A nurse is using evidence-based practice (EBP) to provide care.Which action should the nurse take first?

A) Collect the most relevant and best evidence.
B) Integrate evidence with one's clinical expertise.
C) Critically appraise the evidence gathered.
D) Ask a clinical question.

EBP is a systematic approach to determine the most current and relevant evidence on which to base patient care decisions.Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt recommend a six-step process for EBP: (1)Ask a clinical question; (2)Collect the most relevant and best evidence; (3)Critically review and evaluate/appraise the evidence gathered; (4)Combine/Integrate evidence with one's clinical expertise and patient preferences and values in making a practice decision or change; (5)Evaluate the practice decision or change; (6)Communicate results of the change.Collecting the best evidence is step 2.Integrating evidence is step 4.Critically appraising the evidence is step 3.