The Scientific Method in Nursing Process

The scientific method is the reasoning-based problem-solving approach. Nurses and healthcare providers often use this method to solve clinical problems.

It involves seven steps— observation, gathering data, formulating a hypothesis, prediction, testing the hypothesis, evaluation, and conclusion.

Let's take an example of a bedridden patient.

The nurse observes red patches on the skin and notes down swelling, or any signs of infection around the affected areas.

Based on the data collected, she makes a hypothesis that this may have occurred due to the pressure exerted on the bony prominences when lying in the same position for a prolonged period.

The nurse then predicts that the redness can be prevented by reducing the pressure.

Next, she tests her hypothesis and decides to change the patient's position every two hours.

Finally, she evaluates the findings by comparing the skin condition before and after the intervention.

If the redness is reduced, the nurse can successfully conclude and continue the intervention.

However, if the results are unsatisfactory, the nurse must form a new hypothesis.