What is the difference between action research and consulting? How can action research justify its conclusions? Discuss the generalizability of participatory action research.

Case 1: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of adult morbidity and mortality, accounting for 31% of deaths worldwide. The most common vascular system disorder is hypertension, defined by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) as blood pressure >130/80 mm Hg.

A) How do antihypertensive medications interact with determinants of cardiac output and peripheral resistance to reduce blood pressure?

B) What are the most common complications of untreated or undertreated hypertension?

Case 2: The lungs interface with the environment, bringing in atmospheric air during inspiration, and expelling mixed airway and alveolar air during expiration. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli and depends on lung mechanics as well as blood flow in taking up oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. The lungs receive all of the blood flow of the right heart, a low-pressure system that perfuses the millions of alveolar capillaries for gas exchange.

A) How does smoking-induced damage to lung tissue lead to emphysema?

B) What is the rationale for using β-agonist drugs in diseases of increased airway resistance?

 

Advanced practice nurses must be equipped to critique scholarly literature and discern its value for application to practice. Select one current clinical practice guideline (CPG) related to your PICOT question. If a relevant CPG does not exist, choose a CPG related to another topic. Appraise the CPG using the Rapid Critical Appraisal Questions to Ask of Evidence-Based Guidelines (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023, Box 8.4). Summarize your appraisal of the CPG in your own words. 

Include the following sections:

1. Application of Course Knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail.
   1. Credibility
      1. Who developed the CPG?
      2. Who funded the CPG?
      3. Has the CPG been peer-reviewed?
   2. Comprehensiveness
      1. What method was used to identify, select, or combine evidence?
      2. Was a current, comprehensive literature review included?
      3. Were all important options considered?
      4. Is the strength of evidence noted for each recommendation?
   3. Applicability and generalizability:
      1. Is the intent of use provided?
      2. Are the recommendations clinically relevant?
      3. Are the recommendations relevant to the reader’s population?
      4. Are the recommendations practical and feasible?
      5. Are the recommendations significantly different from current practice?
      6. Are the outcomes measurable using standard care practices?
   4. Include a complete APA reference for the selected CPG.