Empirical Inquiry
This mode of inquiry focuses on observable, measurable data to understand patient experiences.
What is empirical mode of relational inquiry?
This level focuses on the nurse’s own thoughts, biases, and self-awareness.
What is intrapersonal?
This term describes Steve being pleasantly confused and oriented x2–3, indicating partial awareness of person, place, or time.
What is cognitive impairment due to dementia?
A strength of current dementia care is this approach focusing on the individual.
What is person-centered care?
Nurses collaborate with this team to improve dementia care.
What is interdisciplinary team?
This type of evidence includes vital signs, behaviors, and clinical observations.
What is objective data?
This level involves communication and relationships between nurse and patient/family.
What is interpersonal?
These are two possible emotional or psychological effects Steve may experience due to his cognitive decline and loss of independence.
What is frustration and agitation?
A common gap in dementia care is focusing only on this.
What is symptoms or behaviors instead of causes?
Give an example of a role nurses play in team collaboration.
What is patient advocacy, care planning, patient education, etc?
Empirical inquiry is important in nursing because it helps ensure this type of care.
What is evidence-based care?
This level includes environment, culture, and social factors affecting care.
What is contextual?
This condition may affect Steve’s wife due to her role as a likely primary caregiver, leading to fatigue and stress that can impact care.
What is caregiver burnout?
This is often overlooked but critical in dementia care planning.
What is family involvement?
A strategy nurses use to support quality of life in dementia.
What is creating a safe and comforting environment?
This is how empirical inquiry improves patient outcomes in dementia care.
What is identifying underlying causes of behavior (not just symptoms)?
An example of intrapersonal reflection in nursing practice.
What is recognizing personal biases or emotional responses?
This safety concern arises from Steve’s need for oxygen therapy and mixed continence while living at home with limited support.
What are increased risk of falls, infection, or hazards related to oxygen use (e.g., fire risk)?
A gap in care that can lead to agitation and distress.
What is lack of environmental or contextual assessment?
This resource supports families and caregivers of dementia patients.
What is community support programs (e.g., Alzheimer’s support groups)?
This concept combines scientific data with understanding relationships and context.
What is relational inquiry?
Why all three levels are important in relational inquiry.
What is they provide a holistic understanding of patient care?
This is the most appropriate next step to better understand and improve both Steve’s and his wife’s situation at home.
What is conducting a comprehensive assessment (including mobility, caregiver capacity, home safety, and support needs)?
Improving dementia care requires combining clinical data with this.
What is relational understanding of the patient’s experience?
How relational inquiry influences nursing practice.
What is encouraging holistic, reflective, and patient-centered care?