A nurse is researching data about best practice for reducing medication errors on a surgical unit. Which of the following steps of evidence based practice (EBP) is the nurse taking?

Explanation:

A. Evaluating the collected data:

This step in EBP involves assessing and analyzing the data that has been gathered through research or other sources. It includes examining the quality, relevance, and reliability of the data to determine its applicability to the clinical question or problem being addressed. Evaluation of data is crucial in EBP to ensure that decisions and interventions are based on sound evidence.

B. Implementing recommendations:

Implementing recommendations is a later step in EBP that comes after evaluating the evidence. Once credible sources have been identified, and the data has been analyzed, recommendations or interventions based on the best available evidence are put into practice. This step involves applying evidence-based guidelines, protocols, or interventions to patient care to improve outcomes and quality of care.

C. Identifying a problem:

This is the initial step in the EBP process where a specific clinical problem or question is identified. It involves recognizing gaps in knowledge, areas of uncertainty, or issues that require improvement in clinical practice. Identifying a problem is essential as it sets the stage for formulating focused research questions and seeking relevant evidence to address the problem effectively.

D. Searching for credible sources:

Searching for credible sources is a critical step in EBP where healthcare professionals gather evidence from reputable and reliable sources. This includes conducting literature searches, accessing databases, and reviewing published studies, clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and other scholarly sources. The goal is to find the best available evidence to answer clinical questions, guide decision-making, and inform evidence-based practice.