Nursing Research MCQs With Answers

Experimental research is characterized by high levels of control, random sampling, and often a laboratory setting to minimize outside influences. This setup allows researchers to directly observe the effects of manipulated variables on outcomes, making the findings more reliable and generalizable, though it may not fully reflect real-world conditions.

The researcher's study takes place in the caregiver's home, indicating that the research setting is a natural, field setting. This means that the study is conducted in a real-life environment, allowing for a more realistic and ecologically valid understanding of stress and coping in caregivers of elderly stroke victims.

The correct answer is "It explores participants' experiences and perceptions." Qualitative research in nursing is characterized by its focus on understanding the meanings and interpretations of human experiences. It often employs methods such as interviews or focus groups to gather in-depth information, allowing researchers to capture the complexity of individuals' lived experiences rather than relying solely on numerical data.

A pilot study is a smaller version of a planned research project, conducted to identify any potential problems before undertaking a larger, multisite investigation. This preliminary study helps researchers refine the design, methods, and data collection processes to improve the study’s feasibility and reliability. By conducting a pilot study, the researcher can make necessary adjustments, increasing the likelihood of a successful and well-executed main study. This approach is particularly useful in complex or large-scale research, where identifying issues early can prevent costly errors later on.

A research hypothesis predicts the expected results or outcomes of a study, suggesting a possible relationship between variables. It gives the research direction, guiding data collection and analysis, and allowing researchers to test assumptions. By comparing outcomes against the hypothesis, researchers can evaluate its validity and draw conclusions, advancing knowledge in the field.

Quantitative and qualitative research approaches complement each other by providing diverse perspectives. Quantitative research offers objective, statistical insights, while qualitative research focuses on subjective, detailed understandings. Together, these methods create a balanced approach to understanding nursing practices and patient care, allowing for comprehensive, evidence-based insights.

The researcher uses the abstract section of a research report to capture the reader's attention. The abstract provides a concise summary of the entire research, highlighting key objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions. This brief overview enables readers to quickly understand the main points and decide if they wish to explore the report further. By presenting essential information upfront, the abstract serves as an engaging summary that invites readers to delve deeper into the study's content.

Identifying the research problem is the first and one of the most critical steps in the research process. This step defines the study’s scope and focus, guiding the selection of variables, research purpose, and feasibility considerations. By clearly identifying the issue to investigate, researchers lay the foundation for systematic exploration, which allows them to contribute meaningfully to the field’s knowledge base.

A nurse who reads research articles and incorporates research findings into nursing practice is demonstrating the role of a consumer. As a consumer, the nurse is actively seeking out and staying informed about the latest research in order to apply evidence-based practices in their work. This role involves critically evaluating research articles, understanding the implications of the findings, and integrating them into their clinical decision-making process. By being a consumer of research, the nurse is able to provide the best possible care based on the most current and reliable evidence available.

In the research process, problem identification is the first step where researchers identify and define the problem they want to study. Similarly, in the nursing process, nursing diagnosis is the step where nurses identify and define the patient's health problem based on the assessment data. Both problem identification in the research process and nursing diagnosis in the nursing process involve identifying and defining the problem to be addressed. Therefore, the correct answer is nursing diagnosis.

The purpose of a study is to clearly identify the specific aim or goal that the study aims to achieve. It provides a clear direction and focus for the research, outlining what the researcher intends to accomplish through the study. The purpose statement usually highlights the problem or gap in knowledge that the study seeks to address and provides a rationale for conducting the research. Therefore, the purpose is the most appropriate option for identifying the specific aim or goal of the study based on the identified problem.

A study report authored by the researcher who conducted the study is considered a primary source. Primary sources provide original information directly from the investigator, such as firsthand findings, data, and conclusions. Unlike secondary sources, which analyze or interpret primary data, primary sources offer the most direct insights into the research question, methodology, and results. Primary sources are essential for establishing credibility and authenticity in academic research, enabling a clear understanding of the original study's contributions and findings.

The independent variable in this hypothesis is "music therapy" as it is the factor manipulated or controlled by the researchers. The hypothesis suggests that music therapy may reduce pain complaints and the need for pain medication among cancer patients. By comparing groups receiving and not receiving music therapy, the study aims to assess its effect on pain-related outcomes, thereby positioning music therapy as the primary variable influencing the results.

Inductive reasoning involves drawing a general conclusion based on specific observations or examples. In this case, reasoning from a single diabetic patient to all diabetic patients is an example of inductive reasoning. By observing and studying one diabetic patient, we can make generalizations and form conclusions about the characteristics, symptoms, and treatment approaches that may apply to all diabetic patients. This is a common approach in medical research and practice, where knowledge gained from studying individual cases is used to inform broader understanding and decision-making.

Nursing practice serves as a valuable source for identifying research problems, as it reflects real-world challenges and situations. Nurses encounter practical issues that can reveal gaps in current knowledge, leading to research questions. Through analyzing these challenges, nurses contribute to studies that aim to improve patient outcomes and inform better practices within healthcare.

When a study builds on findings from previous research, it adds to the existing knowledge base by further exploring or confirming the topic under investigation. In this case, the cited research on spirituality and quality of life indicates that the current study contributes to understanding this relationship. By adding new insights or validating past findings, the research reinforces and potentially expands existing theories on the subject.

The "type of support" (structured preoperative or structured postoperative) serves as the independent variable in this study. Researchers are interested in examining how different types of support influence patients' pain perception and their request for analgesics post-surgery. The type of support is manipulated to assess its impact on these outcomes, thereby positioning it as the variable expected to cause changes in the dependent variables (perception of pain and analgesic requests).

The correct answer is "Identify gaps in current knowledge." A literature review serves to summarize and synthesize existing research on a topic, helping researchers identify what is already known and where there are gaps that require further investigation. This process informs the study's objectives and methodology, guiding the direction of the new research.

The arrow points to the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs. It plays a crucial role in breathing by contracting and relaxing, which expands and contracts the lungs. The diaphragm separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and is a key muscle in respiratory processes, facilitating the movement of air in and out of the lungs.

The research question inquires about the effectiveness of telephone follow-up by nurses in improving patients' compliance with their medication regimens. This question is focused on practical application and seeks to provide a solution or intervention to a real-world problem. Therefore, it falls under the category of applied research, which aims to address specific issues and generate practical knowledge that can be implemented in real-life settings.

Applied research seeks to solve a clinical problem in a natural setting. This means that the research is conducted in a real-world environment, such as a hospital or community, where the problem actually occurs. This allows researchers to study the problem in its natural context and gather data that is representative of real-life situations. By conducting research in a natural setting, the findings can be more applicable and relevant to the clinical problem being studied.

The Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) is widely recognized for its comprehensive coverage of nursing and allied health literature, encompassing journals, books, and conference materials. Tailored for nursing research, CINAHL offers an extensive database of articles and sources essential for locating relevant literature in nursing and related health fields. Its focus on nursing and allied health distinguishes it from broader medical indexes, making it an indispensable tool for researchers in these areas.

The "request for analgesics" in this hypothesis is the dependent variable, as it is the outcome being measured to determine the effect of structured preoperative support. The study aims to see whether this type of support reduces the need for analgesics compared to postoperative support. By observing changes in the dependent variable, researchers can evaluate the impact of the independent variable (type of support), providing insight into the potential benefits of preoperative interventions on postoperative pain management.

Florence Nightingale is most noted for her contributions to nursing research in the area of data collection and analysis. She was a pioneer in using statistical methods to analyze healthcare data and played a significant role in improving public health outcomes. Nightingale's meticulous data collection and analysis helped to identify patterns and trends, which led to important advancements in nursing practice and healthcare delivery. Her work emphasized the importance of evidence-based practice and laid the foundation for modern nursing research.

The formation of the National Institute for Nursing Research had a major impact on the funding for nursing research. This institute was specifically created to support and promote nursing research, providing funding opportunities and resources for researchers in the field. It played a crucial role in advancing nursing science and improving healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practice. The establishment of this dedicated research institute marked a significant milestone in the recognition and support of nursing research, leading to increased funding and opportunities for nurses to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.

Benner (1984) emphasizes that clinical knowledge is best acquired through hands-on, professional experience. Engaging directly in patient care provides invaluable insights, as real-world encounters help practitioners refine their skills and develop sound judgment. This experiential learning is key to developing practical expertise that enhances patient care.

This hypothesis is complex as it involves multiple variables—structured support, perception of pain, and request for analgesics. It is directional because it states that structured preoperative support is more effective than postoperative support in reducing pain perception and analgesic use. Additionally, it is a research hypothesis, proposing an investigation into the effectiveness of different support types on surgical outcomes, guiding the study’s objective.

Applied research refers to a type of research that is conducted with the intention of solving practical problems or addressing specific issues in real-world settings. In this case, the researcher is investigating the effect of frequency of position change on the healing of decubitus ulcers, which is a practical concern in healthcare. Therefore, the study can be described as applied research as it aims to provide practical solutions or interventions for the treatment of decubitus ulcers.

Rigor in quantitative research refers to the amount of control and precision exerted by the methodology. It involves the use of systematic and standardized procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. Rigorous research methods involve careful planning, sample selection, data collection, and analysis techniques to minimize bias and errors. By exerting control and precision, researchers can increase the validity and generalizability of their findings, making them more reliable and trustworthy.

The main goal of a literature review is to delineate the existing knowledge base surrounding a specific research problem, allowing researchers to understand what has already been explored. By identifying knowledge gaps and highlighting relevant studies, researchers justify the significance of their investigation. This background information also helps refine research questions, guiding study design, methodology, and theoretical framework. Establishing a clear knowledge base through a literature review is essential for situating new research within the field's broader context.

The correct answer is "Type of dressing ---------> skin changes." This relationship diagram best represents the hypothesis, showing that the type of dressing used has an impact on the occurrence of skin changes in wound sites. It implies that conventional gauze dressings cause fewer skin changes compared to hydrocolloid or hydroactive dressings.

Quasi-experimental research involves at least some control by the researcher to implement the study treatment. In this type of research, the researcher manipulates the independent variable and measures the effect on the dependent variable, similar to experimental research. However, unlike experimental research, quasi-experimental research lacks random assignment of participants to groups. This means that the researcher has some control over the treatment being administered but cannot completely randomize participants into different groups.

This hypothesis is a simple, directional hypothesis because it clearly states that one variable (normal saline flush with heparin) is more effective than another variable (normal saline flush alone) in maintaining patency of an intermittent intravenous site. A simple hypothesis involves only two variables—in this case, saline flush with heparin versus saline flush alone—and is directional because it specifies the expected difference or effect between the two variables. The directional nature of this hypothesis indicates that one treatment is anticipated to be more effective than the other, guiding the focus of the study on comparing outcomes.

"The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health beliefs and breast self-examination" would likely appear in the abstract section. The abstract includes a concise summary of the study's purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. It gives readers an immediate understanding of the study's objectives, helping them assess its relevance to their interests and decide whether to read further.

The feasibility of a study relies significantly on the availability of subjects, as a sufficient participant pool is necessary to conduct meaningful data collection and analysis. Without enough subjects, the study’s practical implementation could be compromised, potentially impacting the reliability of the results. Therefore, researchers assess subject availability early to ensure the study’s feasibility.

The dependent variable represents the response or outcome the researcher seeks to understand in a study. It is the variable being measured or observed to assess the effects of the independent variable. By manipulating the independent variable, researchers can examine changes in the dependent variable, helping to establish patterns, relationships, or effects in the data. Understanding this variable is essential as it provides insight into the primary outcome of interest, which may support or refute the study’s hypothesis.

The problem statement is typically located in the literature review section of a research report. This section provides an overview of existing literature and research related to the topic of study. It is in this section that the researcher identifies the gap or problem in the existing knowledge, which then leads to the formulation of the problem statement. By reviewing the literature, the researcher can establish the need for the study and justify its significance.

The study aims to validate a prediction within the theoretical framework, hypothesizing that walking three times per week may reduce premature labor in at-risk pregnant women. Prediction is a core function of theory, allowing researchers to anticipate specific outcomes based on established principles. The study tests whether this predictive element holds true, providing empirical evidence to support or refine the theory.

The diagram shows a positive relationship between pain perception and anxiety. This means that as pain perception increases, anxiety also increases, and vice versa. The correct answer is that pain perception and anxiety are positively related to one another.

The "perception of pain" is the dependent variable in this study, as it is the outcome the researchers seek to understand and measure. The hypothesis suggests that structured preoperative support may influence patients' pain perception post-surgery. By observing variations in this variable, researchers can assess the effect of the independent variable (structured support type), potentially demonstrating the value of preoperative support in pain management.

The literature review section usually summarizes empirical literature, focusing on previous studies related to the research topic. This summary establishes a context for the current study by discussing relevant research findings, methodologies, and conclusions. By reviewing empirical literature, researchers can identify gaps in knowledge, justify their study's significance, and position their research within the broader academic field. This analysis is crucial in establishing a strong foundation for the study and guiding future investigations in the area.

Identifying keywords is a critical first step in a database search, as keywords represent the core concepts related to the research topic. Effective keyword selection narrows the search, ensuring that the most relevant and focused articles are retrieved. Researchers often brainstorm terms or use keywords from their research question to optimize search results, saving time and enhancing accuracy. Utilizing appropriate keywords is essential for efficient database navigation, particularly when searching large academic or research databases for high-quality sources.

In an APA reference, the number following the journal title indicates the volume in which the article was published. Volume numbers represent the overarching collection of issues published within a specific year. In this example, "21" denotes the journal's volume, allowing readers to locate the publication within its respective year. This is distinct from the issue number, which narrows down to the specific issue within that volume.

The plan in the problem-solving process is equivalent to the design step in the research process. In both cases, a plan or design is created to guide the overall process. In problem-solving, the plan outlines the steps and strategies to solve a specific problem, while in research, the design refers to the overall framework and methodology that will be used to conduct the study. Both involve careful planning and consideration of the best approach to achieve the desired outcomes or goals.

In a purpose statement, identifying both the study variables and the population is essential. The population refers to the specific group of individuals the study aims to generalize findings to, which enhances the study's relevance and applicability. Together, the variables and population provide a clear focus for the research, aiding in the design and data analysis to ensure that the findings are representative.

This hypothesis is a complex, directional hypothesis as it predicts a specific relationship between two variables: receiving music therapy and pain reduction. The hypothesis specifies that cancer patients receiving music therapy will experience less pain and require fewer pain medications than those not receiving it, establishing a clear direction of the anticipated effect. It is complex because it involves more than two variables—music therapy, frequency of pain complaints, and medication use—suggesting that the therapy influences both pain experience and medication needs in cancer patients.

An academic library is an invaluable resource for conducting a literature review, providing access to scholarly journals, databases, books, and articles. These resources allow researchers to find credible, peer-reviewed studies and review a vast amount of literature in their field. Academic libraries often have dedicated staff who can assist with search strategies and resource access, and they may provide interlibrary loans for hard-to-find materials. This access ensures a comprehensive literature review, offering a reliable foundation for the study’s development.

A likely assumption here is that subjects have the self-awareness needed to reflect on and evaluate their quality of life following a liver transplant. By asking them to complete a questionnaire about their experiences, the researcher presumes that participants can recognize and articulate aspects of their QOL. This assumption is essential, as it underlies the validity of self-reported data in understanding patient perspectives. For meaningful data, participants must be able to accurately assess and share insights on their post-transplant experiences.