Final answer:
A nurse seeking to research postsurgical infection rates would typically employ quantitative research methods to collect measurable, statistical data to identify solutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse on a medical surgical unit interested in researching solutions to infection rates in postsurgical patients would likely use quantitative research. This type of research focuses on gathering specific data that can be measured and analyzed statistically. By collecting data on infection rates, number of patients, types of surgeries, and other relevant variables, the nurse can use statistical methods to identify patterns, correlations, or causation related to the infections. This process could involve the use of controlled experiments to test specific interventions, or observational studies to track infection rates over time. Quantitative research provides clear numerical data that can lead to evidence-based changes in practice to reduce infection rates.