N 108 Hesi Nursing Research

Correct Answer B: Systematic random sampling

Explanation:

Systematic random sampling involves selecting subjects at regular intervals from an ordered list, starting from a randomly chosen point. In this scenario, the nurse-manager selected every tenth medical record, which clearly follows a systematic approach based on a fixed interval. This method is often used for ease and efficiency in large populations while still maintaining a degree of randomness.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Nonrandom convenience sampling

This method involves selecting subjects who are easiest to access or most readily available, not based on any systematic rule. The nurse-manager used a regular interval, not convenience, so this option is incorrect.

C. Purposive judgmental sampling

Purposive sampling involves hand-picking subjects based on specific characteristics or expert judgment, typically for qualitative studies. It’s not applicable here since the selection was not based on specific traits or judgment.

D. Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling means each subject in the population has an equal and independent chance of being selected, often using random number generators. Choosing every tenth record does not meet this criterion because it follows a fixed pattern rather than full randomization.

Correct Answer C: A meta-analysis of recent studies focused on handwashing techniques

Explanation:

A meta-analysis is a high-level research article that statistically combines the results of multiple studies on the same topic to determine overall effectiveness and trends. It is especially valuable for identifying evidence-based best practices, which is exactly what the nurse is seeking. Since this meta-analysis is recent and focused on a relevant infection control technique, it is the most useful source.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. A randomized controlled trial of a new antibiotic awaiting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval

An RCT provides strong evidence for a single intervention, but it doesn’t synthesize multiple studies or provide a broader view of best practices.

B. A systematic review of infection control practices used throughout the 1990s

Systematic reviews are valuable, but this one is outdated. Infection control guidelines have likely evolved since the 1990s, making this less applicable to current practice.

D. A report of an exploratory study of nurses' attitudes about isolation procedures

This is a qualitative study focused on attitudes, not outcomes. It doesn’t help determine effectiveness of infection control practices or guide best practice decisions.

Correct Answer D: The researcher is 95% confident that the result did not happen randomly.

Explanation:

When a researcher reports that p < .05, it means there is less than a 5% probability that the observed result occurred by random chance alone. In other words, the researcher is at least 95% confident that the result is statistically significant and reflects a true effect or relationship, not a random occurrence. This level of significance is the most commonly accepted threshold in nursing and medical research.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Only 5 out of 100 nursing research studies would report this result as significant.

This statement misinterprets the meaning of p-value. The p-value relates to the probability of a result occurring in one particular study, not across multiple studies. It does not speak to how many other studies will report similar findings.

B. There is a 1-in-5 chance of the result occurring again by chance alone.

This option incorrectly reverses the probability. A p-value of .05 indicates a 1-in-20 (not 1-in-5) chance of a result occurring by chance. Also, the p-value does not predict the chance of replication but rather evaluates the likelihood that the current results are due to chance.

C. The result is not significant for most nursing research, which requires more rigor.

This is incorrect. A p-value of less than .05 is widely accepted in nursing and most other health-related disciplines as statistically significant. While more stringent thresholds (like p < .01) are sometimes used, p < .05 is generally adequate.

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 Answers:

C. 5 to 10-year-olds who participate in sports

E. 10-year-olds who had stitches due to an accident

Explanation:

This study is focused on the effect of suture type (antibacterial vs. standard) on wound infection in a randomized sample of children aged 5 to 10 years. Therefore, eligible participants must:

Be within the specified age range (5 to 10 years)

Have a clinical need for sutures, so the intervention (type of suture) can be applied and measured

C. Children who play sports may be prone to minor injuries requiring sutures, making them suitable candidates.

E. Children who have already had stitches meet the inclusion criteria regarding age and relevant wound experience.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. First graders at a public school

While they may fall within the age range, they are not guaranteed to have surgical wounds or need sutures, so they do not meet the clinical requirement for the study.

B. 5 to 10-year-olds with leukemia

Children with leukemia are often immunocompromised, which could confound the study results due to their higher baseline infection risk. They may be excluded to avoid skewed data or ethical concerns.

D. 5 to 10-year-olds who are type 1 diabetics

Like children with leukemia, type 1 diabetes affects healing and infection risk, which could introduce bias. These participants would likely be excluded to maintain internal validity of the study.

Correct Answer D: Children who are exposed to classical music in utero through 2 years of age will score higher on IQ tests and will demonstrate more aptitude in mathematical ability on standardized achievement tests than children who were not exposed to classical music until after 2 years of age.

Explanation:

This hypothesis contains two dependent variables: 1) IQ scores and 2) aptitude in mathematical ability. Both are outcomes being measured in response to the independent variable, which is exposure to classical music. The study aims to assess whether early music exposure influences both cognitive and mathematical development.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Do mothers who stop breastfeeding their infants before the age of 3 months exhibit greater or lesser confidence in their caregiving abilities than mothers who breastfeed their babies for more than 3 months?

This question examines one dependent variable—caregiving confidence—based on different durations of breastfeeding.

B. How effective are public service announcements on television in reducing smoking among pregnant adolescents under the age of 16?

This option has a single dependent variable—smoking behavior among pregnant adolescents.

C. Are 2 different instructional methods (a live 30 minute tour of the cath lab suite with demonstration of equipment or the viewing of a 15 minute video that visually orients the client to the cath lab suite), equally effective in reducing client anxiety prior to cardiac catheterization?

The dependent variable here is anxiety levels prior to a cardiac catheterization, measured in response to two instructional methods.

Correct Answer B: Ex-post-facto study

Explanation:

An ex-post-facto study is a non-experimental research design that investigates possible relationships between variables by examining existing conditions or events that have already occurred. In this case, the use of oral contraceptives and the breast self-exam practices are both existing behaviors or conditions. The researcher cannot manipulate the contraceptive methods, so the ex-post-facto approach allows analysis based on natural groupings. This design is best when studying cause-and-effect relationships where direct control of variables is not possible but where the researcher wants to explore how one variable may influence another.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Correlational study

A correlational study examines the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables but does not establish cause-and-effect. While it could be used here, it does not allow for comparison between predefined groups (oral contraceptive users vs. other users) as effectively as an ex-post-facto design.

C. Longitudinal study

A longitudinal study involves repeated observations of the same variables over time. While useful for tracking changes in behavior, it is not necessary here unless the goal is to observe how breast self-exam practices change over time, which is not stated in the research question.

D. Exploratory study

An exploratory study is used when little is known about a topic and the goal is to generate hypotheses rather than test them. Since this research question is already specific and comparative, an exploratory study would not be the most effective or structured design for answering it.

Correct Answer C: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nurses (JOGNN)

Explanation:

The Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nurses (JOGNN) is the most appropriate and targeted publication for disseminating nursing research related to neonatal care, especially interventions in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). JOGNN reaches an audience of maternal and neonatal nurses and healthcare professionals who are directly involved in the care of low birth weight infants and are most likely to implement and benefit from evidence-based practice changes based on the study's findings.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

While JAMA is a prestigious, widely read medical journal, it is primarily physician-focused and covers a broad range of medical topics. It is not the ideal platform for nursing-specific neonatal research aimed at nursing practice changes.

B. Parents of Multiples (POMs) National Association Newsletter

This newsletter is intended for a lay audience—primarily parents—and is not a scientific or peer-reviewed journal. It is not suitable for disseminating research intended to influence clinical best practices.

D. Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA)

JONA focuses on issues related to nursing leadership and healthcare administration. While it supports nursing scholarship, it is not the best fit for clinical neonatal research intended to influence bedside practice.

Correct Answer A: The independent variable

Explanation:

The statement clearly mentions the setting ("well-baby clinic"), the population ("infants between the ages of 8 and 14 months"), and the dependent variable ("sleep behaviors"). However, it does not specify what factor is being manipulated or observed to influence sleep behaviors, which would be the independent variable. Without the independent variable, it's unclear what the researcher is investigating in relation to sleep behaviors.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. The population of interest

This is included in the phrase “infants between the ages of 8 and 14 months.”

C. The setting of the study

The setting is stated as “a well-baby clinic.”

D. The dependent variable

The dependent variable, “sleep behaviors,” is clearly mentioned as the focus of the investigation.