HESI Nursing Research Exam

Correct answer:

B. Manipulation of the independent variable

C. An experimental study

Explanation of the correct answers:

B. Manipulation of the independent variable

The administration of an intervention to one group of subjects and not another is an example of manipulating the independent variable. In experimental research, the independent variable is the factor that the researcher manipulates to observe its effect on the dependent variable. The intervention represents this manipulation.

C. An experimental study

This type of intervention setup is characteristic of an experimental study. Experimental research involves the manipulation of an independent variable to examine its effect on the dependent variable, often with random assignment to different groups (e.g., treatment group vs. control group).

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Homogeneity of subjects

Homogeneity of subjects refers to the degree to which subjects are similar in terms of characteristics (e.g., age, gender, health status). While homogeneity is important in controlling extraneous variables, the action of administering an intervention to one group and not another doesn't directly relate to homogeneity, which is about subject characteristics.

D. The introduction of bias

The administration of an intervention to one group and not another does not necessarily introduce bias. However, if the assignment of subjects to groups is not random or if there are systematic differences between groups that affect outcomes, bias can be introduced. The action itself is not automatically biased, but bias could arise depending on the study design and how groups are formed.

Summary:

The administration of an intervention to one group of subjects and not another is a hallmark of manipulation of the independent variable and is characteristic of an experimental study. This is a key feature in experimental research designs.

Correct answer: b. Research question

Explanation of the correct answer:

b. Research question

A research question is appropriate when a clinical situation does not lend itself to a ready solution. It is used to guide the research process and identifies the specific problem or area of interest that the researcher aims to address. Research questions are often developed when there is uncertainty or a gap in knowledge, and they help frame the study's purpose, guiding data collection and analysis. The research question is flexible and allows for the exploration of complex or unresolved clinical situations, providing a foundation for the study.

Why the other options are incorrect:

a. Clinical question

While a clinical question is important in guiding evidence-based practice, it is typically more focused on specific aspects of patient care, treatments, or interventions. Clinical questions are often directly related to practical, applied situations and tend to have more immediate, actionable answers. If a solution is not readily available, a research question may be more appropriate because it is designed to explore, investigate, or clarify underlying issues or gaps in knowledge that a clinical question might not fully address.

c. Directional hypothesis

A directional hypothesis predicts a specific direction of the relationship between variables (for example, "increased nurse staffing will lead to improved patient outcomes"). However, this would not be suitable when the clinical situation does not lend itself to a ready solution, as a directional hypothesis requires some form of expectation or theory about the outcome. In situations where there is no established theory or ready solution, a research question is a better fit, allowing for an exploratory approach.

d. Nondirectional hypothesis

A nondirectional hypothesis does not specify the direction of the relationship between variables (for example, "there is a relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes"). While this is a possible approach in some research studies, it might be less useful in situations where there is uncertainty and a need for exploration. In such cases, a research question is preferred, as it provides flexibility and focuses on investigating the phenomenon without assuming a specific direction or relationship.

Summary: In situations where a clinical problem does not have a clear or ready solution, the nurse researcher should develop a research question. This allows for exploration and investigation of the issue, guiding the research process to generate new insights or understanding. The other options, such as clinical questions or hypotheses, are more suited to situations where more specific, defined problems are being addressed.

Correct answer: B. At the end of the literature review section

Explanation of the correct answer:

B. At the end of the literature review section

The purpose of the study is typically presented after the literature review in a research report. The literature review section helps establish the context of the study, reviewing what is already known in the field. Once the researcher has outlined existing knowledge and identified gaps or unanswered questions, the purpose of the study is defined. This section clearly states the aim of the research and what the researcher intends to explore or investigate. The purpose of the study is closely tied to the findings from the literature review, as the researcher builds upon existing knowledge to identify the need for their own study.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. At the end of the research design section

While the research design section outlines how the study will be conducted (e.g., methods, procedures, tools), it typically does not include the study's purpose. The purpose of the study is usually described earlier in the report, after the literature review, to justify the study's need and provide a framework for the design.

C. At the end of the sampling section

The sampling section explains how participants will be selected and describes the study population. This section is not where the purpose of the study is usually stated. The purpose is generally established before discussing specific details like sampling.

D. At the end of the conclusion section

The conclusion section of a research report summarizes the findings and discusses their implications, but it does not present the study’s purpose. The purpose is outlined at the beginning of the report to guide the research, while the conclusion reflects on the study's outcomes and significance.

Summary:

The purpose of the study is most often found at the end of the literature review section, as it provides the foundation for the research. The literature review helps identify the knowledge gaps, and the purpose statement outlines the specific aim of the study in addressing those gaps.

Correct answer: A. ERIC

Explanation of the correct answer:

A. ERIC

The Electronic Resources in Education (ERIC) database is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. It provides access to a vast collection of education-related literature, including research articles, reports, and other educational materials. This makes it the most likely database being referred to in the question.

Why the other options are incorrect:

B. MEDLINE

MEDLINE is a database primarily sponsored by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and contains biomedical and life sciences literature. It is not specifically related to educational resources, which is why it is not the correct answer.

C. EMBASE

EMBASE is another biomedical database that focuses on drug and pharmaceutical research and life sciences. Like MEDLINE, it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, so it is not the correct database in this case.

D. CINAHL

CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) is a database focused on nursing and allied health disciplines, providing access to literature on topics such as nursing care, healthcare practices, and clinical research. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.

Summary:

ERIC is the database sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, making it the correct answer for this question.

Correct answer: D. Use the Limit Your Results section to limit results by age group

Explanation of the correct answer:

D. Use the Limit Your Results section to limit results by age group

In CINAHL, the "Limit Your Results" section allows users to refine their search by specific criteria such as age group, publication type, or language. This is an effective technique for narrowing the search to articles relevant to a particular population or age group, making it easier to find studies that specifically address the nurse's area of interest.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Use complete sentences when using Advanced Search

Using complete sentences in the search bar is not an effective technique for an electronic database like CINAHL. It is better to use keywords or phrases separated by Boolean operators ("AND," "OR," "NOT") for a more focused and effective search.

B. Mark "Research Articles," and then select "Search"

While selecting "Research Articles" can help filter the search results, simply marking that box and then selecting "Search" may not be the most efficient way to narrow down results. You can refine your search by additional criteria to better focus on the articles most relevant to your study.

C. Use the Boolean connector "and" to broaden your search

The Boolean connector "AND" is used to narrow the search by combining keywords, meaning it will only retrieve articles that contain both terms. To broaden your search, the connector "OR" is typically used.

Summary:

Using the "Limit Your Results" section to filter results by age group is an effective technique in CINAHL, as it helps refine your search to articles that are relevant to specific demographic groups.

Correct answer: A. Research provides evidence that nursing care makes a difference.

Explanation of the correct answer:

A. Research provides evidence that nursing care makes a difference.

The primary reason the average consumer of healthcare should be concerned about nursing research is that it directly provides evidence of how nursing care contributes to better patient outcomes. Nursing research helps demonstrate the effectiveness of nursing interventions and how they impact patient health, safety, and quality of life. For example, research studies have shown that nurses' involvement in patient care—such as monitoring vital signs, providing patient education, or administering medications—directly correlates with improved recovery times and reduced complications. This is important for consumers because they want to be assured that the care they are receiving is effective, scientifically backed, and contributes to better health outcomes.

Why the other options are incorrect:

B. The nursing profession needs to define its place in the health care system.

While it is important for the nursing profession to have a clear understanding of its role within the healthcare system, this is not the primary reason why the average consumer should be concerned about nursing research. The consumer’s concern should be more focused on how nursing care impacts their health outcomes, rather than professional boundaries or roles.

C. Accrediting agencies must determine how best to use the technology needed to provide nursing care.

This statement is related to how healthcare institutions and agencies determine their technology use, but it does not directly involve the consumer's understanding of the importance of nursing research. While technology is important in nursing care, the consumer is more concerned with the tangible results of care, including how research backs the practice of nursing and the benefits it brings to patient health.

D. Nurses must justify the cost of their services for reimbursement purposes.

Although it is important for nursing services to be financially viable and justified for reimbursement by insurance companies, this is not the primary reason why consumers should care about nursing research. The consumer’s focus should be on the quality and effectiveness of the care provided, rather than the economic aspects of reimbursement. Research that demonstrates the value of nursing care helps ensure that nursing interventions are seen as valuable by payers, but it primarily benefits consumers by improving care outcomes.

Summary:

The average consumer should be concerned about nursing research because it provides clear, evidence-based support for the significant role that nursing care plays in improving patient outcomes. Research helps demonstrate the effectiveness of nursing practices, ensuring that the care consumers receive is based on sound evidence and contributes positively to their health and well-being.

Correct answer: B. Population

Explanation of the correct answer:

B. Population

In a clinical question, the population refers to the group of patients or individuals who are the focus of the study. This is the group that the research aims to observe, assess, or intervene with, in order to answer the research question. Identifying the population is a critical part of formulating a clinical question because it defines the context and scope of the research. For example, if a study is looking at the effects of a new medication for heart disease, the population might be individuals diagnosed with heart disease.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Comparison

The comparison refers to a group or condition that is being compared to the population. In many research questions, a comparison group may be used to evaluate differences, such as comparing those who receive a treatment to those who do not.

C. Outcome

The outcome refers to the result or effect that is being measured or observed in the study. For example, if the study is examining the effect of a new drug, the outcome could be the improvement in symptoms or quality of life.

D. Intervention

The intervention is the treatment or condition that is being applied to the population in the study. For instance, this could be a new medication, therapy, or other clinical practice being tested to see its effect on the population.

Summary:

The population is the group of patients being studied in a clinical question, and identifying this group is essential for framing the research. It helps define the focus of the study and sets the foundation for identifying the comparison, intervention, and outcomes.

Correct answer: A, B

Explanation of the correct answers:

A. Subject loss as a result of attrition

Attrition (or dropout) is a common challenge in longitudinal studies. Over time, some subjects may drop out of the study due to various reasons, such as moving away, loss of interest, or health issues. This loss can lead to biased results if the remaining participants differ from those who dropped out in ways that affect the study's outcomes.

B. Loss of a control group

In longitudinal studies, maintaining a control group can be difficult over extended periods. If the study spans many years, it may be challenging to keep the control group intact, leading to potential issues in comparing results between the experimental and control groups.

Why C and D are incorrect:

C. The Hawthorne effect

The Hawthorne effect refers to the phenomenon where subjects alter their behavior because they know they are being observed. While this can occur in any type of study, it is not a specific disadvantage of longitudinal studies. In fact, longitudinal studies can sometimes help mitigate the Hawthorne effect because the repeated nature of data collection helps subjects become accustomed to being observed.

D. Superficiality of data

Longitudinal studies are generally designed to provide in-depth data by tracking subjects over time. They are usually quite detailed and not superficial. In fact, the strength of longitudinal studies lies in their ability to provide rich, long-term data, making this an incorrect disadvantage.

Summary:

The main disadvantages of longitudinal studies include subject loss due to attrition and the potential loss of a control group over time, which can impact the study’s validity and generalizability.

Correct answer: A. Meta-analysis

Explanation of the correct answer:

A. Meta-analysis

A meta-analysis is a statistical method used to combine the results of multiple studies that focus on a specific research question. In this case, the nurse researcher wants to summarize several studies on early detection of ovarian cancer and draw conclusions based on statistical data. A meta-analysis allows for the quantitative integration of data from different studies, providing a more powerful and generalized conclusion than any single study could provide. This method enables the researcher to analyze the pooled data statistically, determine overall effects, and assess the consistency of results across studies.

Why the other options are incorrect:

B. Integrative review

An integrative review is a type of systematic review that synthesizes both quantitative and qualitative studies on a specific topic. While it does involve summarizing multiple studies, it does not typically use statistical methods like meta-analysis. Instead, it focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject by combining findings from various research designs. However, since the nurse researcher intends to use statistical methods to draw conclusions, an integrative review is not the best choice.

C. Meta-synthesis

A meta-synthesis is used primarily for qualitative research. It involves synthesizing qualitative studies to create new insights or theories based on qualitative findings. This method is not suitable when the focus is on using statistical data to draw conclusions, as in the case of summarizing studies on ovarian cancer detection.

D. Meta-summary

A meta-summary is similar to a meta-synthesis but focuses on summarizing the findings of qualitative research studies. It aims to provide an overarching summary of the qualitative outcomes but does not involve statistical analysis. Since the nurse is interested in statistical methods, this option is not the best fit.

Summary:

Given that the nurse researcher intends to use statistical methods to draw conclusions from studies focused on early detection of ovarian cancer, a meta-analysis is the most appropriate choice. It combines data from multiple studies using statistical techniques to produce a more accurate and generalized result.