Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which term describes the adaptation of scientific discoveries into practical applications?

1. Research utilization

2. Translational research

3. Historical research

4. Selective research

The correct answer is: Translational research

The term that describes the adaptation of scientific discoveries into practical applications is translational research. This type of research serves as a bridge between laboratory findings and real-world medical practices. It focuses on translating basic scientific discoveries into tangible interventions that can benefit patients, such as new treatments, therapies, or public health strategies. Translational research seeks to enhance the process of converting scientific knowledge into practical solutions, ensuring that advancements in science effectively address health problems. By prioritizing this transition, translational research aims to shorten the time it takes for scientific discoveries to improve patient care and outcomes. This field often involves collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to facilitate the integration of research findings into everyday practice. In contrast, other terms such as research utilization mainly refer to the use of existing research in clinical settings rather than the process of developing new applications from original discoveries. Historical research focuses on past events and their implications without the goal of immediate practical application, while selective research typically refers to a more narrowly defined research approach rather than a broader application-focused strategy.