NUR 253 Exam 1 Study Guide: (Latest 2026/2027) Evidence‑Based
Practice, Research Methods, & Nursing Theory | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: EBP Components, 5 A's, Evidence Hierarchy, IRB, PICOT, Qualitative/Quantitative Research, Variables,
Sampling & Trustworthiness
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Nursing Research / NUR 253 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is evidence‑based practice (EBP)?
CORRECT ANSWER
Applying the best existing evidence to clinical practice, integrating research, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences.
RATIONALE
• EBP improves patient outcomes and reduces practice variation.
• Combines external evidence with internal evidence and patient values.
• Barriers include lack of time, resources, and resistance to change.
Q2
What are the three components of EBP?
CORRECT ANSWER
Best research evidence, clinical expertise, patient values and preferences.
RATIONALE
• All three are necessary; missing any component compromises EBP.
• Patient values include cultural beliefs, expectations, and quality‑of‑life considerations.
• Clinical expertise includes clinical judgment and previous experience.
, Q3
What are the 5 A's of EBP?
CORRECT ANSWER
Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess
RATIONALE
• Ask: formulate a clinical question (PICOT).
• Acquire: search for best evidence.
• Appraise: critically evaluate evidence; Apply: integrate into practice; Assess: evaluate outcomes.
Q4
What is the difference between external evidence and internal evidence?
CORRECT ANSWER
External evidence: generated through rigorous research, findings can be generalized. Internal evidence:
generated within a clinical practice setting from practice initiatives.
RATIONALE
• External evidence includes randomized controlled trials, meta‑analyses.
• Internal evidence includes quality improvement data, outcome managers, clinical expertise.
• Both are important for EBP.
Q5
What is the highest level of evidence in the evidence hierarchy (Level 1)?
CORRECT ANSWER
Meta‑analysis (summarizes evidence from more than one study using statistical methods).
RATIONALE
• Systematic reviews and meta‑analyses provide the strongest evidence.
• Expert opinion is lowest level.
• RCTs are Level 2.
Practice, Research Methods, & Nursing Theory | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: EBP Components, 5 A's, Evidence Hierarchy, IRB, PICOT, Qualitative/Quantitative Research, Variables,
Sampling & Trustworthiness
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Nursing Research / NUR 253 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is evidence‑based practice (EBP)?
CORRECT ANSWER
Applying the best existing evidence to clinical practice, integrating research, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences.
RATIONALE
• EBP improves patient outcomes and reduces practice variation.
• Combines external evidence with internal evidence and patient values.
• Barriers include lack of time, resources, and resistance to change.
Q2
What are the three components of EBP?
CORRECT ANSWER
Best research evidence, clinical expertise, patient values and preferences.
RATIONALE
• All three are necessary; missing any component compromises EBP.
• Patient values include cultural beliefs, expectations, and quality‑of‑life considerations.
• Clinical expertise includes clinical judgment and previous experience.
, Q3
What are the 5 A's of EBP?
CORRECT ANSWER
Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess
RATIONALE
• Ask: formulate a clinical question (PICOT).
• Acquire: search for best evidence.
• Appraise: critically evaluate evidence; Apply: integrate into practice; Assess: evaluate outcomes.
Q4
What is the difference between external evidence and internal evidence?
CORRECT ANSWER
External evidence: generated through rigorous research, findings can be generalized. Internal evidence:
generated within a clinical practice setting from practice initiatives.
RATIONALE
• External evidence includes randomized controlled trials, meta‑analyses.
• Internal evidence includes quality improvement data, outcome managers, clinical expertise.
• Both are important for EBP.
Q5
What is the highest level of evidence in the evidence hierarchy (Level 1)?
CORRECT ANSWER
Meta‑analysis (summarizes evidence from more than one study using statistical methods).
RATIONALE
• Systematic reviews and meta‑analyses provide the strongest evidence.
• Expert opinion is lowest level.
• RCTs are Level 2.
