NR 585 Week 1 Discussion
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-585: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Week 1: Discussion
General Instructions
Over the course of the next eight weeks, the primary focus will be on cultivating skills that integrate evidence into advanced nursing practice. This structured process will ultimately result in the development of an evidence-based practice (EBP) project. The project is divided into interrelated assignments that build upon one another. During the initial week, students are required to select a relevant clinical or practice issue within their anticipated advanced nursing role. This issue should be one where a master’s-prepared nurse can advocate for improvements guided by evidence-based strategies. Additionally, students will perform a literature review to explore the existing research surrounding the topic. This foundational work will support the development of a focused and precise clinical question for Week 2’s assignment.
Initial Post
a. Identify a practice problem related to your future practice role.
One practice issue I have identified for my future role as a master’s-prepared nurse leader is the timely management of severe hypertension in obstetric patients. Hypertensive disorders are among the most common complications in pregnancy, occurring in approximately 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide. These conditions significantly increase maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality if they are not recognized early and treated promptly (Awaludin et al., 2022).
b. Describe the scope and impact of the problem.
Severe hypertension during pregnancy is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥110 mmHg. It is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate pharmacological treatment to avoid life-threatening complications. Without urgent intervention, outcomes such as maternal stroke, placental abruption, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal death can occur.
The following table illustrates the scope and impact of the problem:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Prevalence | 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide are affected by hypertensive disorders. |
| Maternal Risks | Stroke, multi-organ failure, eclampsia, placental abruption, maternal death. |
| Fetal Risks | Preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, stillbirth. |
| Global Burden | Approximately 14% of maternal deaths worldwide are linked to hypertension (Awaludin et al., 2022). |
| Care Gap | Delayed recognition and inconsistent application of standardized protocols increase adverse outcomes. |
This evidence underscores the critical importance of implementing consistent, evidence-based interventions in maternity units to reduce both maternal and neonatal complications.
c. Discuss the role of the master’s-prepared nurse in addressing the problem.
The master’s-prepared nurse is uniquely positioned to influence policy, improve care protocols, and lead interdisciplinary efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity associated with hypertensive disorders. Their role includes:
- Advocacy: Promoting institutional and policy-level support for evidence-based hypertension management protocols.
- Protocol Implementation: Designing and implementing nurse-initiated protocols for immediate response to hypertensive crises.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partnering with obstetricians, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, and neonatologists to ensure coordinated care.
- Education and Training: Delivering continuous staff training on early recognition and emergency treatment of hypertension in pregnancy.
- Quality Improvement: Leading audits, performance reviews, and data-driven quality improvement projects to evaluate interventions (Miller et al., 2018).
By assuming these responsibilities, master’s-prepared nurses create a clinical culture that prioritizes rapid, evidence-based action, ultimately improving safety and outcomes for mothers and infants.
d. Explain why the problem is of interest to you.
This issue holds both personal and professional significance for me due to its devastating impact on maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Globally, hypertensive disorders remain one of the leading causes of preventable maternal mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Studies indicate that maternal mortality is disproportionately higher when systolic or diastolic blood pressure exceeds 160/110 mmHg (Awaludin et al., 2022).
As a nurse leader, I feel driven to contribute to evidence-based initiatives that reduce these preventable deaths. My interest stems from a passion for maternal health and the recognition that standardized emergency protocols have the power to drastically change outcomes. I believe implementing consistent EBP interventions can transform maternal care, creating safer environments for mothers and their newborns.
Responsive Post
Thank you for your thoughtful discussion on communication strategies. In our unit, we recently participated in the TeamBirth initiative, a grant-supported program developed to enhance communication between patients and healthcare teams during labor. This model uses structured “huddles,” which bring patients and clinicians together to discuss care plans, clarify expectations, and promote collaborative decision-making.
The outcomes of TeamBirth have been very encouraging. Not only has it improved interdisciplinary teamwork, but it has also empowered patients to take an active role in their care, thereby increasing satisfaction with the birthing experience. According to Ariadne Labs (2024), programs such as TeamBirth have strengthened patient-provider relationships, reduced communication errors, and enhanced patient safety.
NR 585 Week 1 Discussion
As master’s-prepared nurses, we must model these effective communication practices and foster a culture of accountability within our teams. Incorporating structured communication tools such as bedside handoffs or huddles supports safer care, reduces sentinel events, and strengthens patient-centered approaches. Ultimately, integrating communication-focused strategies contributes to better team performance and improved patient outcomes.
References
Ariadne Labs. (2024, June 6). TeamBirth. Ariadne Labs. https://www.ariadnelabs.org/delivery-decisions-initiative/teambirth/
Awaludin, A., Rahayu, C., Daud, N. A., & Zakiyah, N. (2022). Antihypertensive medications for severe hypertension in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Healthcare, 10(2), 325. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020325
NR 585 Week 1 Discussion
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Miller, M. J., Butler, P., Gilchriest, J., Taylor, A., & Lutgendorf, M. A. (2018). Implementation of a standardized nurse-initiated protocol to manage severe hypertension in pregnancy. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 33(6), 1008–1014. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2018.1514381