Final answer:
Evidence-based practice in nursing is indeed supported by valid and reliable research, so the correct answer is A. True. This practice is crucial to providing the best possible healthcare and involves combining research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evidence-based practice in nursing refers to care activities that are supported by valid and reliable research. Therefore, the statement that nursing care activities supported by valid and reliable research are known as evidence-based practice is A. True.
It's important to clarify that evidence-based practice is an integral part of modern healthcare. This approach involves the integration of the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and preferences to provide the best possible care.
Regarding the additional statements provided:
- When a theory has been known for a long time, it becomes a law: This statement is B. False. In scientific terms, a theory remains a theory regardless of how long it has been known; a “law” has specific criteria and represents a different aspect of scientific understanding.
- Data that does not support a hypothesis is still useful: This would typically be True, as non-supportive data provides crucial feedback in the scientific process, helping to refine or reject hypotheses.
- Experimentation is the only valid type of scientific investigation: This is False. There are many types of scientific investigations, including observational studies, simulations, and models, alongside experimental research.