RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)
Nursing Research & Statistics
Easy

Which one of the following is the scope of nursing research?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

  • The fundamental purpose of nursing research is to develop, refine, and expand the body of knowledge that underpins the nursing profession.
  • This knowledge is essential for establishing evidence-based practice (EBP), ensuring that clinical decisions are based on scientific evidence rather than tradition.
  • Research addresses a wide range of topics, including clinical practice, education, administration, and health systems, all contributing to this knowledge base.
  • The ultimate aim is to improve patient outcomes, enhance the quality of care, and advance the nursing profession to meet evolving healthcare needs.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: Concept development is a preliminary or intermediate step in some research, particularly in theory development. It is too narrow to be the entire scope of nursing research.
  • Option B: Developing assessment tools is a methodological task within the broader research process. It is a means to an end (collecting data), not the ultimate goal of the research itself.
  • Option C: This is an informal and simplistic description. While research does seek 'answers,' the formal and more accurate term for the goal of scientific inquiry is the development of a systematic body of 'knowledge.'.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
  • Visual 1: Flowchart - A flowchart illustrating the process from a clinical question -> nursing research -> development of knowledge -> implementation in evidence-based practice -> improved patient outcomes.
  • Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic summarizing the four main areas of nursing research (Clinical Practice, Education, Administration, Health Systems) with examples of research questions for each.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: Knowing Scope and purpose of nursing research helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
  • Understanding the scope of nursing research helps nurses appreciate their role as not just caregivers but also as potential contributors to and consumers of scientific knowledge.
  • A strong knowledge base, built through research, directly translates to improved patient safety and better health outcomes.
  • What if a nurse notices a recurring problem on the ward with no clear solution in existing protocols? Recognizing that research aims to build knowledge can empower the nurse to initiate a literature search or a small-scale quality improvement project, which is the first step in evidence-based practice.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the core concepts in the question: 'scope' and 'nursing research'. 'Scope' asks for the overall purpose or extent.
  • Evaluate each option to determine its breadth. Ask yourself, 'Is this the ultimate goal, or is it a part of a larger goal?'
  • Option A ('develop the concept') and B ('develop the assessment') are specific tasks within the research process, making them too narrow.
  • Option C ('develop the answers') is informal. Option D ('develop the knowledge') is the formal, comprehensive term that encompasses all aspects of scientific inquiry.
  • Select the option that represents the most fundamental and all-encompassing purpose of nursing research.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Scope and purpose of nursing research
  • Stem keywords: scope, nursing research
  • Lead-in keywords: Which one
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QrEUBQWXvQkONtiffQvFxG

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

More Foundation of Nursing Research Questions

More RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd) Questions