The nursing staff on Rick’s postsurgical unit have been reviewing their patients’ medical records and have seen a steady increase in the incidence of pressure ulcers over the last 3 months, especially in patients who are incontinent. Rick speaks with the wound care specialist in the hospital about this issue. The specialist recommends that the nurses try using special wipes that include an emollient to clean patients who are incontinent.

·         Rick and the nursing staff decide to approach this practice change using evidence-based practice. What would be a PICOT question for this group to ask? Identify each part of the PICOT question.

·         Rick conducts a literature search and gathers research articles about the PICOT question. He evaluates the scientific merit of each of the articles and determines that he has sufficient evidence to answer the PICOT question. Which step of the evidence-based practice process has Rick completed?

·         Rick and the staff on the postsurgical unit implemented a new skin care protocol for patients who are incontinent after surgery. The protocol has been implemented for 4 months. Rick needs to determine if this practice change has been effective. What outcome does Rick need to measure? Describe one method he could use to measure this outcome.