The nurse has identified a clinical problem as a potential ...

[WWatsford]

The nurse has identified a clinical problem as a potential research question. Which of these steps should the nurse take next?
 
  a. Identify the variables
  b. Formulate the research hypothesis
  c. Perform a literature review
  d. Determine financial resources for the research project

Question 2

A nurse makes these statements. Which one has the greatest potential as an area of nursing research?
 
  a. Most of our hospital's admissions come in at night.
  b. It is difficult to find personnel willing to work the night shift.
  c. It seems that most of the patient falls on our unit occur during the night shift.
  d. The personnel on the night shift are not attending promptly to the needs of our patients.

[welcom1000]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C

Feedback
A It is too early to identify variables. They will be confirmed by the literature review.
B Although the researcher may have a preliminary hunch about the hypothesis, it cannot be formulated until the research question is formalized after the literature review is completed.
C The literature review helps to further define the research question by identifying gaps in the literature, the need for replication of prior research, or the need to extend the knowledge base in a particular research area. It also identifies variables essential to consider in refining the research question.
D The financial resources needed for the project cannot be determined until the study's design and methodology are finalized.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C

Feedback
A This statement is broad and not specific to patient care. It would need to be defined in much more detail to have potential for nursing research.
B This broad statement is important to managers responsible for staffing a health care facility. However, it does not show potential for investigation that would contribute to the body of nursing knowledge.
C This statement identifies a specific, important patient problem. Its exploration has potential to contribute to the body of nursing knowledge.
D This is a broad subjective observation that does not suggest any approach for investigation or potential for contributing to the body of nursing knowledge.

[WWatsford]

Gracias!

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TYSM