A nurse is reviewing a research article that compared Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) findings of randomly selected 20 to 30-year-old clients with diabetes who participated in a specified 3- month strenuous exercise program with 20 to 30-year-old clients who did not participate in the exercise program. Which research design describes this study?

The nurse-researcher wants to evaluate the effectiveness of guided imagery in reducing stress prior to starting an IV. In the research proposal, several studies are reported in the review of the literature section about the use of biofeedback to reduce anxiety prior to invasive procedures. Which significance level and sample size provide the greatest support for the findings reported?

What type of research design is used in the research study described in this statement? "To detect differences in the knowledge levels of older adults regarding osteoporosis, subjects were randomly assigned to a control group, which received printed materials, and an experimental group, which received computerized instruction. The same pretest and posttest were administered to all subjects."

A nurse who has read several clinical research articles containing similar results will consult the policy and procedure committee about adopting a change in hospital practice based on the article with the strongest research design. Which article should the nurse choose, based on the sample size and the level of significance reported?

Which interpretation of this statement of findings is accurate? "Several characteristics were positively associated (p <.05) with nurses' attitudes about hospice care for terminally ill clients. Nurses who reported having had oncology experience, having cared for a close friend or family member who had used hospice, and being satisfied with interactions with hospice caregivers were more likely to have discussed hospice care with terminally ill clients."

Several research designs are being considered to investigate this research question: "What is the difference in pain perception reported by clients on their first day postoperative when different types of pain management are provided?" Which research design should be dropped from further consideration because it involves unethical practice?

A convenience sample was used to study nurses' experience with workplace violence. Findings indicated that nurses and those who received peer support were more likely to report incidences of workplace violence than nurses who feared reprisal for reporting incidents of workplace violence. Based on this study, which action is best for a nurse manager to take who works at a different hospital?

In this statement describing the methodology of a research study, how was the snowball sample obtained? "From 2000 to 2004, a sample of 30 nonhospitalized women, self-identified as having postpartum depression, was recruited using network and 'snowball sampling' methods to discuss their beliefs about postpartum depression."

Which research design is most useful in addressing this research question:

"What are the characteristics and attitudes of nurses regarding hospice care for terminally ill clients?"

A nurse wishes to review the results of multiple studies on a specific infection control measure to determine best practices for a postoperative orthopedic unit. Which type of article should the nurse choose for this purpose?

The nurse leader on the risk management committee notices an alarming increase in medication errors on a quarterly report. Which is the first step in initiating a quality improvement project?