A charge nurse is discussing evidence-based practice (EBP) with a newly licensed nurse.
Which of the following information should the nurse include when discussing the hierarchy of evidence?

This is because the cognitive domain of learning involves knowledge and understanding of information. By stating 3 ways to avoid his triggers, the patient demonstrates that he has learned and comprehended the information about prevention of inflammation.

Choice A is wrong because it belongs to the psychomotor domain of learning, which reflects learning behavior achieved through neuromuscular motor activities. Checking blood sugar is a physical skill, not a cognitive one.

Choice B is wrong because it belongs to the affective domain of learning, which characterizes the emotional arena reflected by learners’ beliefs, values and interests.

Discussing feelings about dietary changes is an affective outcome, not a cognitive one.

Choice D is wrong because it also belongs to the psychomotor domain of learning, as it involves demonstrating proper use of inhaler, which is another physical skill.

One of the highest levels of evidence are randomized, controlled, double-blind studies. This is because these studies reduce the risk of bias and confounding factors by randomly assigning participants to intervention or control groups, blinding the participants and researchers to the group allocation, and using a placebo or standard treatment as a comparison.

Choice B is wrong because ideas, editorials, and opinions are considered low levels of evidence as they are based on personal views and not on rigorous research methods.

Choice C is wrong because the purpose of the hierarchy of evidence is to help the nurse evaluate the quality and strength of the research findings, not to compare patient values with research findings.

Patient values are important for evidence-based practice, but they are not part of the hierarchy of evidence.

Choice D is wrong because all forms of evidence should not be considered equally when determining evidence-based practice. The hierarchy of evidence ranks different types of research designs according to their validity and applicability, and the nurse should use the highest level of evidence available for their clinical question.