A nurse is discussing the process of evidence-based practice (EBP). Which of the following sources should the nurse identify as being examples of credible sources of information? (Select All that Apply.)

Explanation:

A. The number of medication errors avoided after the actions were implemented:

This measure assesses the direct impact of the new actions on reducing medication errors. By tracking the number of errors that were avoided after implementing the interventions, the nurse can gauge the effectiveness of the changes in improving medication safety.

B. A comparison of the number of medication errors before and after the actions were implemented:

This measure involves comparing the baseline number of medication errors before implementing the new actions with the number of errors after implementation. It provides a clear comparison to determine if the interventions have led to a reduction in medication errors over time.

C. Results of a study about the time and money required to implement the changes:

While studying the time and financial resources needed to implement changes is important for evaluating feasibility and resource allocation, it does not directly measure the effectiveness of the actions in reducing medication errors.

D. Results of a staff questionnaire that quantifies staff satisfaction with the changes:

Staff satisfaction is an important aspect of change implementation, but it does not serve as a direct measure of the effectiveness of the actions in reducing medication errors. It reflects staff perceptions rather than objective outcomes related to medication safety.

Explanation:

A. Moist mucous membranes - This is unlikely in an end-of-life scenario. As death approaches, mucous membranes often become dry due to decreased fluid intake and decreased body function.

B. Tachycardia - Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, can be a common finding as death nears. It can result from various factors such as dehydration, fever, pain, or the body's response to stress.

C. Irregular respirations - Irregular respirations, including periods of apnea or agonal breathing (gasping, irregular, or shallow breaths), are typical findings in the end-of-life stage. These irregularities are part of the body's natural process as it shuts down.

D. Hypertension - Hypertension is less common in the end-of-life phase. Typically, blood pressure decreases as the body's systems begin to fail.