NUR170: Exam 1 (Latest 2026/2027) – Foundations of Nursing |
Legal/Ethical, QSEN, EBP, Safety & Professional Practice | Q&A
Grade A
Complete Review: Sentinel Events, HIPAA, Malpractice vs Negligence, ANA Code, Nursing Process, QI, and Patient Rights
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Foundations of Nursing / NUR 170 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is a sentinel event?
CORRECT ANSWER
An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical/psychological injury, or the risk thereof (e.g.,
fall with serious injury, wrong‑site surgery).
RATIONALE
• The Joint Commission requires root cause analysis for sentinel events.
• Focus is on system failures, not individual blame.
• Quality Assurance nurses track events and educate staff.
Q2
What is the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?
CORRECT ANSWER
To identify underlying system and process causes of a sentinel event to prevent recurrence.
RATIONALE
• RCA looks beyond individual error to system failures.
• Part of continuous quality improvement.
• Results in action plans to reduce future risk.
, Q3
List the six aims of healthcare quality improvement (IOM).
CORRECT ANSWER
Safe, Effective, Patient‑centered, Timely, Efficient, Equitable
RATIONALE
• Safe: avoid injuries; Effective: evidence‑based; Patient‑centered: respectful of preferences.
• Timely: reduce waits; Efficient: avoid waste; Equitable: same quality regardless of personal characteristics.
• Guides quality improvement initiatives.
Q4
What is the difference between an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and an Electronic Health Record
(EHR)?
CORRECT ANSWER
EMR is diagnosis/treatment focused and stays within one clinical setting; EHR gives a broader view across
multiple disciplines and settings.
RATIONALE
• EMR is a legal record of a single encounter.
• EHR is designed for interoperability and comprehensive patient management.
• EHR supports population health and care coordination.
Q5
Is mandatory reporting (child/elder abuse) a violation of HIPAA?
CORRECT ANSWER
No – mandatory reporting overrides HIPAA privacy rule; healthcare workers are protected by Good Faith
Immunity.
RATIONALE
• Report suspicion, not evidence; do not investigate.
• Follow facility chain of command.
• Good Faith Immunity protects from civil/criminal liability.
Legal/Ethical, QSEN, EBP, Safety & Professional Practice | Q&A
Grade A
Complete Review: Sentinel Events, HIPAA, Malpractice vs Negligence, ANA Code, Nursing Process, QI, and Patient Rights
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Foundations of Nursing / NUR 170 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is a sentinel event?
CORRECT ANSWER
An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical/psychological injury, or the risk thereof (e.g.,
fall with serious injury, wrong‑site surgery).
RATIONALE
• The Joint Commission requires root cause analysis for sentinel events.
• Focus is on system failures, not individual blame.
• Quality Assurance nurses track events and educate staff.
Q2
What is the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?
CORRECT ANSWER
To identify underlying system and process causes of a sentinel event to prevent recurrence.
RATIONALE
• RCA looks beyond individual error to system failures.
• Part of continuous quality improvement.
• Results in action plans to reduce future risk.
, Q3
List the six aims of healthcare quality improvement (IOM).
CORRECT ANSWER
Safe, Effective, Patient‑centered, Timely, Efficient, Equitable
RATIONALE
• Safe: avoid injuries; Effective: evidence‑based; Patient‑centered: respectful of preferences.
• Timely: reduce waits; Efficient: avoid waste; Equitable: same quality regardless of personal characteristics.
• Guides quality improvement initiatives.
Q4
What is the difference between an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and an Electronic Health Record
(EHR)?
CORRECT ANSWER
EMR is diagnosis/treatment focused and stays within one clinical setting; EHR gives a broader view across
multiple disciplines and settings.
RATIONALE
• EMR is a legal record of a single encounter.
• EHR is designed for interoperability and comprehensive patient management.
• EHR supports population health and care coordination.
Q5
Is mandatory reporting (child/elder abuse) a violation of HIPAA?
CORRECT ANSWER
No – mandatory reporting overrides HIPAA privacy rule; healthcare workers are protected by Good Faith
Immunity.
RATIONALE
• Report suspicion, not evidence; do not investigate.
• Follow facility chain of command.
• Good Faith Immunity protects from civil/criminal liability.
