NCLEX IT!
A nurse questions whether the unit’s current Foley catheter care practice is the most effective way to prevent infection. What is the nurse demonstrating?A. Following a critical pathway
B. Implementing a standard of care
C. A spirit of inquiry
Answer: C — A spirit of inquiry
The “P” in PICOT stands for this.
What is Population?
In newly licensed nurses, does participation in a structured stress management program compared to no formal support reduce burnout within the first 6 months of employment?
Standards of care describe this level of practice.
What is expected practice?
Comparing weight loss outcomes between two groups is typically this type.
What is quantitative research?
A nurse follows a stroke pathway that outlines what tests, medications, and assessments occur within specific time frames. This is an example of:
A. A standard of care
B. A research study
C. A critical pathway
Answer: C — A critical pathway
The “I” in PICOT stands for this.
What is Intervention?
In newly licensed nurses, does participation in a structured stress management program compared to no formal support reduce burnout within the first 6 months of employment?
Failing to follow expected safe practice may result in this legal issue.
Answer: What is negligence (or malpractice)?
Measuring infection rates after chlorhexidine bathing is this type.
What is quantitative research?
Standards of care primarily describe:
A. Optional nursing interventions
B. The minimum expected level of safe nursing practice
C. Individual nurse preferences
Answer: B — The minimum expected level of safe nursing practice
The “C” in PICOT stands for this.
What is Comparison?
In newly licensed nurses, does participation in a structured stress management program compared to no formal support reduce burnout within the first 6 months of employment?
The standard of care asks: “What would a ______ nurse do in this situation?”
What is a reasonable nurse?
Interviewing patients about living with chronic pain is this type of research.
What is qualitative research?
A nurse is reviewing a hospital’s stroke protocol, which outlines specific assessments, diagnostic tests, medications, and time-sensitive interventions to be completed in a defined sequence. This protocol is an example of which of the following?
A. Clinical practice guideline
B. Critical pathway
C. Standard of care
Answer: B. What is a critical pathway?
In PICOT, this measures what you hope will change.
What is Outcome?
In newly licensed nurses, does participation in a structured stress management program compared to no formal support reduce burnout within the first 6 months of employment?
Staying curious, reflecting regularly, and seeking evidence are part of developing this.
What is a spirit of inquiry?
Research that uses numbers, statistics, and measurements.
What is quantitative research?
Which action best reflects the first step (“Step Zero”) of evidence-based practice?
A. Asking whether current practice aligns with best evidence B. Conducting a randomized controlled trial
C. Implementing a new hospital policy
A — Asking whether current practice aligns with best evidence
This element of PICOT specifies the timeframe.
What is Time?
In newly licensed nurses, does participation in a structured stress management program compared to no formal support reduce burnout within the first 6 months of employment?
Stroke pathways are examples of this tool that outlines what happens and when.
What is a critical pathway?
Research that explores experiences, stories, and perceptions.
What is qualitative research?