Deck 3: The DNP: Expectations for Theory, Research, and Scholarship

Question 1

__________ programs prepare students to develop theory for practice, while ________ programs prepare students to use theory in practice.

A) DNS, PhD
B) PhD, DNP
C) DNP, PhD
D) ADN, DNS

Answer 1

B
Explanation: The best answer is that PhD programs prepare nursing students to develop theory, while DNP programs prepare graduate to use theory.

Question 2

Ensuring public confidence in nursing care that is effective and efficient requires that _________.

A) DNPs are skilled in conducting clinical trials
B) DNPs are proficient in grand theory application
C) DNPs are credentialed in at least one specialty
D) DNPs are skilled in applying appropriate theory to practice

Answer 2

D
Explanation: The ANA released a report in 2003 that identified the importance of DNPs in applying theory to practice.

Question 3

While randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are valuable and important, nurses should take other information into account in evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP). Which of the following characterizes the best path for nurses to take to implement sound EBNP?

A) Consider patient values, patient clinical situation, non-scholarly research, and supervisor opinion.
B) Include patient beliefs, non-scholarly research, supervisor experience, and qualitative research.
C) Consider patient clinical state, patient preferences, socioeconomics of patient, and only quantitative research.
D) Include evidence from research, patient values, patient clinical situation, clinician expertise, and clinical setting.

Answer 3

D
Explanation: The correct answer is supported by the literature; specifically, DiCenso, Guyatt & Ciliska, 2005 and Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2005.

Question 4

Which of the following does not integrate a component of scholarship?

A) Breadth and depth of knowledge
B) Creativity and innovation
C) Randomized clinical trials
D) Peer review of works

Question 5

Which of the following describes a sound method of critiquing journal articles?

A) Understand the author's intent while reading the introduction.
B) Evaluate the journal article's authors to see how famous they are.
C) While reading the conclusion, determine if it is supported by the article's key points.
D) Provide alternative explanations to each of the key points in the article.

Question 6

Dispute or defend this quote: "In nursing, there is a general consensus that practitioners can no longer rely on experience, pathophysiologic rationale, or opinion-based processes to achieve high-quality, contextually relevant patient care" (Chism p. 101).
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.

Question 7

Craft an argument to persuade those in hierarchy at your work place (or former workplace) to convince them of the need for ensuring that all nurses are able to participate in integrating evidence-based nursing practices (EBNP). Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: Describe the importance of EBNP, especially in regard to patient care, and identify specific points that may persuade those who make these sorts of decisions to ensure that all nurses are well-educated and able to help integrate EBNP. Loss in productivity, increases in morale, and other factors could be included. You can also discuss aspects of leadership and management that were included in earlier Chism chapters.

Question 8

Evaluate each of the four skills of scholarship identified by Chism. In which are you weakest, and how can you become stronger in these skills during your DNP program? Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: Describe the four skills of scholarship and evaluate each. Then identify in which of those four you are weakest so that you can develop a plan to strengthen your skills in that/those areas.

Question 9

Debate whether or not the peer-review process is important to evidence-based nursing.
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: Take into consideration the peer review process, results of using clinical practices that have not been tested (potential or real), the manuscript submission process, political issues with the process, and others.

Question 10

Design a plan for completing your DNP project, including having it published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: Chism identified several components to successfully completing a DNP project. These are all important to consider in planning for your DNP project.