What is required for EBP in nursing?

• A. Relying on tradition.
• B. Following physician orders without question.
• C. Only reading published guidelines.
• D. Synthesizing research findings to integrate with clinical expertise and patient values.

Answer: (D)

Evidence-based practice in nursing means using the best available evidence and combining it with clinical expertise and the patient’s values and circumstances to guide care. The strongest choice reflects this integration: you synthesize research findings, assess their quality and applicability, and apply them in the context of what you know about the patient and what the patient values. This approach keeps care current, effective, and aligned with the individual patient.

Relying on tradition misses the focus on current evidence; following physician orders without question undermines nursing judgment; and reading guidelines in isolation without appraisal or patient context ignores both critical thinking and patient preferences.