Name
Chamberlain University
NR-585: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Throughout the next eight weeks, the course will focus on building skills to integrate evidence into professional nursing practice. This process will culminate in an evidence-based practice (EBP) project that includes multiple interconnected assignments. During the first week, students are expected to select a relevant practice issue within their anticipated advanced nursing role where a master’s-prepared nurse could advocate for an EBP-driven improvement. A literature review will also be performed to understand the existing knowledge base on the topic. This will provide the foundation for formulating a clear and concise clinical question for the subsequent week’s assignment.
One key practice problem 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 in pregnancy are among the most prevalent complications, occurring in approximately 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide. These conditions are associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality if not promptly recognized and treated (Awaludin et al., 2022).
Severe hypertension in pregnancy is defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥110 mmHg. It is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with antihypertensive agents to prevent complications such as stroke, placental abruption, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth restriction.
The scope and impact of this issue can be summarized in the table below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Prevalence | 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide experience hypertension disorders. |
| Maternal Risks | Stroke, organ failure, placental abruption, maternal death. |
| Fetal Risks | Preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth. |
| Global Burden | Accounts for approximately 14% of maternal deaths globally (Awaludin et al., 2022). |
| Care Gap | Delays in recognition and inconsistent application of treatment protocols increase morbidity and mortality. |
The magnitude of the problem demonstrates the urgent need for consistent evidence-based interventions in maternity units.
A master’s-prepared nurse plays a pivotal role in advancing evidence-based strategies to reduce the impact of severe hypertension during pregnancy. These roles include:
Advocacy: Championing policies and protocols that prioritize rapid intervention.
Protocol Implementation: Establishing standardized nurse-initiated protocols that empower nurses to act swiftly in emergencies.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists to create comprehensive care pathways.
Education and Training: Providing ongoing staff education about hypertension risks and ensuring competency in emergency response.
Quality Improvement: Conducting audits, reviewing outcomes, and leading initiatives that measure the effectiveness of implemented interventions (Miller et al., 2018).
Through these efforts, the master’s-prepared nurse fosters a culture of accountability and evidence-based decision-making that enhances patient safety and clinical outcomes.
This issue is of significant personal and professional interest to me because of its profound impact on maternal and neonatal health. Globally, hypertensive disorders remain one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, particularly in low-resource settings where timely intervention may be lacking. Research has shown that maternal mortality is more common when blood pressure exceeds 160/110 mmHg (Awaludin et al., 2022).
As a nurse leader, I am motivated to explore and promote evidence-based strategies that directly contribute to reducing preventable maternal and fetal deaths. My passion for maternal health drives my commitment to ensuring that pregnant women receive the highest standard of care possible. I believe that introducing standardized emergency protocols can make a transformative difference in maternal health outcomes, creating safer environments for both mothers and newborns.
Thank you for your insightful post about communication strategies. In our unit, we recently participated in the TeamBirth initiative, a grant-funded program designed to enhance communication between birthing individuals and healthcare teams. This model introduced structured communication huddles, which promoted collaboration and shared decision-making throughout labor.
The impact of TeamBirth was remarkable. It significantly improved interdisciplinary teamwork, empowered patients to engage in their care, and enhanced overall patient satisfaction (Ariadne Labs, 2024). Standardized bedside handoff practices, similar to the principles of TeamBirth, have been shown to reduce sentinel events, improve patient safety, and foster stronger nurse-patient relationships.
As master’s-prepared nurses, we hold the responsibility to model effective communication practices, ensure team accountability, and facilitate feedback mechanisms that enhance patient safety. Consistently adopting structured approaches to communication not only strengthens team dynamics but also reinforces a culture of patient-centered care.
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
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
