The nurse is caring for a patient who has a diagnosis that she is not familiar with. The nurse uses reference materials and does a literature search to better understand the diagnosis

Question

The nurse then utilizes this knowledge, along with the nurse's experience and patient preferences, to develop a plan of care. This is an example of the nurse using _____ to provide care for her patient. a. Evidence-based practice
b. Research-based practice
c. Applied quality improvement
d. Nursing informatics

Answer 1

A
Evidence-based practice is a problem-solving approach to clinical practice that involves the conscientious use of current best evidence, along with clinical expertise and patient preferences and values, in making decisions about patient care. Evidence-based practice, research-based practice, and best practice are terms that are often used interchangeably. However, research-based practice refers to the use of knowledge based on results of research studies, whereas evidence-based practice adds a nurse's clinical experience, practice trends, and patient preferences. Applied quality improvement involves identifying errors and hazards in care; practicing in accordance with basic safety design principles; measuring quality in relation to structure, process, and outcomes; and designing and testing interventions to change processes, not individual plans of care. Only part of the process, the use of informatics, involves technology to communicate, manage knowledge, reduce error, and support decision making.