NUR 350 | NUR350 Exam 4: Research in Nursing -
WCU Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. Which of the following best describes research utilization (RU)?
A. A broad process that integrates clinical expertise and patient values.
B. The use of findings from a single study in a clinical setting.
C. The systematic development of new nursing theories.
D. The evaluation of hospital financial performance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Research utilization specifically refers to using results from specific research
studies to change nursing practice. This process is narrower than evidence-based practice
because it often focuses on a single study’s application. In modern nursing, RU has largely
been superseded by the more comprehensive EBP framework. Understanding RU helps
nurses identify how discrete pieces of data can influence specific bedside tasks. It remains a
foundational concept for translating scientific discoveries into routine clinical care.
2. What is the primary goal of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?
A. To reduce the cost of healthcare services exclusively.
B. To ensure all nurses obtain a PhD in research.
C. To provide high-quality care that improves patient outcomes.
D. To eliminate the need for clinical judgment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary objective of EBP is to improve patient health outcomes through
the application of the best available evidence. EBP integrates the best research with clinical
expertise and patient preferences to guide health decisions. This approach ensures that
care is not based on tradition but on proven efficacy. By standardizing high-quality care,
EBP reduces variability in clinical practice across different settings. Ultimately, it
empowers nurses to advocate for the most effective interventions for their patients.
3. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice identifies which of the following as ‘triggers’
for change?
A. Only financial deficits within the organization.
B. Problem-focused and knowledge-focused triggers.
C. Personal preferences of the nursing staff.
, D. The number of years a nurse has been in practice.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Iowa Model categorizes triggers for EBP into problem-focused and
knowledge-focused types. Problem-focused triggers often arise from clinical data like
increased infection rates or patient dissatisfaction. Knowledge-focused triggers result from
new research or clinical guidelines published in the literature. Recognizing these triggers is
the first step in the Iowa Model’s systematic approach to practice change. This framework
helps organizations prioritize which clinical issues require an evidence-based review.
4. Which phase of the Stetler Model involves determining whether the research is applicable
to the specific practice setting?
A. Phase III: Comparative Evaluation
B. Phase II: Validation
C. Phase I: Preparation
D. Phase V: Evaluation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phase III of the Stetler Model focuses on comparative evaluation and making
decisions about the feasibility of applying findings. During this phase, nurses assess
whether the evidence fits the local environment and if the benefits outweigh the risks. The
Stetler Model is unique because it can be applied at the individual practitioner level rather
than just the organizational level. It encourages a critical look at the internal and external
validity of research before implementation. This phase is crucial for ensuring that a ‘one-
size-fits-all’ approach is not blindly adopted.
5. What is considered the highest level of evidence in the hierarchy of evidence for treatment
questions?
A. Expert opinion of a clinical specialist.
B. Systematic reviews of multiple RCTs.
C. A single randomized controlled trial (RCT).
D. Case-control studies.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
occupy the top of the evidence hierarchy. These reviews synthesize findings from multiple
high-quality studies to provide a comprehensive answer to clinical questions. Using a
systematic review reduces the bias inherent in looking at just one study or expert opinion.
Level 1 evidence provides the strongest foundation for making changes to clinical practice
guidelines. Nurses should always look for this level of evidence first when seeking to
update care protocols.
WCU Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. Which of the following best describes research utilization (RU)?
A. A broad process that integrates clinical expertise and patient values.
B. The use of findings from a single study in a clinical setting.
C. The systematic development of new nursing theories.
D. The evaluation of hospital financial performance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Research utilization specifically refers to using results from specific research
studies to change nursing practice. This process is narrower than evidence-based practice
because it often focuses on a single study’s application. In modern nursing, RU has largely
been superseded by the more comprehensive EBP framework. Understanding RU helps
nurses identify how discrete pieces of data can influence specific bedside tasks. It remains a
foundational concept for translating scientific discoveries into routine clinical care.
2. What is the primary goal of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?
A. To reduce the cost of healthcare services exclusively.
B. To ensure all nurses obtain a PhD in research.
C. To provide high-quality care that improves patient outcomes.
D. To eliminate the need for clinical judgment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary objective of EBP is to improve patient health outcomes through
the application of the best available evidence. EBP integrates the best research with clinical
expertise and patient preferences to guide health decisions. This approach ensures that
care is not based on tradition but on proven efficacy. By standardizing high-quality care,
EBP reduces variability in clinical practice across different settings. Ultimately, it
empowers nurses to advocate for the most effective interventions for their patients.
3. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice identifies which of the following as ‘triggers’
for change?
A. Only financial deficits within the organization.
B. Problem-focused and knowledge-focused triggers.
C. Personal preferences of the nursing staff.
, D. The number of years a nurse has been in practice.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Iowa Model categorizes triggers for EBP into problem-focused and
knowledge-focused types. Problem-focused triggers often arise from clinical data like
increased infection rates or patient dissatisfaction. Knowledge-focused triggers result from
new research or clinical guidelines published in the literature. Recognizing these triggers is
the first step in the Iowa Model’s systematic approach to practice change. This framework
helps organizations prioritize which clinical issues require an evidence-based review.
4. Which phase of the Stetler Model involves determining whether the research is applicable
to the specific practice setting?
A. Phase III: Comparative Evaluation
B. Phase II: Validation
C. Phase I: Preparation
D. Phase V: Evaluation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phase III of the Stetler Model focuses on comparative evaluation and making
decisions about the feasibility of applying findings. During this phase, nurses assess
whether the evidence fits the local environment and if the benefits outweigh the risks. The
Stetler Model is unique because it can be applied at the individual practitioner level rather
than just the organizational level. It encourages a critical look at the internal and external
validity of research before implementation. This phase is crucial for ensuring that a ‘one-
size-fits-all’ approach is not blindly adopted.
5. What is considered the highest level of evidence in the hierarchy of evidence for treatment
questions?
A. Expert opinion of a clinical specialist.
B. Systematic reviews of multiple RCTs.
C. A single randomized controlled trial (RCT).
D. Case-control studies.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
occupy the top of the evidence hierarchy. These reviews synthesize findings from multiple
high-quality studies to provide a comprehensive answer to clinical questions. Using a
systematic review reduces the bias inherent in looking at just one study or expert opinion.
Level 1 evidence provides the strongest foundation for making changes to clinical practice
guidelines. Nurses should always look for this level of evidence first when seeking to
update care protocols.
