In evaluating a research question regarding the safety of pharmacologi

In evaluating a research question regarding the safety of pharmacological interventions used to stop preterm labor, the nurse looks specifically at the various medications used and what effect, if any, they had on the baby.

The nurse is critiquing the research based on which dimension?
1. Methodologic
2. Interpretive
3. Substantive and theoretical
4. Presentation and stylistic

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Methodologic dimensions pertain to the appropriateness of the research design, of which we have no information for this situation.
Rationale 2: To critique interpretive dimensions, the nurse needs to ascertain the accuracy of the discussion, conclusions, and implications of the study results (no information is given regarding the results in this situation).
Rationale 3: For substantive and theoretical dimensions, the nurse needs to evaluate the significance of the research problem (preterm labor is a critical concern in obstetric nursing) and the congruence between the research question and the methods used to address it (in this case, using accepted means to treat preterm labor).
Rationale 4: The manner in which the research plan and results are communicated refers to the presentation and stylistic dimensions. Again, we have no examples of this dimension for this scenario to critique.