Which of the following would be considered level 1 research evidence w

Which of the following would be considered level 1 research evidence when evaluating evidence for the establishment of IV site care and maintenance for a medical-surgical unit?

a. Case study review of dressings used at a similar-sized hospital
b. Expert opinion of best dressings used in hospital settings
c. Quasi-experimental study evaluating types of dressings used at selected hospitals
d. Randomized clinical trial study conducted on types of dressings used in hospital settings

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: D
Randomized clinical trials (RCT) provide the strongest evidence for establishing evidence-based practice guidelines because of the strength of the research process.
Case studies provide neither the same rigor in the process nor generalizable results.
Expert opinion provides the lowest level of strength because it is not a conducted study.
Quasi-experimental studies often lack randomization and have limited generalizability of results.