In this statement describing the methodology of a research study, how was the snowball sample obtained?

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale: The nurse-manager’s process for IV insertions on a surgical unit is an example ofEvidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. In this case, the nurse-manager is using the findings from several multi-institutional studies as the basis for their decision to require RNs to cleanse all peripheral insertion sites with both alcohol and an iodine-based cleanser before starting an IV. This practice was adopted because the studies found a statistically significant decrease in IV-related septicaemia rates for surgical clients when both alcohol and iodine were used as cleansers as compared with those who had alcohol-only cleansing prior to IV insertions. This is a clear example of using current best evidence to guide practice, which is the essence of EBP.

Choice B rationale: While standards-related processes are important in healthcare, they are not the primary focus in this scenario. Standards-related processes typically involve following established guidelines or protocols that have been set by a governing body or institution. In this case, the nurse-manager is not simply following a standard process, but is instead using evidence from research to inform their practice. Therefore, this is not the best answer.

Choice C rationale: Theory-based practice involves using nursing theories to guide care and practice. While theories can be used in conjunction with evidence-based practice, the nurse-manager in this scenario is not explicitly using a nursing theory to guide their decision-making process. Instead, they are using evidence from research studies. Therefore, this is not the best answer.

Choice D rationale: Outcome-oriented processes focus on the results or outcomes of care. While the nurse-manager is certainly interested in improving outcomes (in this case, reducing IV-related septicaemia rates), the focus in this scenario is more on the use of evidence to guide practice rather than on the outcomes themselves. Therefore, this is not the best answer.

The most important action for the nurse to take using this research is to determine if any of the studies reviewed by the authors used a junior high school population. This is because the nurse needs to assess the applicability and relevance of the research findings to the specific target population and setting of the anti- smoking campaign. If none of the studies reviewed by the authors used a junior high school population, then the nurse may need to look for other sources of evidence that are more appropriate and valid for this population. The nurse also needs to consider other factors, such as the quality, consistency, and currency of the evidence, as well as the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions.

Identify the primary attitudinal factors that the authors described as protecting against smoking. This is an important action for the nurse to take using this research, but it is not the most important one. The nurse needs to identify the primary attitudinal factors that can help determine effective interventions that reduce smoking among youth, but these factors may not be applicable or relevant to the junior high school population. The nurse needs to first determine if any of the studies reviewed by the authors used a junior high school population before applying their findings.

Contact the authors and ask for their assistance in developing a curriculum for the anti-smoking campaign. This is an unnecessary and unrealistic action for the nurse to take using this research. The nurse does not need to contact the authors and ask for their assistance in developing a curriculum for the anti- smoking campaign, because this is beyond the scope and responsibility of the authors. The nurse can use their research findings as one source of evidence, but they also need to use their own clinical judgment, expertise, and knowledge of the local context and resources to develop a curriculum that is suitable and effective for the junior high school population.

Review the article to determine if institutional review board approval was obtained prior to conducting the study. This is an irrelevant action for the nurse to take using this research. The nurse does not need to review the article to determine if institutional review board approval was obtained prior to conducting the study, because this is not related to the purpose or content of the research. Institutional review board approval is a process that ensures that research involving human subjects is conducted ethically and protects their rights and welfare. It is not a criterion for evaluating or applying research findings to practice.