Abstract
Review of recent evidence with translation to practice for the advanced practice nurse (APN) role is presented using a case study module for "The Effect of the Duration of Emergency Department Observation on Computed Tomography Use in Children With Minor Blunt Head Trauma." The study results showed that 49% of the patients were "observed" in the emergency department (ED). Of those "observed" (N = 676) in the ED, the authors found that 20% had a computed tomographic (CT) scan performed. However, "observed" patients did experience a lower rate of CT scan (5%) than "nonobserved" patients. The implications and clinical relevance of these findings for APNs are discussed, highlighting best practice evidence.