DATA ANALYSIS CHAPTER 1-ANSWERS

Chapter 1 DATA ANALYSIS
1. Identify the level of measurement for the type of HF variable in this study. Provide a rationale for your answer.
The variable used to identify the type of HF was Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction. The level of measurement for this variable was ratio which is the highest degree of measurement. It is ratio because there are numerically equal intervals with an absolute zero.
2. Identify the level of measurement for the NYHA class variable. Provide a rationale for
your answer.
The level of measurement for the NYHA class variable is ordinal but there is no set interval identified between the ranks.
interval is identified between the ranked points.
3. What is the mode for the current therapy variable in this study? Provide a rationale for
your answer.
The mode is a measurement of central tendencies for nominal data. Mode is the most frequently
occurring. When looking at the chart for patient demographics under current therapy which
identified by nominal data, beta blockers appeared most frequently.
4. Were nonparametric or parametric analysis techniques used to analyze the CDS scores for
the cardiac patients in this study? Provide a rationale for your answer.
The CDS is a Likert Scale that supplies ordinal data. As a rule, ordinal and nominal data uses
nonparametric data.
5. Is the prevalence of depression linked to the NYHA class? Discuss the clinical
importance of this result.
The prevalence of depression increased with greater NYHA class according to the study. This
was significant in this study as a reproduced element. This had been tested in previous studies
and repeatedly show to have a positive relationship. The consistency may aid to strength other
studies and the current study.

Chapter 3
1. What was the sampling inclusion criteria for the study?
Heart failure was an inclusion for this study with EF<40% at time or past. People with physical
or mental disabilities including Class VI on NYHA and osteoarthritis. Also, those who could not
speak or read English were excluded.
2. Were these criteria appropriate for this study?
The criteria is appropriate for the study. The selection seems rational and safe. The population
selected represents the population tested. However, I don’t see where it says the amount that
were screened versus those included. That could give us a better idea if the sample was
representative of the population. It does state there was a high number of males in the study that
is not representative of the population at large, but did well at representing those treated out
patient. I am also concern about excluding those who do speak or understand English.
3. What was the total sample for this study?
106 participants
4. Was the sample size adequate for this study? Provide a rationale for your answer.
Is the sample size ever big enough in statistics? Heart failure is not uncommon and this study was done over 3 hospitals. I would expect the sample size to be larger. This effect the power of
this study. It makes the results hard to generalize. This could be negated if it were a copy of
another study with similar results.
5. Are the findings from this study ready for use in practice? Provide a rationale for your
answer.
No. In terms of evidence-based practice more research is needed. However, I am a practical
person. EVERYONE benefits from some amount of exercise. Patients, especially those with
heart failure, need to consult with a provider before exercising. This could be a helpful guide to
encourage and achieve more physical activity from our patients with no harm noted.