N 108 Hesi Nursing Research

Correct Answer D: The mean age of nursing faculty in the United States

Explanation:

The mean (average) age of nursing faculty provides a direct indicator of how close faculty members are to retirement age. If the mean age is high, it supports the statement that many are likely to retire soon. This statistical measure best aligns with explaining an increasing rate of retirement.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. The percentage of nurses who work as nursing faculty throughout the world

This statistic reflects the proportion of nurses in faculty roles globally, not the retirement trends or age distribution relevant to retirement rates.

B. The median number of years that nurses work as faculty members

This shows career duration but does not inform whether faculty members are nearing retirement or what age group they fall into.

C. The significant age difference in hospital staff nurses and nursing faculty

While this shows a contrast in age between groups, it doesn't directly explain the retirement rate among faculty members. It lacks specificity about faculty retirement patterns.

Correct Answer B: Educational intervention

Explanation:

The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or introduced by the researcher to examine its effect on the dependent variable. In this research question, the educational intervention is what the researcher is applying or changing to observe its impact on antipsychotic-induced weight gain, which is the dependent variable.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Diagnosis of schizophrenia

This is part of the inclusion criteria for selecting participants but is not being manipulated in the study.

C. Antipsychotic-induced weight gain

This is the dependent variable, or the outcome being measured to see the effect of the educational intervention.

D. Clients aged 20 to 30 years

This is another inclusion criterion (part of the sample definition), not a variable that is being changed or tested.

Correct Answer A: Collect monthly data at the nursing unit level to isolate specific patterns.

Explanation:

The first step in any quality improvement (QI) project is to gather and analyze detailed data to understand the scope, trends, and contributing factors of the problem. By collecting unit-level data, the nurse leader can identify where, when, and why medication errors are occurring. This targeted information is essential before proposing solutions or interventions.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Go to the various nursing units and talk with the nurses on a daily basis

While direct communication is valuable, it is not a systematic or objective first step in QI. Observations and conversations can support data collection but do not replace formal analysis.

C. Offer a two-hour educational program for staff about the costs of medication errors

Education is an intervention, not a starting point. Without understanding the root cause, education may not address the real problem or be effective.

D. Recommend that the healthcare facility purchase a bar code scanner system

This is a costly intervention that should only be considered after identifying specific issues and patterns through data. It’s premature to recommend a system without evidence that it will target the root cause.

Correct Answer C: 57 subjects; p < .002

Explanation:

The best choice combines a reasonably large sample size and a very low p-value, which indicates strong statistical significance. In option C, the sample size of 57 is moderate, and the p-value of < .002 means there's only a 0.2% probability that the results happened by chance—strong evidence in favor of the findings. This makes it the strongest article for proposing evidence-based practice changes.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. 70 subjects; p < .23

Although this has the largest sample size, the p-value is not statistically significant. A p-value of 0.23 means there is a 23% chance the results occurred randomly, which is too high to support a practice change.

B. 42 subjects; p < .016

This has a statistically significant p-value, but the sample size is smaller than option C. While it supports the findings, it is not as strong as C in terms of both sample size and significance.

D. 36 subjects; p < .15

This has the smallest sample size and a high p-value, meaning weak statistical support and less generalizability. It does not provide strong enough evidence to support a practice change.

Correct Answer C: Biased findings

Explanation:

Biased findings occur when a researcher's personal beliefs, expectations, or preferences influence the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data, leading to distorted or inaccurate results. In this case, the nurse-researcher intentionally recalculates the data to align the outcome with their own belief system, which compromises the integrity of the research. This practice introduces bias and undermines the objectivity and validity of the study.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Secondary analysis

Secondary analysis involves using existing data collected for another study or purpose to conduct a new analysis. It is a legitimate and ethical research method when done transparently, but it is not applicable here since the researcher is manipulating original results, not analyzing new data.

B. Non-parametric data analysis

Non-parametric analysis refers to statistical techniques used when data don’t meet the assumptions required for parametric tests, such as normal distribution. It is a valid statistical method, not related to altering data based on personal beliefs.

D. Theoretical differentiation

Theoretical differentiation involves clarifying and separating conceptual frameworks or theoretical constructs in a study. It has nothing to do with manipulating data or introducing bias into statistical computations.

Correct Answer A: To the extent that it is possible, informed consent is obtained from mentally disabled adult subjects in addition to a consent from their guardians.

Explanation:

Vulnerable populations, such as mentally disabled adults, require extra safeguards to protect their autonomy and rights in research. The correct answer reflects a heightened sensitivity because the researcher makes an effort to obtain assent (affirmative agreement) from the mentally disabled participants themselves, whenever possible, in addition to obtaining legally authorized consent from their guardians. This dual approach respects the dignity of the individual and complies with ethical standards.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. The researcher has petitioned the Institutional Review Board for an exempted review due to negligible risks posed to the adult subjects.

Requesting an exempted review does not demonstrate sensitivity to vulnerable subjects, especially if the study involves individuals who are mentally disabled, prisoners, or otherwise at risk. Vulnerable populations typically require full review, not exemption.

C. The wife of a subject who is visually impaired will receive and sign the written informed consent document because her spouse cannot see it.

This violates ethical standards. The subject—not a proxy—must give informed consent unless legally unable. For visually impaired individuals, the consent process must be adapted (e.g., using verbal explanations, Braille, or witnessed consent), not handed off to someone else to sign.

D. Prisoners selected as subjects are asked to sign two separate informed consent documents to show that their participation was voluntary.

Requiring two consents is not a standard or recognized practice. Voluntary participation is ensured through appropriate education, assurance of no coercion, and independent review, not through redundant paperwork.

Correct Answer C: Cross-sectional

Explanation:

A cross-sectional study design involves collecting data from a population at a single point in time to examine the prevalence or characteristics of a condition. In this case, the study measured blood pressure in students one time only at the end of the school year, which fits the definition of a cross-sectional approach. It provides a snapshot of the population’s health status at a specific moment.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Prospective

A prospective study follows subjects over time and collects data in the future. This study does not follow students over time; it captures data at a single moment.

B. Quasi-experimental

A quasi-experimental design involves manipulation of variables and often a comparison group, but lacks randomization. This study involved no intervention or manipulation, so it cannot be classified as quasi-experimental.

D. Comparative

A comparative study requires at least two groups to be compared. This scenario involves only one group of students, with no mention of a comparison group, so it is not comparative.

Correct Answer C: Evidence-based practice (EBP)

Explanation:

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the process that integrates current research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide clinical decisions. It ensures nurses deliver the most effective and high-quality care, improving client outcomes by basing interventions on proven methods rather than tradition or routine.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)

QSEN is an educational framework that prepares nurses with competencies related to safety and quality. It supports EBP but does not itself guide daily clinical decisions in practice.

B. The scope and standards of practice

These define what nurses are legally and professionally allowed to do but do not specifically guide decision-making about clinical interventions based on the best evidence.

D. The Nurse Practice Act (NPA)

The NPA defines the legal boundaries and responsibilities of nursing practice in each state but does not direct how nurses make clinical care decisions to enhance outcomes through research-based evidence.

Correct Answer D: Compare the location where the study was conducted with the location of the pediatric clinic

Explanation:

The most important first step is to assess the generalizability of the study findings by comparing the geographical, cultural, socioeconomic, and demographic characteristics of the study population with those of the local clinic. Differences in environmental factors, healthcare access, or cultural practices may affect the nutritional status of Hispanic children differently in the northeast compared to the southwest. Without this context, applying the study findings directly could be inappropriate or ineffective.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Replicate the study using white children from the pediatric clinic as subjects

This is inappropriate because the original study focused specifically on Hispanic children. Changing the ethnic group would not provide a valid replication and may introduce confounding variables that invalidate comparisons.

B. Propose initiating a policy of administering vitamin A twice annually to children ages 6 to 20 months

It is premature to propose a clinic-wide policy change without first confirming whether the findings are applicable to the nurse’s current population and setting. This action would require further evaluation and possibly additional research.

C. Determine how the nurse researcher measured the subjects' nutritional status

While this is a relevant question when assessing a study’s validity, it is not the most important initial action. Generalizability of the findings to the local context takes precedence before examining measurement tools.