A nurse is aiming to utilize an evidence based process to improve pain management for...

The initial step in an evidence-based process to improve pain management for patients with cancer is to write an answerable question.

Writing an Answerable Question: This is often done using the PICO (Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format to clearly define the clinical issue and guide the research.

Selecting the Study Design: This comes after formulating the question and involves choosing an appropriate methodology to answer it.

Obtaining Ethical Approval: This is essential for conducting research but comes after defining the question and designing the study.

Formulating Hypothesis Statement: This is part of the research design and planning, following the creation of an answerable question.

References:

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): Evidence-Based Practice Resources