A nurse is collecting data from a client who is at the end of life. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Explanation:

A. Open access peer-reviewed articles must be purchased by the user.

This statement is not accurate. Open access peer-reviewed articles are freely available to users without the need for purchase. They are published under an open access model, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

B. Peer-reviewed articles are not considered scholarly sources of evidence.

This statement is incorrect. Peer-reviewed articles are indeed considered scholarly sources of evidence. They undergo a rigorous peer-review process where experts in the field review the content for accuracy, validity, and reliability before publication.

C. Editorial opinion articles by journalists can be as relevant as peer-reviewed articles.

This statement is generally not accurate in the context of evidence-based practice. While editorial opinion articles may offer valuable insights and perspectives, they are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny and review as peer-reviewed articles. Peer-reviewed articles are typically considered more reliable and credible sources of evidence in healthcare and academic settings.

D. Peer-reviewed articles have been through laborious review by other professionals.

This statement is correct. Peer-reviewed articles undergo a thorough review process by other professionals in the same field before they are accepted for publication. This review process ensures that the research and information presented in the article meet high standards of quality, accuracy, and validity.

Explanation:

A. Expert opinions:

Expert opinions are valuable in clinical practice and decision-making, but they are considered a lower level of evidence compared to systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Expert opinions are often classified as Level V evidence in the hierarchy.

B. Systematic review

A systematic review is a comprehensive and rigorous synthesis of multiple studies on a particular topic, and it often includes a meta-analysis that statistically combines the results of these studies to provide a high level of evidence. This type of evidence is considered Level I because it provides a strong foundation for making clinical decisions due to its methodological rigor and ability to summarize findings from multiple studies.

C. Credible websites:

Credible websites can provide valuable information, but they are not classified as Level I evidence. The evidence hierarchy typically places systematic reviews and meta-analyses at the highest level due to their methodological rigor and synthesis of multiple studies.

D. Qualitative studies:

Qualitative studies are valuable for exploring complex phenomena and understanding individuals' experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. However, they are generally considered lower in the hierarchy of evidence compared to systematic reviews and RCTs, which are categorized as Level I evidence.