is designed to generate generalizable knowledge.
Since this project aims to improve local outcomes and does not intend to generalize findings, it typically
does not meet the federal definition of research requiring IRB oversight. A key distinction is the intent to
improve local practice versus contributing to generalizable knowledge. Test-Taking Strategy: Look for
keywords like "improve local practice" or "internal data" to identify QI, versus "generalizable
knowledge" or "hypothesis testing" for research.
Q2: When using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, what is the first step a nurse should take
after identifying a "trigger" or clinical problem?
,A. Implement the change in practice.
B. Determine if the topic is a priority for the organization. [CORRECT]
C. Search for the best available evidence.
D. Pilot the change in a small unit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to the Iowa Model, after a trigger is identified, the team must determine if the
topic is a priority for the organization. This step ensures resources are allocated to issues that align with
the institution's strategic goals before significant time is spent on evidence searching or pilot
implementation. Searching for evidence happens after priority is established. Test-Taking Strategy:
Remember that organizational "priority" acts as the gatekeeper in the Iowa Model before the heavy
lifting of evidence review begins.
Q3: A DNP student is formulating a clinical question using the PICO(T) format. The student asks, "In
hospitalized elderly patients (P), how does hourly rounding (I) compared to every-4-hour rounding (C)
affect fall rates (O)?" Which component of PICO is missing from this question?
A. Population
B. Intervention
C. Comparison
D. Time [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The PICO(T) acronym stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time.
While Time is sometimes optional depending on the question type, the standard framework includes it.
The scenario describes the Population (elderly patients), Intervention (hourly rounding), Comparison
(every-4-hour rounding), and Outcome (fall rates), but fails to specify a Timeframe (e.g., "over a 6-
month period"). Test-Taking Strategy: Always check the acronym letters against the sentence. If the
question asks what is missing, specifically look for the Time element or Outcome element, which are
commonly omitted.
Q4: Which EBP model is best characterized by the "PET" process (Practice Question, Evidence,
Translation) and is specifically designed to meet the needs of bedside nurses?
A. The Iowa Model
,B. The Advancing Research and Clinical Practice through Close Collaboration (ARCC) Model
C. The Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model [CORRECT]
D. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) Framework
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Johns Hopkins EBP Model utilizes the PET process (Practice Question, Evidence,
Translation) and is specifically designed to be practical and user-friendly for bedside nurses and
interprofessional teams. The Iowa Model focuses on triggers and pilot testing, while PARIHS focuses on
Evidence, Context, and Facilitation. Test-Taking Strategy: Associate "PET" and "bedside nurse focus"
specifically with Johns Hopkins. Iowa is "Triggers and Pilots"; PARIHS is "Evidence, Context, Facilitation."
Q5: A nurse researcher is evaluating the hierarchy of evidence. Which source of evidence would be
considered the highest level of evidence (Level I) for a therapy or intervention question?
A. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). [CORRECT]
B. A single randomized controlled trial (RCT).
C. A quasi-experimental study.
D. Expert opinion or committee reports.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to standard evidence hierarchies (such as the Joanna Briggs Institute or AACN
levels), systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs are considered Level I because they synthesize
multiple high-quality studies, reducing bias and providing the strongest evidence. A single RCT is Level II.
Test-Taking Strategy: In evidence hierarchies for intervention questions, "Systematic Reviews/Meta-
analyses" are always at the top, followed by single RCTs.
Q6: In the context of research ethics, the principle of "Respect for Persons" as defined in the Belmont
Report requires researchers to:
A. Maximize benefits and minimize harms.
B. Treat subjects fairly and distribute burdens/benefits equitably.
C. Acknowledge autonomy and protect those with diminished autonomy. [CORRECT]
D. Ensure that subjects are fully informed of all potential risks.
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Belmont Report outlines three principles. Respect for Persons requires acknowledging
the autonomy of individuals and providing special protection for those with diminished autonomy (e.g.,
children, prisoners). Beneficence relates to maximizing benefits/minimizing harms (Option A), and
Justice relates to fairness (Option B). Test-Taking Strategy: Link "Respect" with "Autonomy." Link
"Beneficence" with "Do no harm/Benefit." Link "Justice" with "Fairness/Distribution."
Q7: Which scenario best exemplifies the "Context" element of the PARIHS (Promoting Action on
Research Implementation in Health Services) framework?
A. The strength and type of evidence supporting a new wound care dressing.
B. The level of skill and support provided by the nurse manager during implementation.
C. The culture of the unit, its leadership style, and the organization's readiness for change. [CORRECT]
D. The patient’s preference for a specific type of treatment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the PARIHS framework, "Context" refers to the environment where the implementation
occurs, including culture, leadership, and organizational readiness. "Evidence" refers to research and
patient preferences (Option D). "Facilitation" refers to the support provided to make the change happen
(Option B). Test-Taking Strategy: Context = Environment/Culture. Evidence = Data/Research. Facilitation
= The person/process helping the change.
Q8: A clinical nurse specialist wants to implement a new protocol but faces resistance from senior
nursing staff who state, "We have always done it this way." This represents which type of barrier to
EBP?
A. Research barrier
B. Organizational barrier [CORRECT]
C. Individual barrier
D. Informational barrier
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Resistance from colleagues and a lack of support from the organizational culture are classified
as organizational barriers. While individual attitudes play a role, the collective culture ("the way we do
things here") is a systemic organizational issue that impedes EBP implementation. Test-Taking Strategy:
2026/2027 | D662 Personalized Learning
Classrooms | Verified Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Evidence-Based Practice & Research Translation
Q1: A nurse practitioner is reviewing a proposed project to implement a new fall-prevention protocol in
a long-term care facility. The project involves comparing fall rates before and after the intervention
using facility data. Which determination regarding Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is most
accurate?
A. IRB approval is required because the project involves human subjects.
B. IRB approval is not required because the project is considered Quality Improvement (QI), not
research. [CORRECT]
C. IRB approval is deferred until the results are published in a peer-reviewed journal.
D. IRB approval is required only if the facility receives federal funding.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Quality Improvement (QI) projects are designed to improve local practice using existing data
and standard of care interventions, whereas research is designed to generate generalizable knowledge.
Since this project aims to improve local outcomes and does not intend to generalize findings, it typically
does not meet the federal definition of research requiring IRB oversight. A key distinction is the intent to
improve local practice versus contributing to generalizable knowledge. Test-Taking Strategy: Look for
keywords like "improve local practice" or "internal data" to identify QI, versus "generalizable
knowledge" or "hypothesis testing" for research.
Q2: When using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, what is the first step a nurse should take
after identifying a "trigger" or clinical problem?
,A. Implement the change in practice.
B. Determine if the topic is a priority for the organization. [CORRECT]
C. Search for the best available evidence.
D. Pilot the change in a small unit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to the Iowa Model, after a trigger is identified, the team must determine if the
topic is a priority for the organization. This step ensures resources are allocated to issues that align with
the institution's strategic goals before significant time is spent on evidence searching or pilot
implementation. Searching for evidence happens after priority is established. Test-Taking Strategy:
Remember that organizational "priority" acts as the gatekeeper in the Iowa Model before the heavy
lifting of evidence review begins.
Q3: A DNP student is formulating a clinical question using the PICO(T) format. The student asks, "In
hospitalized elderly patients (P), how does hourly rounding (I) compared to every-4-hour rounding (C)
affect fall rates (O)?" Which component of PICO is missing from this question?
A. Population
B. Intervention
C. Comparison
D. Time [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The PICO(T) acronym stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time.
While Time is sometimes optional depending on the question type, the standard framework includes it.
The scenario describes the Population (elderly patients), Intervention (hourly rounding), Comparison
(every-4-hour rounding), and Outcome (fall rates), but fails to specify a Timeframe (e.g., "over a 6-
month period"). Test-Taking Strategy: Always check the acronym letters against the sentence. If the
question asks what is missing, specifically look for the Time element or Outcome element, which are
commonly omitted.
Q4: Which EBP model is best characterized by the "PET" process (Practice Question, Evidence,
Translation) and is specifically designed to meet the needs of bedside nurses?
A. The Iowa Model
,B. The Advancing Research and Clinical Practice through Close Collaboration (ARCC) Model
C. The Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model [CORRECT]
D. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) Framework
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Johns Hopkins EBP Model utilizes the PET process (Practice Question, Evidence,
Translation) and is specifically designed to be practical and user-friendly for bedside nurses and
interprofessional teams. The Iowa Model focuses on triggers and pilot testing, while PARIHS focuses on
Evidence, Context, and Facilitation. Test-Taking Strategy: Associate "PET" and "bedside nurse focus"
specifically with Johns Hopkins. Iowa is "Triggers and Pilots"; PARIHS is "Evidence, Context, Facilitation."
Q5: A nurse researcher is evaluating the hierarchy of evidence. Which source of evidence would be
considered the highest level of evidence (Level I) for a therapy or intervention question?
A. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). [CORRECT]
B. A single randomized controlled trial (RCT).
C. A quasi-experimental study.
D. Expert opinion or committee reports.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to standard evidence hierarchies (such as the Joanna Briggs Institute or AACN
levels), systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs are considered Level I because they synthesize
multiple high-quality studies, reducing bias and providing the strongest evidence. A single RCT is Level II.
Test-Taking Strategy: In evidence hierarchies for intervention questions, "Systematic Reviews/Meta-
analyses" are always at the top, followed by single RCTs.
Q6: In the context of research ethics, the principle of "Respect for Persons" as defined in the Belmont
Report requires researchers to:
A. Maximize benefits and minimize harms.
B. Treat subjects fairly and distribute burdens/benefits equitably.
C. Acknowledge autonomy and protect those with diminished autonomy. [CORRECT]
D. Ensure that subjects are fully informed of all potential risks.
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Belmont Report outlines three principles. Respect for Persons requires acknowledging
the autonomy of individuals and providing special protection for those with diminished autonomy (e.g.,
children, prisoners). Beneficence relates to maximizing benefits/minimizing harms (Option A), and
Justice relates to fairness (Option B). Test-Taking Strategy: Link "Respect" with "Autonomy." Link
"Beneficence" with "Do no harm/Benefit." Link "Justice" with "Fairness/Distribution."
Q7: Which scenario best exemplifies the "Context" element of the PARIHS (Promoting Action on
Research Implementation in Health Services) framework?
A. The strength and type of evidence supporting a new wound care dressing.
B. The level of skill and support provided by the nurse manager during implementation.
C. The culture of the unit, its leadership style, and the organization's readiness for change. [CORRECT]
D. The patient’s preference for a specific type of treatment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the PARIHS framework, "Context" refers to the environment where the implementation
occurs, including culture, leadership, and organizational readiness. "Evidence" refers to research and
patient preferences (Option D). "Facilitation" refers to the support provided to make the change happen
(Option B). Test-Taking Strategy: Context = Environment/Culture. Evidence = Data/Research. Facilitation
= The person/process helping the change.
Q8: A clinical nurse specialist wants to implement a new protocol but faces resistance from senior
nursing staff who state, "We have always done it this way." This represents which type of barrier to
EBP?
A. Research barrier
B. Organizational barrier [CORRECT]
C. Individual barrier
D. Informational barrier
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Resistance from colleagues and a lack of support from the organizational culture are classified
as organizational barriers. While individual attitudes play a role, the collective culture ("the way we do
things here") is a systemic organizational issue that impedes EBP implementation. Test-Taking Strategy:
