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. Glasgow coma scale result - This would be included in the assessment segment of SBAR, as it provides a clinical evaluation of the client's current neurological status.

B. History of the injury - The situation segment is used to briefly explain the current situation or the reason for the report. Including the history of the injury provides context about why the client is receiving care.

C. Medication during the next shift - This information is part of the Recommendation segment of SBAR. The nurse should include any upcoming medication administration, changes in medication orders, or specific medications that need to be administered during the next shift.

D. Intracranial pressure readings - This information should be included in the Assessment segment of SBAR. It provides important data about the client's intracranial status, helps monitor for changes or trends, and guides ongoing management and interventions.

Explanation:

A. What were the costs associated with the research?

While the costs associated with research can be important in certain contexts, such as resource allocation or budget considerations, it is not typically a primary consideration in the critical appraisal of research evidence for evidence-based practice.

B. Does the study have reliability?

Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of research findings. It is important to assess whether the study's methods and measurements are reliable to ensure that the results are trustworthy and reproducible.

C. Is the research applicable to other populations?

Applicability or generalizability of research findings refers to whether the results can be applied to populations or settings beyond those directly studied in the research. Evaluating applicability helps determine the relevance of the study findings to different patient populations or clinical scenarios.

D. What methods were used to conduct the research?

Understanding the research methods is crucial for evaluating the quality and rigor of the study. This includes assessing the study design, sampling methods, data collection procedures, interventions or exposures studied, and statistical analyses used.

E. How were the study results analyzed?

Examining how the study results were analyzed helps determine the validity and reliability of the findings. It is important to assess whether appropriate statistical methods were used, whether potential biases were addressed, and whether the results are robust and meaningful.

F. What was the purpose of the study?

Understanding the purpose or research question of the study is fundamental for evaluating its relevance and significance to clinical practice. The research question should be clearly stated and align with the study's objectives, methods, and conclusions.