The administrator of a teaching hospital is reviewing monthly quality reports and notices an increase in inpatient surgical site infections.

Why should evidence-based practice be applied to address this issue?

1. Because it provides an opportunity to observe the effect of various treatments and determine their efficacy
2. Because it provides an opportunity for residents and nursing students to observe care delivery
3. Because it applies scientific evidence from peer-reviewed clinical research
4. Because it applies expertise and knowledge from the nursing staff of the hospital