Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which aspect is NOT a focus of evidence-based care?

1. Defining clinical questions

2. Finding evidence to support clinical practice

3. Patient satisfaction surveys

4. Developing practice guidelines

The correct answer is: Patient satisfaction surveys

The focus of evidence-based care primarily revolves around making clinical decisions that are informed by the best available evidence, which is derived from well-designed clinical studies and research. In this context, patient satisfaction surveys do play a role in evaluating healthcare services and understanding the patient experience, but they are not a direct focus of evidence-based care in the same way that defining clinical questions, finding evidence, and developing practice guidelines are. Defining clinical questions is essential because it sets the groundwork for exploring what evidence is necessary to make informed decisions about patient care. Finding evidence involves searching for and utilizing the most relevant research to support clinical practice, ensuring that care is grounded in validated data. Developing practice guidelines translates the evidence into actionable protocols that healthcare professionals can follow to ensure consistent, high-quality care. Therefore, while patient satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and inform improvements in service delivery, they do not directly contribute to the core principles of evidence-based care, making them less central compared to the other options presented.