A nurse reads about a case study involving the potential positive effe

A nurse reads about a case study involving the potential positive effects of the early stimulation of post–head-injury clients. Which of the following questions should be a priority consideration before use of the research results?

1. “What was the cost of the study?”
2. “Were ethical principles maintained?”
3. “Were the results of this study published in other journals?”
4. “Are the clients in the study similar to clients I work with?”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Determination of whether the subjects and environment in the study are similar to the clients for whom the nurse provides care in the particular practice setting is necessary before research can be considered for use in practice.
Although cost may be a consideration in determining the feasibility of applying research findings, it is not the priority consideration for research utilization. The research findings would first have to be applicable to the practice setting and client population.
Even though research may indicate ethical principles were maintained, it does not necessarily mean that it is feasible to apply the findings in practice. For example, cost issues may limit the use of research findings.
The number of journals that published the research results of the study should not be the priority consideration in implementation of its findings. To judge the scientific worth of the study; how-ever, it is important to examine the amount of supportive evidence provided by other scientific studies that have obtained similar results.