A nurse who works in a gerontology clinic is asked to examine the effectiveness of Vitamin D in improving bone mineral density among older clients. The nurse evaluates four recent studies on the topic.
Which study provides the best evidence to support the use of vitamin D?
A meta-analysis that concluded that bone density improved among individuals who took Vitamin D.
A cross-sectional study that found a strong relationship between Vitamin D intake and bone density.
A cohort study that concluded low levels of Vitamin D were linked to decreased bone mineral density.
A time series design study that reported that those who took Vitamin D had improved bone density.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
A meta-analysis that concluded that bone density improved among individuals who took Vitamin D. Rationale: A meta-analysis provides the highest level of evidence among the options listed. It synthesizes data from multiple studies, often randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of an intervention. In this case, the meta-analysis concluded that bone density improved among individuals who took Vitamin D, suggesting strong evidence to support its use.
Choice B rationale:
A cross-sectional study that found a strong relationship between Vitamin D intake and bone density. Rationale: Cross-sectional studies can identify associations between variables but cannot establish causality. While this study found a strong relationship, it does not provide as strong evidence as a meta-analysis of RCTs.
Choice C rationale:
A cohort study that concluded low levels of Vitamin D were linked to decreased bone mineral density. Rationale: Cohort studies can provide valuable evidence, but they may have limitations, such as confounding variables. While this study suggested a link, it may not be as robust as a meta-analysis of RCTs.
Choice D rationale:
A time series design study that reported that those who took Vitamin D had improved bone density. Rationale: Time series designs can be useful for assessing changes over time, but they may have limitations in terms of establishing causality. Additionally, the strength of evidence from a single time series study may not be as high as that from a meta-analysis of multiple RCTs.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
Provide a context for the research question that describes relevant theory and results of previous studies. A literature review serves to provide context for the research question by summarizing relevant theories, previous research findings, and existing knowledge related to the topic. It helps researchers understand the current state of knowledge in their area of interest and identifies gaps or areas where further research is needed. While other choices may also be relevant to some extent, choice C directly addresses the primary purpose of a literature review in the research process.
Choice A rationale:
Identifying the research design and explaining the rationale for choosing the research methodology is typically part of the research methodology section, not the literature review.
Choice B rationale:
Ensuring that the study has not already been completed and that the findings will provide a unique contribution is important but not the primary purpose of a literature review. It is more related to conducting a preliminary review of existing literature before conducting the study.
Choice D rationale:
Describing how the study findings can be used in the future and identifying the need for conducting the study are important aspects of the discussion and conclusion sections of a research report, not the literature review.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Back massage. Rationale: In an experimental design, the independent variable is the one that is manipulated or changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable. In this study, one group of subjects receives a back massage, while the other group does not. Therefore, the independent variable is the administration of a back massage.
Choice A rationale:
Older adults. Rationale: Older adults are the population being studied, but they are not the variable being manipulated in the experiment. They are a part of the study's population.
Choice C rationale:
Blood pressure and pulse measurements. Rationale: Blood pressure and pulse measurements are the dependent variables in this study. They are being measured to assess the effect of the independent variable (back massage) on these physiological parameters.
Choice D rationale:
Time spent with each client. Rationale: The time spent with each client is not the variable being manipulated in the experiment. It may be a controlled variable or a factor that is observed but not manipulated.
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