A nurse is reviewing the purpose of various professional nursing associations.
Which of the following is a function of the American Nurses Association?

Choice A rationale

Peer-reviewed articles represent the highest level of evidence in healthcare, as they have undergone rigorous scrutiny by experts in the field. This process ensures the validity, reliability, and scientific rigor of the research, making them the most current and trustworthy source for evidence-based practice to guide clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

Choice B rationale

Experiences of expert clinicians, while valuable for practical insights and nuanced clinical judgment, are considered a lower level of evidence compared to empirical research. Clinical expertise is subjective and may lack generalizability, making it less suitable as the primary source for establishing broad evidence-based practice guidelines that require systematic validation.

Choice C rationale

Current textbooks provide foundational knowledge and summarize established concepts, but their publication cycle often means the information is not as up-to-date as the latest research. While essential for learning, textbooks may not reflect the very newest findings or rapidly evolving best practices, making them secondary to recent peer-reviewed literature.

Choice D rationale

Opinions of colleagues, while offering immediate perspectives and shared experiences, are highly subjective and anecdotal. They are considered the lowest level of evidence in the hierarchy of evidence-based practice, as they lack systematic review, empirical data, and rigorous validation necessary to inform generalizable and reliable clinical practices.

Choice A rationale

Providing educational materials to a client who has hypertension primarily falls under the role of a health educator or client advocate. While important, this activity focuses on knowledge dissemination and empowerment rather than the direct delivery of a therapeutic intervention that targets a specific physiological need or immediate medical condition.

Choice B rationale

Collecting research data to improve quality care exemplifies the nurse's role as a researcher or quality improvement specialist. This involves systematic investigation and analysis to enhance healthcare processes and outcomes, distinct from the direct provision of care to an individual patient for a specific medical need.

Choice C rationale

Administering a respiratory treatment to a client who has asthma directly involves the application of a therapeutic intervention to address a physiological alteration. This action is a core function of a care provider, as it requires clinical skills and knowledge to directly impact the patient's physical well-being and manage their condition.

Choice D rationale

Advocating for a client's discharge to a rehabilitation facility demonstrates the nurse's role as a client advocate or case manager. This involves representing the client's best interests and coordinating care transitions, which, while crucial for holistic care, is not the direct provision of hands-on, physiological care.