Which of the following is an effective approach in the appraisal of research studies?
a. Accept only studies that use a RCT de-sign.
b. When ranking research studies, choose RCTs over qualitative studies.
c. Select only studies with a large sample size.
d. Evaluate the quality of the research against the standards for that type of re-search.
D
While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are generally considered the gold standard for re-search, it is important to assess not only the method but the quality of the study and its applica-bility to the question that is being asked. The quality of all studies should be appraised against the standards accepted for that that type of research.
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A woman who is 8 weeks' pregnant is visiting the clinic for a checkup. Her systolic blood pressure is 30 mm Hg higher than her prepregnancy systolic blood pressure. The nurse should:
a. Consider this a normal finding. b. Expect the blood pressure to decrease as the estrogen levels increase throughout the pregnancy. c. Consider this an abnormal finding because blood pressure is typically lower at this point in the pregnancy. d. Recommend that she decrease her salt intake in an attempt to decrease her peripheral vascular resistance.
The nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a child. The medication is ordered as 10 mg/kg. When the nurse looks up the child's weight on the vital sign record, no unit of measure is documented. What is the best nursing action?
A) Assume that the weight was measured in kilograms, since that is unit policy. B) Call the staff member who weighed the child and verify the unit of measure. C) Use arithmetic analysis to determine the probable unit of measure used. D) Reweigh the child to ensure accuracy of weight determination for the day.
What are fundamental qualities in good written expression?
a. precision and clarity b. description c. long, academic-sounding words d. long sentences
A father asks the nurse why his toddler engages in fantasy and make-believe in play. The best answer by the nurse is:
a. "Some children use fantasy to escape their stressful world, so the more stressful their life is, the more they fantasize." b. "Fantasy helps the toddler cope with caregiver expectations and helps the child conceptualize how he or she wishes the world to be." c. "Your child probably does not have enough playmates to keep busy in reality-based play." d. "Some children are just more imaginative and creative than others, and these children engage in fantasy play."