WGU D439 Foundations of Nursing | Objective Assessment
(OA) – VERSION 2026-2028 Edition | 85+ Standard Multiple-
Choice Practice Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | pdf
EXAM OVERVIEW
Feature Details
Course Code WGU D439
Course Title Foundations of Nursing
Assessment Objective Assessment (OA) / Proctored Exam – VERSION 2
Type
Academic 2026-2028
Year
Question Multiple-Choice
Format
Content Nursing Process, Delegation, Legal/Ethical Issues, Vital Signs,
Focus Safety, Infection Control, Mobility, Elimination, Wound Care,
Professionalism
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING & PROFESSIONALISM
1. Which of the following best describes the science of nursing?
A) The compassionate delivery of care
B) The application of evidence-based knowledge and research to patient care
,C) The artistic expression of caring
D) The intuitive understanding of patient needs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The science of nursing refers to the application of evidence-based knowledge,
research, and clinical expertise to patient care decisions. The art of nursing refers to the
compassionate, humanistic aspects of care.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient from a different cultural background. Which action
demonstrates cultural competence?
A) Ignoring cultural differences to avoid offense
B) Incorporating the patient's cultural beliefs into the care plan
C) Insisting the patient follow standard practices
D) Requesting a different nurse assign to the patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence involves assessing the patient's cultural beliefs, values,
and practices and incorporating them into an individualized, respectful care plan.
3. Which of the following is an example of a nursing responsibility under the Nurse Practice
Act?
A) Diagnosing medical conditions
B) Implementing provider prescriptions and monitoring patient responses
C) Performing surgical procedures
D) Prescribing controlled substances independently
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The Nurse Practice Act defines nursing responsibilities including implementing
provider prescriptions, monitoring patient responses, providing education, and performing
nursing interventions within the legal scope of practice.
4. A nurse is applying evidence-based practice (EBP). Which action best demonstrates
EBP?
A) Following traditions taught in nursing school
B) Integrating research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences
C) Relying solely on physician recommendations
D) Using only personal experience to guide care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: EBP is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and
patient values and preferences to make informed healthcare decisions.
5. Which nursing organization publishes the Code of Ethics for Nurses?
A) National League for Nursing (NLN)
B) American Nurses Association (ANA)
C) International Council of Nurses (ICN)
D) National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The American Nurses Association (ANA) publishes the Code of Ethics for
Nurses, which provides ethical guidelines for nursing practice.
6. A nurse is practicing holistically. Which action best reflects holistic care?
A) Focusing only on the patient's physical symptoms
B) Addressing the patient's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs
, C) Treating the patient's medical diagnosis only
D) Delegating all non-physical care to other staff
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Holistic care addresses the whole person, including physical, emotional, social,
and spiritual dimensions, not just the medical condition.
7. Which of the following is a characteristic of a profession according to professional
criteria?
A) On-the-job training only
B) A well-defined body of specific and unique knowledge
C) Profit-driven business model
D) No requirement for ongoing education
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Professions are characterized by a well-defined body of knowledge, prolonged
specialized training, service orientation, code of ethics, autonomy, and ongoing research.
8. A nurse is providing care that focuses on preventing illness. Which action is an example
of illness prevention?
A) Administering pain medication
B) Teaching a patient about vaccination schedules
C) Performing wound care
D) Assisting with activities of daily living
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Illness prevention includes activities such as immunizations, health screenings,
and teaching about healthy behaviors to prevent disease before it occurs.
(OA) – VERSION 2026-2028 Edition | 85+ Standard Multiple-
Choice Practice Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | pdf
EXAM OVERVIEW
Feature Details
Course Code WGU D439
Course Title Foundations of Nursing
Assessment Objective Assessment (OA) / Proctored Exam – VERSION 2
Type
Academic 2026-2028
Year
Question Multiple-Choice
Format
Content Nursing Process, Delegation, Legal/Ethical Issues, Vital Signs,
Focus Safety, Infection Control, Mobility, Elimination, Wound Care,
Professionalism
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING & PROFESSIONALISM
1. Which of the following best describes the science of nursing?
A) The compassionate delivery of care
B) The application of evidence-based knowledge and research to patient care
,C) The artistic expression of caring
D) The intuitive understanding of patient needs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The science of nursing refers to the application of evidence-based knowledge,
research, and clinical expertise to patient care decisions. The art of nursing refers to the
compassionate, humanistic aspects of care.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient from a different cultural background. Which action
demonstrates cultural competence?
A) Ignoring cultural differences to avoid offense
B) Incorporating the patient's cultural beliefs into the care plan
C) Insisting the patient follow standard practices
D) Requesting a different nurse assign to the patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence involves assessing the patient's cultural beliefs, values,
and practices and incorporating them into an individualized, respectful care plan.
3. Which of the following is an example of a nursing responsibility under the Nurse Practice
Act?
A) Diagnosing medical conditions
B) Implementing provider prescriptions and monitoring patient responses
C) Performing surgical procedures
D) Prescribing controlled substances independently
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The Nurse Practice Act defines nursing responsibilities including implementing
provider prescriptions, monitoring patient responses, providing education, and performing
nursing interventions within the legal scope of practice.
4. A nurse is applying evidence-based practice (EBP). Which action best demonstrates
EBP?
A) Following traditions taught in nursing school
B) Integrating research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences
C) Relying solely on physician recommendations
D) Using only personal experience to guide care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: EBP is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and
patient values and preferences to make informed healthcare decisions.
5. Which nursing organization publishes the Code of Ethics for Nurses?
A) National League for Nursing (NLN)
B) American Nurses Association (ANA)
C) International Council of Nurses (ICN)
D) National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The American Nurses Association (ANA) publishes the Code of Ethics for
Nurses, which provides ethical guidelines for nursing practice.
6. A nurse is practicing holistically. Which action best reflects holistic care?
A) Focusing only on the patient's physical symptoms
B) Addressing the patient's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs
, C) Treating the patient's medical diagnosis only
D) Delegating all non-physical care to other staff
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Holistic care addresses the whole person, including physical, emotional, social,
and spiritual dimensions, not just the medical condition.
7. Which of the following is a characteristic of a profession according to professional
criteria?
A) On-the-job training only
B) A well-defined body of specific and unique knowledge
C) Profit-driven business model
D) No requirement for ongoing education
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Professions are characterized by a well-defined body of knowledge, prolonged
specialized training, service orientation, code of ethics, autonomy, and ongoing research.
8. A nurse is providing care that focuses on preventing illness. Which action is an example
of illness prevention?
A) Administering pain medication
B) Teaching a patient about vaccination schedules
C) Performing wound care
D) Assisting with activities of daily living
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Illness prevention includes activities such as immunizations, health screenings,
and teaching about healthy behaviors to prevent disease before it occurs.
