NURS FPX 4025 Assessment 1: Evidence-Based Practice Research Paper Example

Analyzing a Research Paper

Identify and write a summary of the various factors that contribute to the credibility of a research article related to a diagnosis of interest that you identified from the Sentinel U simulation on Patient Management & Delegation. In the module, there are 10 patients listed with various diagnosis. Select one diagnosis of interest to you from the simulation.

Introduction

Evidence-based practice (EBP) integrates the best evidence available to guide optimal nursing care, with a goal to enhance safety and quality. EBP is crucial to nursing practice because it incorporates the best evidence from current literature, along with the expertise of the practicing nurse. The concern for quality care that flows from EBP generates a desired outcome. Without these factors, a nurse cannot be an effective leader. It is important to lead not only from this position but from knowledge and expertise. To gain the knowledge, you require a good understanding of how to search for scholarly resources, as well as make decisions regarding the content of the scholarly resources.

Professional Context

As a baccalaureate-prepared nurse, you will be responsible for providing patient-centered, competent care based on current evidence-based best practices. You will be required to do research, analysis, and dissemination of best evidence to stay abreast of these best practices. Understanding where to go to find credible evidence, determining the type of evidence and being able to make decisions based on the findings of credible evidence is the foundation of evidence-based care.

Preparation

Review the What Is Scholarly? Campus page. Specifically, look at the following two items on the page:

What Are Peer-Reviewed Articles?

Anatomy of a Scholarly Article.

These will give you the factors that contribute to credibility, which you will need to identify in the article you choose for this assessment.

Also, look at the “Find EPB Articles” section of the Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Health Sciences library guide (found in the guide’s left-hand menu). This may help you locate an article to use for this assessment.

NURS-FPX4025 Assessment 1 Instructions

Write a 2-page analysis of a scholarly research article, demonstrating your ability to locate credible, useful evidence related to a diagnosis of interest selected from the Sentinel U simulation on Patient Management & Delegation. There are 10 patients, each with a different medical diagnosis. Select one patient with a diagnosis of interest to you.

Once you have chosen your diagnosis of interest from the Sentinel U simulation, complete the following:

Use a credible search engine to locate a research article on your topic.

Review the article for the following criteria:

Type of study (quantitative or qualitative, the level on the pyramid of evidence, methodology).

Credibility factors.

Importance of content to selected diagnosis.

The ability to apply the content in your current workplace or patient population.

Take a screenshot of the abstract and paste it into a Word document (see the Example of Screenshot [PDF] document). You can refer to the instructions in the Taking Screenshots [PDF] document.

Create a table or series of text boxes next to or below the screenshot and use that to label each criterion.

Also take a screenshot of the patient and the diagnosis from Sentinel U simulation you used.

Write up a summary of your findings on the second page. Note what information is important to your specified diagnosis. How credible is the article you’ve found and how useful is it related to your specified diagnosis and your ability to apply it?

Include a link to your article.

Include a reference to your article in APA format.

Review the Analyzing a Research Paper scoring guide for specific details of grading prior to submission.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

Competency 1: Interpret findings from scholarly quantitative, qualitative, and outcomes research articles and studies.

Determine the type of study and the level of evidence according to the pyramid of evidence.

Identify the credibility factors of an article.

Summarize the findings of an article, noting what information is important to a specified diagnosis.

Competency 2: Analyze the relevance and potential effectiveness of evidence when making a decision.

Summarize the ability to generalize article findings in a specified work space and patient population.

Competency 5: Apply professional, scholarly communication strategies to lead practice changes based on evidence.

Provide an APA-formatted reference and link to an article.

NURS-FPX4025 Assessment 1

NURS-FPX4025 Assessment 1 – Analyzing a Research Paper: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

The diagnosis of interest for this Sentinel U simulation is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as seen in Jose Sanchez’s case. DKA symptoms include hyperglycemia, acidosis, ketosis, and confusion. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential in the care of high-acuity patients to inform practice with the best available evidence to improve patient outcomes. The article by Elendu et al. (2023) provides a review of DKA, and this paper assesses its validity and clinical relevance.

Evaluation of Credibility

Fig. 1: Abstract

Table for Article Evaluation

Criteria Analysis

Type of Study & Level of Evidence This is a comprehensive review (secondary

research study). Level I evidence on the Johns

Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice (JHEBP)

model, high in the evidence hierarchy due to

multiple studies. The research method is a

literature analysis of DKA.

Credibility Factors The article is peer-reviewed, published in a

credible journal, is up-to-date (2023), has

multiple expert authors, and includes a DOI.

It refers to evidence-based sources and

adheres to a scholarly writing format.

Importance of Diagnosis (DKA) The article describes the key factors of DKA

(hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic

acidosis), which are present in Jose Sanchez.

It discusses common precipitating factors,

including infection and diabetes, and the need

for rapid treatment, which fits the patient’s

symptoms.

Application to Practice/Patient Population The findings apply to acute care settings,

including emergency and critical care units.

For example, interventions such as IV fluids,

insulin therapy, and electrolyte monitoring

can be directly applied to Jose Sanchez. The

article also supports patient education and

prevention strategies, including culturally

appropriate care (e.g., interpreter use).

Summary of Findings and Relevance to Diagnosis

DKA is the most common hyperglycemic crisis and a common cause of death in people with diabetes, according to the article. It notes some of the classic signs and symptoms, such as hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis, all of which are evident in Jose Sanchez. It also describes the usual precipitating factors, which include infection and insulin deficiency, both of which are present in the patient’s case. Crucially, it stresses the need for prompt hospitalization,

administration of intravenous fluid, insulin, and electrolyte replacement, which are all part of the patient’s management. In addition, the article cites altered mental status, which is associated with serum osmolality, as related to the patient’s confusion NURS-FPX4025 Assessment 1. The results also confirm that DKA is potentially life-threatening if incorrectly diagnosed or improperly managed, and the need for continuous monitoring. This information is important as it supports the care being delivered to Jose Sanchez and emphasizes the need to identify and rapidly treat DKA.

Generalizability to Practice and Patient Population

This article is very generalizable for clinical practice, acute care, and emergency departments. The protocols for management, including fluid replacement, insulin administration, and electrolyte monitoring, can be applied to many patients presenting with DKA, regardless of where they live. This is particularly important in a variety of health care settings, including resource-poor settings where mortality from DKA remains high. The article also highlights the importance of education and the prevention of recurrent DKA. In the Sentinel U scenario, Jose Sanchez needs an education translation into Spanish to understand the management of diabetes

and the importance of insulin. This article justifies culturally sensitive discharge and follow-up arrangements. It also emphasizes the need to identify triggers, such as infection, which can help nurses to prevent such triggers in other patients. Therefore, the results of the article can be readily applied to improve patient care and reduce hospital re-admissions.

Conclusion

The article discussed is credible, has a high level of evidence, and is relevant to a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. The article’s conclusions align with the diagnosis and treatment of Jose Sanchez and highlight the need for evidence-based care, including fluid replacement, insulin administration, and monitoring. Additionally, the article offers valuable insights that can be applied across the spectrum of health care and is a useful resource for nursing. Using credible evidence to guide patient care supports sound clinical practice, patient safety, and positive outcomes.

References

Elendu, C., David, J. A., Udoyen, A.-O., Egbunu, E. O., Ogbuiyi-Chima, I. C., Unakalamba, L. O., Temitope, A. I., Ibhiedu, J. O., Ibhiedu, A. O., Nwosu, P. U., Koroyin, M. O., Eze, C.,

Boluwatife, A. I., Alabi, O., Okabekwa, O. S., Fatoye, J. O., & Ramon-Yusuf, H. I.(2023). Comprehensive review of diabetic ketoacidosis: An update. Annals of Medicine

and Surgery, 85(6), 2802–2807. https://doi.org/10.1097/ms9.0000000000000894 NURS-FPX4025 Assessment 1