Which action demonstrates evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing?

Which action demonstrates evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing?

• A. Questioning the practice of daily central line dressing changes to ascertain their effectiveness.
• B. Following the same routine without question.
• C. Relying solely on tradition.
• D. Ignoring new research findings.

Answer: (A)

Evidence-based practice means using the best available research together with clinical expertise and patient preferences to guide care. Questioning the routine of daily central line dressing changes to see if it truly improves outcomes shows this approach in action: it starts with a clinical question, seeks out current evidence, and considers whether practice should change based on what the data show. If the evidence indicates a different frequency or method that maintains safety and reduces infection risk, a nurse would use that information to guide care and evaluate outcomes in real time. This thoughtful, evidence-informed questioning is the hallmark of EBP. In contrast, simply following the same routine without question, relying on tradition, or ignoring new research findings do not incorporate current evidence into practice, which is essential for safe and effective care.

Evidence-based practice means using the best available research together with clinical expertise and patient preferences to guide care. Questioning the routine of daily central line dressing changes to see if it truly improves outcomes shows this approach in action: it starts with a clinical question, seeks out current evidence, and considers whether practice should change based on what the data show.

If the evidence indicates a different frequency or method that maintains safety and reduces infection risk, a nurse would use that information to guide care and evaluate outcomes in real time. This thoughtful, evidence-informed questioning is the hallmark of EBP.

In contrast, simply following the same routine without question, relying on tradition, or ignoring new research findings do not incorporate current evidence into practice, which is essential for safe and effective care.