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PICOT Question Examples for Nursing Research

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Are you looking for examples of nursing PICOT questions to inspire your creativity as you research for a perfect nursing topic for your paper? You came to the right place.

We have a comprehensive guide on how to write a good PICO Question for your case study, research paper, white paper, term paper, project, or capstone paper. Therefore, we will not go into the details in this post. A good PICOT question possesses the following qualities:

  • A clinical-based question addresses the nursing research areas or topics.
  • It is specific, concise, and clear.
  • Patient, problem, or population.
  • Intervention.
  • Comparison.
  • Includes medical, clinical, and nursing terms where necessary.
  • It is not ambiguous.

For more information, read our comprehensive PICOT Question guide . You can use these questions to inspire your PICOT choice for your evidence-based papers , reports, or nursing research papers.

If you are stuck with assignments and want some help, we offer the best nursing research assignment help online. We have expert nursing writers who can formulate an excellent clinical, research, and PICOT question for you. They can also write dissertations, white papers, theses, reports, and capstones. Do not hesitate to place an order.

List of 180 Plus Best PICOT Questions to Get Inspiration From

Here is a list of nursing PICO questions to inspire you when developing yours. Some PICOT questions might be suitable for BSN and MSN but not DNP. If you are writing a change project for your DNP, try to focus on PICOT questions that align to process changes. 

  • Among healthy newborn infants in low- and middle-income countries (P), does early skin-to-skin contact of the baby with the mother in the first hour of life (I) compared with drying and wrapping (C) have an impact on neonatal mortality, hypothermia or initiation/exclusivity/ duration of breastfeeding (O)?
  • Is it necessary to test blood glucose levels 4 times daily for a patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
  • Does raising the head of the bed of a mechanically ventilated patient reduce the chances of pneumonia?
  • Does music therapy is an effective mode of PACU pain management for patients who are slowly coming out from their anesthesia?
  • For all neonates (P), should vitamin K prophylaxis (I) be given for the prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (O)?
  • For young infants (0-2 months) with suspected sepsis managed in health facilities (P), should third generation cephalosporin monotherapy (I) replace currently recommended ampicillin-gentamicin combination (C) as first line empiric treatment for preventing death and sequelae (O)?
  • In low-birth-weight/pre-term neonates in health facilities (P), is skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (I) more effective than conventional care (C) in preventing hypothermia (O)?
  • In children aged 259 months (P), what is the most effective antibiotic therapy (I, C) for severe pneumonia (O)?
  • Is skin-to-skin contact of the infant with the mother a more assured way of ensuring neonatal mortality compared to drying and wrapping?
  • Are oral contraceptives effective in stopping pregnancy for women above 30 years?
  • Is spironolactone a better drug for reducing the blood pressure of teenagers when compared to clonidine?
  • What is the usefulness of an LP/spinal tap after the beginning of antivirals for a pediatric population suffering from fever?
  • In children aged 259 months in developing countries (P), which parenteral antibiotic or combination of antibiotics (I), at what dose and duration, is effective for the treatment of suspected bacterial meningitis in hospital in reducing mortality and sequelae (O)?
  • Does the habit of washing hands third-generation workers decrease the events of infections in hospitals?
  • Is the intake of zinc pills more effective than Vitamin C for preventing cold during winter for middle-aged women?
  • In children with acute severe malnutrition (P), are antibiotics (I) effective in preventing death and sequelae (O)?
  • Among, children with lower respiratory tract infection (P), what are the best cut off oxygen saturation levels (D), at different altitudes that will determine hypoxaemia requiring oxygen therapy (O)?
  • In infants and children in low-resource settings (P), what is the most appropriate method (D) of detecting hypoxaemia in hospitals (O)?
  • In children with shock (P), what is the most appropriate choice of intravenous fluid therapy (I) to prevent death and sequelae (O)?
  • In fully conscious children with hypoglycaemia (P) what is the effectiveness of administering sublingual sugar (I)?
  • Is using toys as distractions during giving needle vaccinations to toddlers an effective pain response management?
  • What is the result of a higher amount of potassium intake among children with low blood pressure?
  • Is cup feeding an infant better than feeding through tubes in a NICU setup?
  • Does the intervention of flushing the heroin via lines a more effective way of treating patients with CVLs/PICCs?
  • Is the use of intravenous fluid intervention a better remedy for infants under fatal conditions?
  • Do bedside shift reports help in the overall patient care for nurses?
  • Is home visitation a better way of dealing with teen pregnancy when compared to regular school visits in rural areas?
  • Is fentanyl more effective than morphine in dealing with the pain of adults over the age of 50 years?
  • What are the health outcomes of having a high amount of potassium for adults over the age of 21 years?
  • Does the use of continuous feed during emesis a more effective way of intervention when compared to the process of stopping the feed for a short period?
  • Does controlling the amount of sublingual sugar help completely conscious children suffering from hypoglycemia?
  • Is the lithotomy position an ideal position for giving birth to women in labor?
  • Does group therapy help patients with schizophrenia to help their conversational skills?
  • What are the probable after-effects, in the form of bruises and other injuries, of heparin injection therapy for COPD patients?
  • Would standardized discharge medication education improve home medication adherence in adults age 65 and older compared to-standardized discharge medication education?
  • In patients with psychiatric disorders is medication non-compliance a greater risk compared with adults experiencing chronic illness?
  • Is the use of beta-blockers for lowering blood pressure for adult men over the age of 70 years effective?
  • Nasal swab or nasal aspirate? Which one is more effective for children suffering from seasonal flu?
  • What are the effects of adding beta-blockers for lowering blood pressure for adult men over the age of 70 years?
  • Does the process of stopping lipids for 4 hours an effective measure of obtaining the desired TG level for patients who are about to receive TPN?
  • Is medical intervention a proper way of dealing with childhood obesity among school-going children?
  • Can nurse-led presentations of mental health associated with bullying help in combating such tendencies in public schools?
  • What are the impacts of managing Prevacid before a pH probe study for pediatric patients with GERD?
  • What are the measurable effects of extending ICU stays and antibiotic consumption amongst children with sepsis?
  • Does the use of infrared skin thermometers justified when compared to the tympanic thermometers for a pediatric population?
  • What are the roles of a pre-surgery cardiac nurse in order to prevent depression among patients awaiting cardiac operation?
  • Does the increase in the habit of smoking marijuana among Dutch students increase the chances of depression?
  • What is the direct connection between VAP and NGT?
  • Is psychological intervention for people suffering from dementia a more effective measure than giving them a placebo?
  • Are alarm sensors effective in preventing accidents in hospitals for patients over the age of 65 years?
  • Is the sudden change of temperature harmful for patients who are neurologically devastated?
  • Is it necessary to test blood glucose levels, 4 times a day, for a patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
  • Is the use of MDI derive better results, when compared to regular nebulizers, for pediatric patients suffering from asthma?
  • What are the effects of IVF bolus in controlling the amount of Magnesium Sulfate for patients who are suffering from asthma?
  • Is the process of stopping lipids for 4 hours an effective measure of obtaining the desired TG level for patients who are about to receive TPN?
  • What are the standards of vital signs for a pediatric population?
  • Is daily blood pressure monitoring help in addressing the triggers of hypertension among males over 65 years?
  • Does receiving phone tweets lower blood sugar levels for people suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
  • Are males over the age of 30 years who have smoked for more than 1 year exposed to a greater risk of esophageal cancer when compared to the same age group of men who have no history of smoking?
  • Does the increase in the use of mosquito nets in Uganda help in the reduction of malaria among the infants?
  • Does the increase in the intake of oral contraceptives increase the chances of breast cancer among 20-30 years old women in the UK?
  • In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does group therapy (I) compared to individual therapy (C) improve maternal-infant bonding (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In patients with chronic pain (P), does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (I) compared to pharmacotherapy (C) improve quality of life (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
  • In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does continuous glucose monitoring (I) compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of three months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a vegetarian diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) slow the decline in renal function (O) after one year (T)?
  • In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does delayed antibiotic prescribing (I) compared to immediate antibiotic prescribing (C) reduce antibiotic use (O) within one week (T)?
  • In older adults with dementia (P), does pet therapy (I) compared to no pet therapy (C) decrease agitation (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does telemonitoring of vital signs (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
  • In patients with anxiety disorders (P), does exposure therapy (I) compared to cognitive therapy (C) reduce anxiety symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
  • In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does lactation consultation (I) compared to standard care (C) increase breastfeeding rates (O) after four weeks (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does long-acting bronchodilator therapy (I) compared to short-acting bronchodilator therapy (C) improve lung function (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does bright light therapy (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after six weeks (T)?
  • In patients with diabetes (P), does telemedicine-based diabetes management (I) compared to standard care (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) decrease serum phosphate levels (O) after one year (T)?
  • In pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis (P), does probiotic supplementation (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce the duration of diarrhea (O) within 48 hours (T)?
  • In patients with chronic pain (P), does acupuncture (I) compared to sham acupuncture (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a home modification program (I) compared to no intervention (C) reduce the incidence of falls (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with schizophrenia (P), does cognitive remediation therapy (I) compared to standard therapy (C) improve cognitive function (O) after one year (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (I) compared to angiotensin receptor blockers (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) over a period of two years (T)?
  • In postoperative patients (P), does chlorhexidine bathing (I) compared to regular bathing (C) reduce the risk of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
  • In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (I) compared to a low-fat diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does pulmonary rehabilitation combined with telemonitoring (I) compared to standard pulmonary rehabilitation (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with heart failure (P), does a nurse-led heart failure clinic (I) compared to usual care (C) improve self-care behaviors (O) after six months (T)?
  • In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does telephone-based counseling (I) compared to face-to-face counseling (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In patients with chronic migraine (P), does prophylactic treatment with topiramate (I) compared to amitriptyline (C) reduce the frequency of migraines (O) after three months (T)?
  • In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does watchful waiting (I) compared to immediate antibiotic treatment (C) reduce the duration of symptoms (O) within seven days (T)?
  • In older adults with dementia (P), does reminiscence therapy (I) compared to usual care (C) improve cognitive function (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does telemonitoring combined with a medication reminder system (I) compared to telemonitoring alone (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
  • In patients with asthma (P), does self-management education (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce asthma exacerbations (O) over a period of one year (T)?
  • In postoperative patients (P), does the use of wound dressings with antimicrobial properties (I) compared to standard dressings (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to usual care (C) improve psychological well-being (O) over a period of three months (T)?
  • In adult patients with chronic pain (P), does biofeedback therapy (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-glycemic index diet (I) compared to a high-glycemic-index diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does regular physical activity (I) compared to no physical activity (C) improve health-related quality of life (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (I) compared to antidepressant medication (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In postpartum women (P), does perineal warm compresses (I) compared to standard perineal care (C) reduce perineal pain (O) after vaginal delivery (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-protein, low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a low-protein diet alone (C) slow the progression of renal disease(O) after two years (T)?
  • In pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P), does mindfulness-based interventions (I) compared to medication alone (C) improve attention and behavior (O) after six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic pain (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to physical therapy (C) reduce pain interference (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
  • In elderly patients with osteoarthritis (P), does aquatic exercise (I) compared to land-based exercise (C) improve joint flexibility and reduce pain (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In patients with multiple sclerosis (P), does high-intensity interval training (I) compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (C) improve physical function (O) after three months (T)?
  • In postoperative patients (P), does preoperative carbohydrate loading (I) compared to fasting (C) reduce postoperative insulin resistance (O) within 24 hours (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does home-based tele-rehabilitation (I) compared to center-based rehabilitation (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after six months (T)?
  • In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (P), does tai chi (I) compared to pharmacological treatment (C) reduce joint pain and improve physical function (O) after six months (T)?
  • In postpartum women with postpartum hemorrhage (P), does early administration of tranexamic acid (I) compared to standard administration (C) reduce blood loss (O) within two hours (T)?
  • In patients with hypertension (P), does mindfulness meditation (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce blood pressure (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In elderly patients with hip fractures (P), does multidisciplinary geriatric care (I) compared to standard care (C) improve functional outcomes (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does aerobic exercise (I) compared to resistance exercise (C) improve renal function (O) after six months (T)?
  • In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does add-on treatment with omega-3 fatty acids (I) compared to placebo (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
  • In postoperative patients (P), does preoperative education using multimedia materials (I) compared to standard education (C) improve patient satisfaction (O) after surgery (T)?
  • In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a plant-based diet (I) compared to a standard diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does high-flow oxygen therapy (I) compared to standard oxygen therapy (C) improve exercise tolerance (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with heart failure (P), does nurse-led telephone follow-up (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
  • In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does online cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to face-to-face therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In patients with chronic migraine (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to medication alone (C) reduce the frequency and severity of migraines (O) after three months (T)?
  • In older adults with delirium (P), does structured music intervention (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce the duration of delirium episodes (O) during hospitalization (T)?
  • In patients with chronic low back pain (P), does yoga (I) compared to physical therapy (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after six weeks (T)?
  • In pediatric patients with acute otitis media (P), does watchful waiting with pain management (I) compared to immediate antibiotic treatment (C) reduce the need for antibiotics (O) within one week (T)?
  • In patients with schizophrenia (P), does family psychoeducation (I) compared to standard treatment (C) improve medication adherence (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-phosphorus diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) after one year (T)?
  • In postoperative patients (P), does wound irrigation with saline solution (I) compared to povidone-iodine solution (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
  • In patients with type 1 diabetes (P), does continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (I) compared to multiple daily injections (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In postoperative patients (P), does the use of prophylactic antibiotics (I) compared to no antibiotics (C) reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (O) within 30 days (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does smoking cessation counseling (I) compared to no counseling (C) decrease the frequency of exacerbations (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with diabetes (P), does a multidisciplinary team approach (I) compared to standard care (C) improve self-management behaviors (O) over a period of one year (T)?
  • In pregnant women with gestational hypertension (P), does bed rest (I) compared to regular activity (C) reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia (O) before delivery (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (I) compared to placebo (C) slow the progression of renal disease (O) over a period of two years (T)?
  • In older adults with hip fractures (P), does early surgical intervention (I) compared to delayed surgery (C) improve functional outcomes (O) after six months (T)?
  • In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does exercise (I) compared to antidepressant medication (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In children with autism spectrum disorder (P), does applied behavior analysis (I) compared to standard therapy (C) improve social communication skills (O) over a period of one year (T)?
  • In postoperative patients (P), does the use of incentive spirometry (I) compared to no spirometry (C) decrease the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (O) within seven days (T)?
  • In patients with hypertension (P), does a combination of diet modification and exercise (I) compared to medication alone (C) lower blood pressure (O) after six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does home oxygen therapy (I) compared to no oxygen therapy (C) improve exercise capacity (O) after threemonths (T)?
  • In patients with heart failure (P), does a multidisciplinary heart failure management program (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
  • In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does mindfulness meditation (I) compared to relaxation techniques (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-sodium diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) lower blood pressure (O) after six months (T)?
  • In pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P), does neurofeedback training (I) compared to medication (C) improve attention and behavior (O) after six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic pain (P), does transcranial direct current stimulation (I) compared to sham stimulation (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In older adults with osteoporosis (P), does a structured exercise program (I) compared to no exercise (C) improve bone mineral density (O) after six months (T)?
  • In patients with type 2 diabetes (P), does a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet (I) compared to a standard diet (C) improve glycemic control (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does mindfulness-based stress reduction (I) compared to usual care (C) improve dyspnea symptoms (O) after three months (T)?
  • In postpartum women with postnatal depression (P), does online peer support (I) compared to individual therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does resistance training (I) compared to aerobic training (C) improve muscle strength (O) after six months (T)?
  • In pediatric patients with asthma (P), does a written asthma action plan (I) compared to verbal instructions (C) reduce emergency department visits (O) within six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic pain (P), does yoga (I) compared to pharmacological treatment (C) reduce pain interference (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a multifactorial falls prevention program (I) compared to no intervention (C) reduce the rate of falls (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with schizophrenia (P), does cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to medication alone (C) reduce positive symptom severity (O) after six months (T)?
  • In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does breast massage (I) compared to no massage (C) improve milk flow (O) after four weeks (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does long-term oxygen therapy (I) compared to short-term oxygen therapy (C) improve survival rates (O) after one year (T)?
  • In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (I) compared to sham treatment (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after six weeks (T)?
  • In patients with diabetes (P), does a digital health app (I) compared to standard care (C) improve medication adherence (O) over a period of six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease (P), does a low-potassium diet (I) compared to a regular diet (C) lower serum potassium levels (O) after one year (T)?
  • In pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis (P), does oral rehydration solution (I) compared to intravenous fluid therapy (C) reduce hospital admissions (O) within 48 hours (T)?
  • In patients with chronic pain (P), does hypnotherapy (I) compared to no hypnotherapy (C) reduce pain intensity (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • In older adults at risk of falls (P), does a tai chi program (I) compared to no exercise program (C) improve balance and stability (O) after six months (T)?
  • In patients with chronic heart failure (P), does a home-based self-care intervention (I) compared to standard care (C) reduce hospital readmissions (O) within six months (T)?
  • In patients with anxiety disorders (P), does acceptance and commitment therapy (I) compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy (C) reduce anxiety symptoms (O) after 12 weeks (T)?
  • In postpartum women with breastfeeding difficulties (P), does the use of nipple shields (I) compared to no nipple shields (C) improve breastfeeding success (O) after four weeks (T)?
  • In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P), does a comprehensive self-management program (I) compared to usual care (C) improve health-related quality of life (O) after three months (T)?
  • In patients with major depressive disorder (P), does internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (I) compared to face-to-face therapy (C) reduce depressive symptoms (O) after eight weeks (T)?
  • Does the increase in the habit of smoking marijuana among Dutch students increase the likelihood of depression?
  • Does the use of pain relief medication during surgery provide more effective pain reduction compared to the same medication given post-surgery?
  • Does the increase in the intake of oral contraceptives increase the risk of breast cancer among women aged 20-30 in the UK?
  • Does the habit of washing hands among healthcare workers decrease the rate of infections in hospitals?
  • Does the use of modern syringes help in reducing needle injuries among healthcare workers in America?
  • Does encouraging male work colleagues to talk about sexual harassment decrease the rate of depression in the workplace?
  • Does bullying in boarding schools in Scotland increase the likelihood of domestic violence within a 20-year timeframe?
  • Does breastfeeding among toddlers in urban United States decrease their chances of obesity as pre-schoolers?
  • Does the increase in the intake of antidepressants among urban women aged 30 years and older affect their maternal health?
  • Does forming work groups to discuss domestic violence among the rural population of the United States reduce stress and depression among women?
  • Does the increased use of mosquito nets in Uganda help in reducing malaria cases among infants?
  • Can colon cancer be more effectively detected when colonoscopy is supported by an occult blood test compared to colonoscopy alone?
  • Does regular usage of low-dose aspirin effectively reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke for women above the age of 80 years?
  • Is yoga an effective medical therapy for reducing lymphedema in patients recovering from neck cancer?
  • Does daily blood pressure monitoring help in addressing the triggers of hypertension among males over 65 years?
  • Does a regular 30-minute exercise regimen effectively reduce the risk of heart disease in adults over 65 years?
  • Does prolonged exposure to chemotherapy increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases among teenagers suffering from cancer?
  • Does breastfeeding among toddlers in the urban United States decrease their chances of obesity as pre-schoolers?
  • Are first-time mothers giving birth to premature babies more prone to postpartum depression compared to second or third-time mothers in the same condition?
  • For women under the age of 50 years, is a yearly mammogram more effective in preventing breast cancer compared to a mammogram done every 3 years?
  • After being diagnosed with blood sugar levels, is a four-times-a-day blood glucose monitoring process more effective in controlling the onset of Type 1 diabetes?

Related: How to write an abstract poster presentation.

You can never go wrong with getting expertly written examples as a source for your inspiration. They factor in all the qualities of a good PICO question, which sets you miles ahead in your research process.

If you need a personalized approach to choosing a good PICOT question and writing a problem and purpose statement, our nursing paper acers can help you.

Nursing research specialists work with nursing students, professional nurses, and medical students to advance their academic and career goals. We offer private, reliable, confidential, and top-quality services.

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Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

What is a nursing research paper.

  • What They Include
  • Choosing a Topic
  • Best Nursing Research Topics
  • Research Paper Writing Tips

Best Nursing Research Topics for Students

Writing a research paper is a massive task that involves careful organization, critical analysis, and a lot of time. Some nursing students are natural writers, while others struggle to select a nursing research topic, let alone write about it.

If you're a nursing student who dreads writing research papers, this article may help ease your anxiety. We'll cover everything you need to know about writing nursing school research papers and the top topics for nursing research.  

Continue reading to make your paper-writing jitters a thing of the past.

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A nursing research paper is a work of academic writing composed by a nurse or nursing student. The paper may present information on a specific topic or answer a question.

During LPN/LVN and RN programs, most papers you write focus on learning to use research databases, evaluate appropriate resources, and format your writing with APA style. You'll then synthesize your research information to answer a question or analyze a topic.

BSN , MSN , Ph.D., and DNP programs also write nursing research papers. Students in these programs may also participate in conducting original research studies.

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About Nursing Research Papers

When do nursing students write research papers.

You may need to write a research paper for any of the nursing courses you take. Research papers help develop critical thinking and communication skills. They allow you to learn how to conduct research and critically review publications.

That said, not every class will require in-depth, 10-20-page papers. The more advanced your degree path, the more you can expect to write and conduct research. If you're in an associate or bachelor's program, you'll probably write a few papers each semester or term.

Do Nursing Students Conduct Original Research?

Most of the time, you won't be designing, conducting, and evaluating new research. Instead, your projects will focus on learning the research process and the scientific method. You'll achieve these objectives by evaluating existing nursing literature and sources and defending a thesis.

However, many nursing faculty members do conduct original research. So, you may get opportunities to participate in, and publish, research articles.

Example Research Project Scenario:

In your maternal child nursing class, the professor assigns the class a research paper regarding developmentally appropriate nursing interventions for the pediatric population. While that may sound specific, you have almost endless opportunities to narrow down the focus of your writing. 

You could choose pain intervention measures in toddlers. Conversely, you can research the effects of prolonged hospitalization on adolescents' social-emotional development.

What Does a Nursing Research Paper Include?

Your professor should provide a thorough guideline of the scope of the paper. In general, an undergraduate nursing research paper will consist of:

Introduction : A brief overview of the research question/thesis statement your paper will discuss. You can include why the topic is relevant.

Body : This section presents your research findings and allows you to synthesize the information and data you collected. You'll have a chance to articulate your evaluation and answer your research question. The length of this section depends on your assignment.

Conclusion : A brief review of the information and analysis you presented throughout the body of the paper. This section is a recap of your paper and another chance to reassert your thesis.

The best advice is to follow your instructor's rubric and guidelines. Remember to ask for help whenever needed, and avoid overcomplicating the assignment!

How to Choose a Nursing Research Topic

The sheer volume of prospective nursing research topics can become overwhelming for students. Additionally, you may get the misconception that all the 'good' research ideas are exhausted. However, a personal approach may help you narrow down a research topic and find a unique angle.

Writing your research paper about a topic you value or connect with makes the task easier. Additionally, you should consider the material's breadth. Topics with plenty of existing literature will make developing a research question and thesis smoother.

Finally, feel free to shift gears if necessary, especially if you're still early in the research process. If you start down one path and have trouble finding published information, ask your professor if you can choose another topic.

The Best Research Topics for Nursing Students

You have endless subject choices for nursing research papers. This non-exhaustive list just scratches the surface of some of the best nursing research topics.

1. Clinical Nursing Research Topics

  • Analyze the use of telehealth/virtual nursing to reduce inpatient nurse duties.
  • Discuss the impact of evidence-based respiratory interventions on patient outcomes in critical care settings.
  • Explore the effectiveness of pain management protocols in pediatric patients.

2. Community Health Nursing Research Topics

  • Assess the impact of nurse-led diabetes education in Type II Diabetics.
  • Analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare services.

3. Nurse Education Research Topics

  • Review the effectiveness of simulation-based learning to improve nursing students' clinical skills.
  • Identify methods that best prepare pre-licensure students for clinical practice.
  • Investigate factors that influence nurses to pursue advanced degrees.
  • Evaluate education methods that enhance cultural competence among nurses.
  • Describe the role of mindfulness interventions in reducing stress and burnout among nurses.

4. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics

  • Explore patient outcomes related to nurse staffing levels in acute behavioral health settings.
  • Assess the effectiveness of mental health education among emergency room nurses .
  • Explore de-escalation techniques that result in improved patient outcomes.
  • Review the effectiveness of therapeutic communication in improving patient outcomes.

5. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics

  • Assess the impact of parental involvement in pediatric asthma treatment adherence.
  • Explore challenges related to chronic illness management in pediatric patients.
  • Review the role of play therapy and other therapeutic interventions that alleviate anxiety among hospitalized children.

6. The Nursing Profession Research Topics

  • Analyze the effects of short staffing on nurse burnout .
  • Evaluate factors that facilitate resiliency among nursing professionals.
  • Examine predictors of nurse dissatisfaction and burnout.
  • Posit how nursing theories influence modern nursing practice.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Research Paper

The best nursing research advice we can provide is to follow your professor's rubric and instructions. However, here are a few study tips for nursing students to make paper writing less painful:

Avoid procrastination: Everyone says it, but few follow this advice. You can significantly lower your stress levels if you avoid procrastinating and start working on your project immediately.

Plan Ahead: Break down the writing process into smaller sections, especially if it seems overwhelming. Give yourself time for each step in the process.

Research: Use your resources and ask for help from the librarian or instructor. The rest should come together quickly once you find high-quality studies to analyze.

Outline: Create an outline to help you organize your thoughts. Then, you can plug in information throughout the research process. 

Clear Language: Use plain language as much as possible to get your point across. Jargon is inevitable when writing academic nursing papers, but keep it to a minimum.

Cite Properly: Accurately cite all sources using the appropriate citation style. Nursing research papers will almost always implement APA style. Check out the resources below for some excellent reference management options.

Revise and Edit: Once you finish your first draft, put it away for one to two hours or, preferably, a whole day. Once you've placed some space between you and your paper, read through and edit for clarity, coherence, and grammatical errors. Reading your essay out loud is an excellent way to check for the 'flow' of the paper.

Helpful Nursing Research Writing Resources:

Purdue OWL (Online writing lab) has a robust APA guide covering everything you need about APA style and rules.

Grammarly helps you edit grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Upgrading to a paid plan will get you plagiarism detection, formatting, and engagement suggestions. This tool is excellent to help you simplify complicated sentences.

Mendeley is a free reference management software. It stores, organizes, and cites references. It has a Microsoft plug-in that inserts and correctly formats APA citations.

Don't let nursing research papers scare you away from starting nursing school or furthering your education. Their purpose is to develop skills you'll need to be an effective nurse: critical thinking, communication, and the ability to review published information critically.

Choose a great topic and follow your teacher's instructions; you'll finish that paper in no time.

Joleen Sams

Joleen Sams is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in the Kansas City metro area. During her 10-year RN career, Joleen worked in NICU, inpatient pediatrics, and regulatory compliance. Since graduating with her MSN-FNP in 2019, she has worked in urgent care and nursing administration. Connect with Joleen on LinkedIn or see more of her writing on her website.

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Nursing Research Questions and Answers

This is a comprehensive examination in order to serve as a reviewer for the upcoming Nursing Board Examination for Nurses. Read the questions carefully before answering them. Please choose the best answer.

This test covers nursing research topics in easy to difficult questions. Each question is designed in order to equip the nursing student with the testing skills needed for the comprehensive examination. Nursing Research is an essential part of the core concepts in Nursing. In this examination, the nursing student is expected to be equipped with information about Nursing Research and Nursing Process , Ethics in Nursing Research, the Research Process, and Essentials of Statistics.

Nursing Research Questions

1. Nursing Research can be classified according to the time frame the research study has been made. As a nurse, you know that the study entitled “Knowledge and practice of Staff Nurses in preventing needle prick injuries in a private hospital in Manila is classified as:

A. Basic Research B. Historical Research C. Descriptive Research D. Experimental Research

2. Nursing Research has a lot of purposes. Which of the following category do the study about the sociodemographic profile of nursing students and their risk for depression belong?

A. Prescription B. Exploration C. Prediction and control D. Explanation

3. In experimental research, as a nurse there must be an essential activity wherein the participants of the study will be able to understand the whole experimental design. This term is called:

A. Desensitization B. Experimental Proper C. Research Proper D. Debriefing

4. Ethics in Nursing Research has always been an issue when it comes to the identity of the respondents. When the topics of research are very sensitive, which of the following rights of individual participants must be ensured when the researcher cannot link the information given by the respondent from the source of the information?

A. Confidentiality B. Anonymity C. Virility D. Volunteerism

5. In starting a focused group discussion, Nurse Dina wants to stress out the confidentiality of the topics that they will be discussing. Which of the following instruction convey confidentiality?

A. “This discussion should not only be confined within this group of people. Any information discussed should be told publicly.” B. “This discussion should only be confined within this group of people. Any information discussed should not be told publicly.” C. “This discussion should not be confined within this group of people. Any information discussed should not be told publicly.” D. “This discussion should only be confined within this group of people. Any information discussed should be told publicly.”

No. 6 – 10. Situation No.1 – “Knowledge and practice of prevention of needle prick injuries of Staff Nurses in a certain private hospital in Metro Manila”

6. Based on the research title which of the following will be the general objective?

A. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and practice of prevention of needle prick injuries of Staff Nurses in a certain private hospital. B. This study aims to determine if there is a significant relationship between levels of knowledge regarding prevention of needle prick injuries and sociodemographic of Staff Nurses in a certain private hospital. C. The study aims to determine the levels of knowledge regarding the prevention of needle prick injuries of Staff Nurses in a certain private hospital. D. This study aims to determine the sociodemographic of Staff Nurses in a certain private hospital.

7. All of these are specific objectives except:

A. This study is for nursing researchers in the future. B. This study aims to determine if there is a significant relationship between levels of knowledge regarding prevention of needle prick injuries and sociodemographic of Staff Nurses in a certain private hospital. C. The study aims to determine the levels of knowledge regarding the prevention of needle prick injuries of Staff Nurses in a certain private hospital. D. This study aims to determine the sociodemographic of Staff Nurses in a certain private hospital.

8. As a nurse, you know the appropriate data-gathering tool, this is? A. Survey B. Questionnaire C. Structured Discussion D. Interview Method

9. As a nurse, these are the following topics in the scope and limitations except:

A. Limited to the hospital personnel of a private hospital B. Limited only to the practice of preventing needle prick injuries of nursing personnel C. The scope of the study involves the knowledge about prevention of needle prick injuries D. The scope of the study involves the sociodemographic profile of nursing personnel

10. Which of the following is not a null hypothesis?

A. There is no relationship between the level of knowledge and practice of prevention of needle prick injuries B. There is no relationship between the practice of prevention of needle prick injuries and the sociodemographic profile of staff nurses C. There is a significant relationship between the knowledge and sociodemographic profile of staff nurses D. All of the above.

11. Which of the following would correspond to Intervene in Nursing Process? A. Select design plan B. Report findings C. Implement planned study D. Select a plan analysis

12. Which of the following would correspond to the Plan in Nursing Process? A. Select design plan B. Report findings C. Implement planned study D. Change the objectives after implementation

13. When it comes to steps in Problem Solving, which of the following would be similar in research wherein you implement the planned study? A. Theorize about facts and possible relationships B. gather, analyze relevant information C. Report findings D. Determine information needs

14. Using the Research perspective, when is the time that a nurse makes inferences? A. Define the purpose of review of literature B. Formulate a problem, define variables C. Select design sample D. Report findings

15. Which of the following is does not belong to the group?

A. Assess: Identify the problem B. Plan: Theorize C. Intervene: Gather relevant information D. Evaluate: Outcomes

16. In selecting a problem, these are the following consideration except: A. Time Factor B. Talents C. Cost D. Data availability

17. These are the purpose of Review of Related Literature except: A. Reveal investigations B. Reveal sources of data C. Reveal what is the problem D. Reveal the significant research personalities

18. As a nurse, you know the following functions of theoretical framework, except: A. Specifies relationship among the concepts B. Give a graphic view of the data C. Clarifies the concept on which the study is built D. States assumptions

19. Which of the following would not be Qualitative Research? A. Case study of Myocardial Infarction B. A Review on Corona Trial C. A Review on the Nursing Uniform D. A Review on the Performance in Related Learning Experience of student nurses

20. Using statistics in nursing research is a very vital tool in presenting the data. As a nurse, you know the definition of sampling as: A. Taking certain areas of the population dividing the areas into sections B. process of selecting a portion of the population to represent the entire population C. Using every Nth name from the list of participants D. Taking any sample as long as it comes up with the quota

21. In gathering information, as a nurse these are the reliable sources except: A. Interview B. Observation C. Grapevine D. Records

22. As a nurse educator , you want to know the reasons behind the leave of absences of student nurses. These tools can be used except? A. Interview B. Records C. Pre-Test & Post-Test D. Questionnaire

23. Upon gathering the data, which of the following can describe the most number of reasons for leave of absence? A. Median B. Mode C. Frequency D. Deviance

24. If you want to know the average age of the nursing students who has the most number of leave of absence you will need:

A. Median B. Mode C. Mean D. Deviance

25. After all the data presented, what part of descriptive statistics will you use in order to place a systematic arrangement of numerical values from lowest to highest?

A. Deviance B. Central Tendency C. Mode D. Frequency Distribution

Answers and Rationale

Related articles more from author, nclex: nursing process questions and rationale, gastrointestinal disorders nclex: nursing questions and rationale, nclex: newborn nursing questions and rationale, nclex: fundamentals of nursing questions and rationale, nclex- rn oncology & cancer practice exam questions, maternity and child nursing nclex practice exam questions.

These questions has tremendeously equipped my knowledge on research

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Nursing Students' Guide to Evidence Based Research: Asking Research Questions

  • Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
  • Asking Research Questions
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Getting Started with Nursing Research

This guide will help you improve your nursing research skills by helping you:

  • develop a focused research question
  • search  nursing and allied health databases   for articles, reports and other publications to gather evidence
  • evaluate evidence for credibility and usefulness
  • apply evidence to clinical practice

First Steps

If your research is taking you into unfamiliar territory (it usually does), one of the best ways to gain a working knowledge of your topic is to check out introductory articles and chapters of reference sources, like special encyclopedias and handbooks. Check out the  Reference Tools  tab for a selection of our print and online reference sources for nursing.

Planning Your Research

One of the keys to effective database searching is to ask focused, specific questions. You also need to choose your search terms carefully, and combine them in ways that give you control over your search results. The PICO model, described below, provides a framework for constructing questions and search strategies for clinical research questions.

Research Process Overview

The research process can be broken down into four simple steps:

Develop a focused research question by using PICO.
Use the tabs at the top of this guide to search for evidence from articles, books and more. 
Look closely at the evidence. Is it authoritative? Will it be useful?
Apply the evidence to nursing practice.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: PICO
  • Example PICO Worksheet
  • Blank PICO Worksheet

Alternatives to PICO

Not all research questions lend themselves to using PICO. Here are some alternative models.

  • Search frameworks
  • Map your research question usaing PCC
  • Effective Literature Searching: SPICE Framework
  • SPIDER: Mixed Methods Qualitative Research Questions
  • Frameworks for creating answerable (re)search questions - SPIDER
  • Forming Focused Questions with PICO: Other Question Frameworks

PICO: How Nurses Plan Their Research

Organizing the issue into four simple parts helps to identify the main concepts. 

PICO in Action

There are several variations of the PICO method. In the video below, the T in PICOT refers to TIME.

PICO Example

Scenario: A 64 year old obese male who has tried many ways to lose weight presents with a newspaper article about ‘fat-blazer’ (chitosan). He asks for your advice. Begin by identifying the main concepts: obese, adult, chitosan, weight loss

Your research question might be: I n obese patients, does chitosan, compared to a placebo, decrease weight?

Use these keywords when searching nursing databases such as CINAHL . 

From PICO to Search Strategy

  • PICO Search Strategy Tips & Examples
  • Creating a Search Strategy from your PICO Question
  • Capstone and PICO Project Toolkit
  • << Previous: Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
  • Next: Reading and Evaluating Research >>
  • Last Updated: Sep 13, 2024 3:15 PM
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Nursing Research NCLEX Practice Quiz

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Prepare for the NCLEX exam with this engaging Nursing Research Practice Quiz. This quiz is a valuable resource to enhance your understanding of nursing research concepts, improve critical thinking skills, and boost your confidence as you approach the exam. This Nursing Research NCLEX Practice Quiz covers a range of essential topics related to the field of nursing research. With carefully crafted questions and multiple-choice options, you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge and apply key concepts in a structured and interactive manner. By engaging in this quiz, you will gain familiarity with fundamental terminologies, research methodologies, evidence-based practice, and Read more ethical considerations in nursing research. Through interactive learning, you can reinforce your knowledge and develop a solid foundation for future academic pursuits or a potential career in nursing. Challenge yourself, track your progress, and become well-prepared for the NCLEX exam with this comprehensive Nursing Research Practice Quiz. Start your journey toward mastering nursing research concepts by taking this quiz today!

What are the criteria used to judge the worth of a research study? Select all that apply.

Reliability

Generalizability

Ethical considerations

Rate this question:

Which statement best describes qualitative research? Select all that apply.

It focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings.

It aims to quantify data and analyze statistical relationships.

It seeks to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

It uses open-ended questions and interviews.

What does a critique of a research study always include? Select all that apply.

Evaluation of the methodology

Examination of the findings

Discussion of potential limitations

Suggestions for future research

For which of the following research questions would qualitative methods be most appropriate?

What is the impact of a new drug on reducing cholesterol levels?

How do individuals perceive the quality of customer service in a particular store?

Is there a correlation between sleep duration and academic performance?

What is the effect of different teaching methods on students' math scores?

Which of the following phrases would be found in a report of a qualitative study?

Data collected were perceptions of pain.

The sample size was 500 participants.

Statistical analysis was conducted using regression models.

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of a disease in a population.

Which of the following phrases would be found in a report of a quantitative study?

Which of the following hypotheses are indicative of an experimental research design.

There is a positive correlation between exercise and mental well-being.

Participants who receive the treatment will show a greater improvement in symptoms compared to the control group.

The level of motivation affects performance on a cognitive task.

There is no difference in anxiety levels between males and females.

Which statements are part of the criteria used to judge the soundness of a stated research question? Select all that apply.

The research question is clear and specific.

The research question is broad and covers multiple variables.

The research question is feasible and can be answered with available resources.

The research question is relevant and contributes to the existing knowledge.

Which criteria are used to determine testability of a hypothesis? Select all that apply.

The hypothesis is supported by previous research.

The hypothesis is stated in a quantifiable manner.

The hypothesis is consistent with the research objectives.

The hypothesis is concise and specific.

What are the advantages to using directional hypotheses? Select all that apply.

The indication of the use of a theory base to derive the hypothesis

The provision of a specific theoretical frame of reference

Ensure that findings will be generalizable

The indication of a nonbiased selection of subjects

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Examples of Research Questions

Phd in nursing science program, examples of broad clinical research questions include:.

  • Does the administration of pain medication at time of surgical incision reduce the need for pain medication twenty-four hours after surgery?
  • What maternal factors are associated with obesity in toddlers?
  • What elements of a peer support intervention prevent suicide in high school females?
  • What is the most accurate and comprehensive way to determine men’s experience of physical assault?
  • Is yoga as effective as traditional physical therapy in reducing lymphedema in patients who have had head and neck cancer treatment?
  • In the third stage of labor, what is the effect of cord cutting within the first three minutes on placenta separation?
  • Do teenagers with Type 1 diabetes who receive phone tweet reminders maintain lower blood sugars than those who do not?
  • Do the elderly diagnosed with dementia experience pain?
  •  How can siblings’ risk of depression be predicted after the death of a child?
  •  How can cachexia be prevented in cancer patients receiving aggressive protocols involving radiation and chemotherapy?

Examples of some general health services research questions are:

  • Does the organization of renal transplant nurse coordinators’ responsibilities influence live donor rates?
  • What activities of nurse managers are associated with nurse turnover?  30 day readmission rates?
  • What effect does the Nurse Faculty Loan program have on the nurse researcher workforce?  What effect would a 20% decrease in funds have?
  • How do psychiatric hospital unit designs influence the incidence of patients’ aggression?
  • What are Native American patient preferences regarding the timing, location and costs for weight management counseling and how will meeting these preferences influence participation?
  •  What predicts registered nurse retention in the US Army?
  • How, if at all, are the timing and location of suicide prevention appointments linked to veterans‘ suicide rates?
  • What predicts the sustainability of quality improvement programs in operating rooms?
  • Do integrated computerized nursing records across points of care improve patient outcomes?
  • How many nurse practitioners will the US need in 2020?

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Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research

Evidence-based practice is now widely recognized as the key to improving healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Although the purposes of nursing research (conducting research to generate new knowledge) and evidence-based nursing practice (utilizing best evidence as basis of nursing practice) seem quite different, an increasing number of research studies have been conducted with the goal of translating evidence effectively into practice. Clearly, evidence from research (effective innovation) must be accompanied by effective implementation, and an enabling context to achieve significant outcomes.

As mentioned by Professor Rita Pickler, “nursing science needs to encompass all manner of research, from discovery to translation, from bench to bedside, from mechanistic to holistic” ( Pickler, 2018 ). I feel that The Journal of Nursing Research must provide an open forum for all kind of research in order to help bridge the gap between research-generated evidence and clinical nursing practice and education.

In this issue, an article by professor Ying-Ju Chang and colleagues at National Cheng Kung University presents an evidence-based practice curriculum for undergraduate nursing students developed using an action research-based model. This “evidence-based practice curriculum” spans all four academic years, integrates coursework and practicums, and sets different learning objectives for students at different grade levels. Also in this issue, Yang et al. apply a revised standard care procedure to increase the ability of critical care nurses to verify the placement of nasogastric tubes. After appraising the evidence, the authors conclude that the aspirate pH test is the most reliable and economical method for verifying nasogastric tube placement at the bedside. They subsequently develop a revised standard care procedure and a checklist for auditing the procedure, conduct education for nurses, and examine the effectiveness of the revised procedure.

I hope that these two studies help us all better appreciate that, in addition to innovation and new breakthrough discoveries, curriculum development and evidence-based quality improvement projects, though may not seem so novel, are also important areas of nursing research. Translating evidence into practice is sound science and merits more research.

Cite this article as: Chien, L. Y. (2019). Evidence-based practice and nursing research. The Journal of Nursing Research, 27 (4), e29. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000346

  • Pickler R. H. (2018). Honoring the past, pursuing the future . Nursing Research , 67 ( 1 ), 1–2. 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000255 [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]

practice questions for nursing research

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Before You Start Searching

Clinical and epidemiological question frameworks.

  • Basic Literature Searching
  • Advanced Literature Searching
  • Searching for Evidence with ABCDE
  • Citation Management
  • Citing Sources: APA and Other Styles

Step One: Start to formulate a research question or topic.

Aiming for clarity at the beginning of the project can help you get started right. It can be helpful to use one of the question frameworks detailed below.

Step Two: Do some background searching on the topic.

Taking a look in relevant resources to see what's already been written about your topic will help you understand how you can best contribute to the body of literature. It will also help you grasp the terminology around the topic, so that you'll be more prepared to do an effective literature search.

Step Three: Narrow down the question or topic if needed.

You may find that your original topic is too broad. After you have taken the time to evaluate what's already been written about your topic, you'll have a better understanding of what you're interested in.

Step Four: Meet with your librarian.

Step five: create a search for your topic in an appropriate database..

Try one of these tried and true clinical or quantitative research question frameworks. Not sure where to start? PICO is the most common clinical question framework. and PEO works well for public health and epidemiology.

  • Condition, Context, Population
  • Aromataris, E., & Munn, Z. (2017). Joanna Briggs Institute reviewer's manual. The Joanna Briggs Institute. Available from JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis .
  • Population, Exposure of Interest, Outcome or Response
  • Population or Problem, Intervention or Exposure, Comparison or Control, Outcome
  • Heneghan, C., & Badenoch, D. (2002). Evidence-based medicine toolkit. London: BMJ Books. https://www.worldcat.org/title/evidence-based-medicine-toolkit/oclc/62307845
  • Population or Problem, Intervention or Exposure, Comparison or Control, Outcome, Study Type
  • Methley, A. M., Campbell, S., Chew-Graham, C., McNally, R., & Cheraghi-Sohi, S. (2014). PICO, PICOS and SPIDER: a comparison study of specificity and sensitivity in three search tools for qualitative systematic reviews. BMC health services research, 14, 579. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-014-0579-0 .
  • Population or Problem, Intervention or Exposure, Comparison or Control, Outcome, Time
  • Richardson, W. S., Wilson, M. C., Nishikawa, J., & Hayward, R. S. (1995). The well-built clinical question: A key to evidence-based decisions. ACP Journal Club, 123(3), A12-A12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7582737/
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Nursing Research Guide: Clinical Question Types

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Types of Clinical Questions

Clinical questions may be categorized as either background or foreground. Why is this important?

Determining the type of question will help you to select the best resource to consult for your answer.

Background questions ask for general knowledge about an illness, disease, condition, process or thing. These types of questions typically ask who, what, where, when, how & why about things like a disorder, test, or treatment, etc.

Background questions are best answered by medical textbooks, which are available from platforms such as AccessMedicine  and  ClinicalKey Nursing

Foreground questions ask for specific knowledge to inform clinical decisions. These questions typically concern a specific patient or particular population, and tend to be more specific and complex compared to background questions. Quite often, foreground questions investigate comparisons, such as two drugs, two treatments, two diagnostic tests, etc.

Foreground questions are best answered by consulting medical databases such as Medline (via PubMed or OvidSP), Cochrane Library, and CINAHL.

All of these resources are available from  Miner Library  and Williams Library ; many are listed in the "Quick Links" section of the homepage.

You can also access an alphabetic list of Evidence-Based Resources  at Miner's website, or a webpage of available Evidence-Based Health Care resources at Williams' website. 

It's useful to check the page for your workplace as some resources are only licensed for access at specific locations.

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Narrowing a Clinical Question

Two types of clinical questions, what is pico anyway, picott alternatives and additions, pico process in action, using pico to form the research question, tips and tricks.

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To begin to develop and narrow a clinical research question it is advisable to craft an answerable question that begins and ends with a patient, population, or problem. These are the beginnings of not only developing an answerable EBP question, but also using the PICO process  for developing well-built searchable and answerable clinical questions. 

There are many elements to developing a good clinical question. Clinical questions can be further divided into two major areas: Background Questions and Foreground Questions .

Background Questions refer to general knowledge and facts. The majority of the information that can be used to inform answers to background questions are found in reference resources like Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Textbooks, Atlases, Almanacs, Government Publications & Statistical Information, and Indexes.

Foreground Questions are generally more precise and usually revolve around patient/s, populations, or a specific problem. Crafting an appropriate EBP question will not only inform your search strategy which you will apply to the medical literature but will also create a framework for how to maintain and develop your investigative process.

Patient, population, problem
Intervention, exposure, or prognosis factor
Comparison or comparator
Outcome
Type of question
Timeframe

What are some examples of P ?

  • Diabetes mellitus, Type 2 (problem) Obese
  • elderly (population)

What are some examples of I ?

  • Chlorpropamide

What are some examples of C ?

What are some examples of O ?

  • Management of glucose levels

Using the example from the bottom-center we can start forming a research question: 

Is Chlorpropamide (intevention) more efficient than Metformin (comparator) in managing Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (problem) for obese elderly patients (population)?

*Note: It is not necessary to use every element in PICO or to have both a problem and population in your question. PICO is a tool that helps researchers frame an answerable EBP question. 

Synonyms can very helpful throughout your investigative and research process. Using synonyms with boolean operators can potentially expand your search. Databases with subject headings or controlled vocabularies like MeSH in PubMed often have a thesaurus that can match you with appropriate terms.

Elderly Geriatrics, Aged
Heart Attack Myocardial Infarction

Boolean operators allow you to manipulate your search.

Use AND to narrow your search

  eg. elderly AND diabetes  

Use OR to broaden your search

  eg. myocardial infarction OR heart attack

Use NOT to exclude terms from your search

  eg. children NOT infants  

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Defining the Question: Foreground & Background Questions

In order to most appropriately choose an information resource and craft a search strategy, it is necessary to consider what  kind  of question you are asking: a specific, narrow "foreground" question, or a broader background question that will help give context to your research?

Foreground Questions

A "foreground" question in health research is one that is relatively specific, and is usually best addressed by locating primary research evidence. 

Using a structured question framework can help you clearly define the concepts or variables that make up the specific research question. 

 Across most frameworks, you’ll often be considering:

  • a who (who was studied - a population or sample)
  • a what (what was done or examined - an intervention, an exposure, a policy, a program, a phenomenon)
  • a how ([how] did the [what] affect the [who] - an outcome, an effect). 

PICO is the most common framework for developing a clinical research question, but multiple question frameworks exist.

PICO (Problem/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)

Appropriate for : clinical questions, often addressing the effect of an intervention/therapy/treatment

Example : For adolescents with type II diabetes (P) does the use of telehealth consultations (I) compared to in-person consultations  (C) improve blood sugar control  (O)?

Description and example of PICO question framework.
Element Description Example
opulation / problem Who is the group of people being studied?  adolescents with T2D

ntervention

What is the intervention being investigated? (independent variable) telehealth consultations
omparison To what is the intervention being compared? in person consultations
utcome What are the desired outcomes of the intervention? (dependent variable) blood sugar control

Framing Different Types of Clinical Questions with PICO

Different types of clinical questions are suited to different syntaxes and phrasings, but all will clearly define the PICO elements.  The definitions and frames below may be helpful for organizing your question:

Intervention/Therapy

Questions addressing how a clinical issue, illness, or disability is treated.

"In__________________(P), how does__________________(I) compared to_________________(C) affect______________(O)?"

Questions that address the causes or origin of disease, the factors which produce or predispose toward a certain disease or disorder.

"Are_________________(P), who have_________________(I) compared with those without_________________(C) at_________________risk for/of_________________(O) over_________________(T)?" 

Questions addressing the act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation.

In_________________(P) are/is_________________(I) compared with_________________(C) more accurate in diagnosing_________________(O)?

Prognosis/Prediction:

Questions addressing the prediction of the course of a disease.

In_________________(P), how does_________________(I) compared to_________________ (C) influence_________________(O)?

Questions addressing how one experiences a phenomenon or why we need to approach practice differently.

"How do_________________(P) with_________________(I) perceive_________________(O)?" 

Adapted from: Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Beyond PICO: Other Types of Question Frameworks

PICO is a useful framework for clinical research questions, but may not be appropriate for all kinds of reviews.  Also consider:

PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome)

Appropriate for : describing association between particular exposures/risk factors and outcomes

Example : How do  preparation programs (E) influence the development of teaching competence  (O) among novice nurse educators  (P)?

Description and example of PEO question framework.
Element Description Example
opulation  Who is the group of people being studied?  novice nurse educators

xposure

What is the population being exposed to (independent variable)? preparation programs
utcome What is the outcome that may be affected by the exposure (dependent variable)? teaching competence

SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type)

Appropriate for : questions of experience or perspectives (questions that may be addressed by qualitative or mixed methods research)

Example : What are the experiences and perspectives (E) of  undergraduate nursing students  (S)  in clinical placements within prison healthcare settings (PI)?

Description and example of SPIDER question framework.
Element Description Example
ample  Who is the group of people being studied? undergraduate nursing students

henomenon of

nterest

What are the reasons for behavior and decisions? clinical placements in prison healthcare settings
esign How has the research been collected (e.g., interview, survey)? interview and surveys
valuation What is the outcome being impacted? attitudes, experiences and reflections on learning
esearch type What type of research? qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods

SPICE (Setting, Perspective, Intervention/phenomenon of Interest, Comparison, Evaluation)

Appropriate for : evaluating the outcomes of a service, project, or intervention

Example : What are the impacts and best practices for workplace (S) transition support programs (I) for the retention (E) of newly-hired, new graduate nurses (P)?

Description and example of SPICE question framework.
Element Description Example
etting What is the context for the question? (Where?) nursing workplaces (healthcare settings)

erspective

For whom is this intervention/program/service designed (users, potential users, stakeholders)? new graduate nurses
ntervention/Interest/Exposure What action is taken for the users, potential users, or stakeholders? long term transition support programs (residency/mentorship)
omparison What are the alternative interventions? no or limited transition support / orientation
valuation What is the results of the intervention or service/how is success measured? retention of newly hired nurses

PCC (Problem/population, Concept, Context)

Appropriate for : broader (scoping) questions

Example : How do nursing schools  (Context) teach, measure, and maintain nursing students ' (P)  technological literacy  (Concept))throughout their educational programs?

Description and example of SPIDER question framework.
Element Description Example
What are the important characteristics of the participants, or the problem of focus? nursing students

oncept

What is the core concept being examined by the review? technological literacy
ontext What is the context for the question? (Could include geographic location, or details about the setting of interest)? nursing schools

Background Questions

To craft a strong and reasonable foreground research question, it is important to have a firm understanding of the concepts of interest.  As such, it is often necessary to ask background questions, which ask for more general, foundational knowledge about a disorder, disease, patient population, policy issue, etc. 

For example, consider the PICO question outlined above:

"For adolescents with type II diabetes does the use of telehealth consultations compared to in-person consultations  improve blood sugar control ?

To best make sense of the literature that might address this PICO question, you would also need a deep understanding of background questions like:

  • What are the unique barriers or challenges related to blood sugar management in adolescents with TII diabetes?
  • What are the measures of effective blood sugar control?
  • What kinds of interventions would fall under the umbrella of 'telehealth'?
  • What are the qualitative differences in patient experience in telehealth versus in-person interactions with healthcare providers?
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PICO Templates

For an intervention/therapy:

In _______(P), what is the effect of _______(I) on ______(O) compared with _______(C) within ________ (T)?

For etiology:

Are ____ (P) who have _______ (I) at ___ (increased/decreased) risk for/of_______ (O) compared with ______ (P) with/without ______ (C) over _____ (T)?

Diagnosis or diagnostic test:

Are (is) _________ (I) more accurate in diagnosing ________ (P) compared with ______ (C) for _______ (O)?

Prevention:

For ________ (P) does the use of ______ (I) reduce the future risk of ________ (O) compared with _________ (C)?

Prognosis/Predictions

Does __________ (I) influence ________ (O) in patients who have _______ (P) over ______ (T)?

How do ________ (P) diagnosed with _______ (I) perceive ______ (O) during _____ (T)?

Based on Melnyk B., & Fineout-Overholt E. (2010). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins .

Using PICO to Formulate Clinical Questions

PICO  (alternately known as PICOT ) is a mnemonic used to describe the four elements of a good clinical question. It stands for:

P --Patient/Problem I --Intervention C --Comparison O --Outcome

Many people find that it helps them clarify their question, which in turn makes it easier to find an answer. 

Use PICO to generate terms - these you'll use in your literature search for the current best evidence.   Once you have your PICO terms, you can then use them to re-write your question.  (Note, you can do this in reverse order if that works for you.)

Often we start with a vague question such as, "How effective is CPR, really?"  But, what do we mean by CPR?  And how do we define effective?  PICO is a technique to help us - or force us - to answer these questions.   Note that you may not end up with a description for each element of PICO. 

P -  our question above doesn't address a specific problem other than the assumption of a person who is not breathing. So, ask yourself questions such as, am I interested in a specific age cohort? (Adults, children, aged); a specific population (hospitalized, community dwelling); health cohort (healthy, diabetic, etc.)   

I - our question above doesn't have a stated intervention, but we might have one in mind such as 'hands-only'

C - Is there another method of CPR that we want to compare the hands-only to?  Many research studies do not go head to head with a comparison.  In this example we might want to compare to the standard, hands plus breathing

O - Again, we need to ask, what do we mean by 'effective'?  Mortality is one option with the benefit that it's easily measured. 

Our PICO statement would look like:

From our PICO, we can write up a clearer and more specific question, such as:

 In community dwelling adults, how effective is hands-only CPR versus hands plus breathing CPR at preventing mortality?

More information on formulating PICO questions

Now that we've clarified what we want to know, it will be much easier to find an answer.

Breaking Down Your PICO into a Search Strategy

We can use our PICO statement to list terms to search on.  Under each letter, we'll list all the possible terms we might use in our search. 

P - Community Dwelling:  It is much easier to search on 'hospitalized' than non-hospitalized subjects.  So I would leave these terms for last. It might turn out that I don't need to use them as my other terms from the I, C, or O of PICO might be enough.

community dwelling  OR out-of-hospital

P - adults: I would use the limits in MEDLINE or CINAHL for All Adults.  Could also consider the following depending upon the population you need:

adult OR adults OR aged OR elderly OR young adult

CPR  -  cardiopulmonary resuscitation

I - Hands-only

 hands-only OR compression-only OR chest compression OR compression OR Heart Massage

C - Hands plus breathing Breathing is a tougher term to match.

breathing OR mouth to mouth OR conventional OR traditional

O - Mortality:  If your outcomes terms are general, they may not as useful in the literature search.  They will still be useful in your evaluation of the studies.

mortality OR death OR Survival

Putting it together - a search statement from the above might look like this:

cardiopulmonary resuscitation AND (hands-only OR compression-only OR chest compression OR compression OR Heart Massage) AND (breathing OR mouth to mouth OR conventional OR traditional)

Note that the above strategy is only using terms from the I and the C of PICO.  Depending upon the results, you may need to narrow your search by adding in terms from the P or the O.  

An easy way to keep track of your search strategy is to use a table. This keeps the different parts of your PICO question and their various keywords and subject terms together. This document shows you how to use the tables and provides a few options to organize your table. Use whichever works best for you!  Search Strategy Tables to Break your PICO into Concepts .

PICO and Qualitative Questions

A qualitative PICO question focuses on in-depth perspectives and experiences.  It does not try to solve a problem by analyzing numbers, but rather to enrich understanding through words.  Therefore, the emphasis in qualitative PICO questions is on fully representing the information gathered, rather than primarily emphasizing ways the information can be broken down and expressed through measurable units (though measurability can also play an important role). 

A strength of a qualitative PICO question is that it can investigate what patient satisfaction looks like, for example, instead of only reporting that 25% of patients who took a survey reported that they are satisfied. 

When working with qualitative questions, an alternative to using PICO in searching for sources is the SPIDER search tool.  SPIDER is an acronym that breaks down like this:

P=Phenomena of Interest

E=Evaluation

R=Research Type

Cooke, A., Smith, D., & Booth, A. (2012). Beyond PICO: The SPIDER tool for qualitative evidence synthesis . Qualitative Health Research, 22 (10), 1435-1443. doi:10.1177/1049732312452938

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    PICO is the most common framework for developing a clinical research question, but multiple question frameworks exist. PICO (Problem/Population, Intervention, ... B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Beyond ...

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    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like 1 Why should the registered nurse practicing nursing at the bedside be concerned about research for the delivery of quality nursing care? A. Research provides the nurse with the knowledge needed to make sound clinical decisions. B. One study can change nursing practice dramatically. C. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of ...

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