NURS 8200 Post your research question. Describe the independent and dependent variables

 

The ICU nurses have access to screen delirium with the use of The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (Ely, Shintani, Truman, 2004). These screening processes are diagnostic algorithm derived from DSM-III-R criteria for delirium that has been validated against a psychiatrist’s diagnosis (2004). The CAM diagnostic algorithm involves four criteria: 1) an acute change in mental status with a fluctuating course, 2) inattention, 3) disorganized thinking, and 4) an altered level of consciousness. The RASS is a well validated and highly reliable 10-point scale with scores from +1 to +4 assigned for levels of agitation through combativeness, 0 assigned for alert and calm state, and –1 to –5 assigned for successive levels of depressed arousal or coma (2004). Monitoring for delirium with the CAM-ICU, which is easily incorporated by nurses into the daily work routine and takes only 1 to 2 minutes. The use of these tools could allow the medical team to consider causes and modifications in their treatment of the patient experiencing this organ dysfunction (2004).

Independent Variables

In this case, delirium is the independent variable and it will be measured using a well validated and highly reliable instrument called the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). The results of the CAM-ICU assessment yield a positive outcome if patients demonstrated an acute change or fluctuation in the course of their mental status (as determined by abnormalities or fluctuations in the RASS scores), plus inattention and either disorganized thinking or an altered level of consciousness (2004).

Analyzing Statistical data

According to Boslaugh, a variable has one of four different levels of measurement that includes Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, or Ratio (2021). Interval and Ratio levels of measurement are sometimes called Continuous or Scale (Laureate Education, 2016).  Boslaugh points out that it is important for the researcher to understand the different levels of measurement, as these levels of measurement, together with how the research question is phrased, dictate what statistical analysis is appropriate (2021). It is vital to keep in mind that every system of measurement has its flaws, researchers often use several approaches to measure the same thing (2021).

References:

Boslaugh, S., (2021). Basic Concepts of Measurement. Retrieved From https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/statistics-in-a/9781449361129/ch01.html

Ely E.W, Shintani A, Truman B, et al. (2004). Delirium as a Predictor of Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Intensive Care Unit. JAMA. 291 (14):1753–1762. doi:10.1001/jama.291.14.1753

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). Saunders Elsevier.