NUR 4590 – Professional Identity of the
Nurse Leader (Rasmussen University,
2026/2027) – Exam 1 Review with Verified
Questions & Answers
Question 1 Which of the following best defines professional identity in nursing according to
the Rasmussen University framework?
A) The personal values and beliefs a nurse holds about patient care B) The integration of nursing
knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes into one's professional role C) The legal scope of practice
defined by the state board of nursing D) The external image projected by a nurse in the clinical
setting
B) The integration of nursing knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes into one's professional role
Rationale: Professional identity is a dynamic, internal process that involves internalizing the
core values, ethics, and responsibilities of nursing, as emphasized throughout Rasmussen’s
leadership curriculum.
Question 2 According to Benner’s Novice to Expert model, a nurse leader who intuitively grasps
the meaning of clinical situations and adjusts care based on subtle changes is operating at which
stage?
A) Novice B) Advanced Beginner C) Competent D) Expert
D) Expert
Rationale: The expert stage is characterized by fluid, intuitive decision-making and the ability to
see the ―big picture‖ and respond to subtle cues without conscious analysis.
Question 3 Which leadership theory emphasizes inspiring and motivating followers to achieve a
shared vision through charisma, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration?
A) Transactional Leadership B) Transformational Leadership C) Situational Leadership D)
Servant Leadership
, B) Transformational Leadership
Rationale: Transformational leadership (Bass & Avolio) focuses on inspiring followers to
exceed expectations and align with a shared vision—widely considered the most effective style
in modern nursing leadership.
Question 4 A nurse manager uses rewards and punishments to influence staff behavior. This is
an example of which leadership style?
A) Transformational B) Transactional C) Laissez-faire D) Democratic
B) Transactional
Rationale: Transactional leadership is based on contingent reward and management-by-
exception (punishment for deviations from standards).
Question 5 According to the ANA Code of Ethics, Provision 1 states that the nurse practices
with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every
person. This provision most closely aligns with which core nursing value?
A) Autonomy B) Justice C) Human dignity D) Veracity
C) Human dignity
Rationale: Provision 1 directly addresses the fundamental respect for the dignity, worth, and
uniqueness of every individual.
Question 6 A nurse leader is facilitating a unit meeting where staff are upset about recent
staffing changes. The leader listens actively, acknowledges emotions, and seeks input before
making decisions. This is an example of which leadership behavior?
A) Autocratic decision-making B) Servant leadership C) Laissez-faire leadership D)
Transactional leadership
B) Servant leadership
Rationale: Servant leaders prioritize listening, empathy, and serving the needs of followers
before making decisions.
Nurse Leader (Rasmussen University,
2026/2027) – Exam 1 Review with Verified
Questions & Answers
Question 1 Which of the following best defines professional identity in nursing according to
the Rasmussen University framework?
A) The personal values and beliefs a nurse holds about patient care B) The integration of nursing
knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes into one's professional role C) The legal scope of practice
defined by the state board of nursing D) The external image projected by a nurse in the clinical
setting
B) The integration of nursing knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes into one's professional role
Rationale: Professional identity is a dynamic, internal process that involves internalizing the
core values, ethics, and responsibilities of nursing, as emphasized throughout Rasmussen’s
leadership curriculum.
Question 2 According to Benner’s Novice to Expert model, a nurse leader who intuitively grasps
the meaning of clinical situations and adjusts care based on subtle changes is operating at which
stage?
A) Novice B) Advanced Beginner C) Competent D) Expert
D) Expert
Rationale: The expert stage is characterized by fluid, intuitive decision-making and the ability to
see the ―big picture‖ and respond to subtle cues without conscious analysis.
Question 3 Which leadership theory emphasizes inspiring and motivating followers to achieve a
shared vision through charisma, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration?
A) Transactional Leadership B) Transformational Leadership C) Situational Leadership D)
Servant Leadership
, B) Transformational Leadership
Rationale: Transformational leadership (Bass & Avolio) focuses on inspiring followers to
exceed expectations and align with a shared vision—widely considered the most effective style
in modern nursing leadership.
Question 4 A nurse manager uses rewards and punishments to influence staff behavior. This is
an example of which leadership style?
A) Transformational B) Transactional C) Laissez-faire D) Democratic
B) Transactional
Rationale: Transactional leadership is based on contingent reward and management-by-
exception (punishment for deviations from standards).
Question 5 According to the ANA Code of Ethics, Provision 1 states that the nurse practices
with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every
person. This provision most closely aligns with which core nursing value?
A) Autonomy B) Justice C) Human dignity D) Veracity
C) Human dignity
Rationale: Provision 1 directly addresses the fundamental respect for the dignity, worth, and
uniqueness of every individual.
Question 6 A nurse leader is facilitating a unit meeting where staff are upset about recent
staffing changes. The leader listens actively, acknowledges emotions, and seeks input before
making decisions. This is an example of which leadership behavior?
A) Autocratic decision-making B) Servant leadership C) Laissez-faire leadership D)
Transactional leadership
B) Servant leadership
Rationale: Servant leaders prioritize listening, empathy, and serving the needs of followers
before making decisions.
