Informatics and Technology Complete
Study Guide with Practice 2025/ 2026
Comprehensive Nursing Informatics
Exam Prep Exam Guide .
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING INFORMATICS
Question 1: Which of the following best defines nursing informatics?
A) The use of computers to manage patient data.
B) The specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information
science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in
nursing practice.
C) The process of entering patient data into electronic health records.
D) The use of technology to replace nursing judgment.
Correct Answer: B) The specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science,
and information science to manage and communicate data, information,
knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.
Explanation: Nursing informatics is a recognized specialty that goes beyond simple data
entry. It integrates multiple sciences to support nurses, patients, and the healthcare team
in decision-making and practice across all settings .
Question 2: A nurse enters a patient's temperature into the electronic health record.
This is an example of:
A) Information
B) Knowledge
,C) Data
D) Wisdom
Correct Answer: C) Data
Explanation: In the Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom (DIKW) framework, "data" are
raw, unprocessed facts and figures. The patient's temperature reading is a discrete piece of
data until it is interpreted .
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a clinical information system (CIS)?
A) To schedule staff shifts.
B) To integrate patient data to support clinical decisions.
C) To track payroll.
D) To replace nurses.
Correct Answer: B) To integrate patient data to support clinical decisions.
Explanation: A Clinical Information System (CIS) is designed to manage and provide
access to patient data, which supports clinical decision-making and improves the quality
and safety of patient care .
Question 4: A new staff member asks a nurse what the abbreviation CDSS means. The
correct response is:
A) Clinical Decision Support System.
B) Clinical Documentation Specific Systems.
C) Communication Documentation Support System.
Correct Answer: A) Clinical Decision Support System.
Explanation: A Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) uses evidence-based practice and
clinical guidelines to assist nurses and other healthcare professionals in making the best
practice decisions based on client data .
,SECTION 2: ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) &
DOCUMENTATION
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of an electronic health record (EHR)?
A) To replace paper charts.
B) To provide a longitudinal, comprehensive record of a patient's health information
across care settings.
C) To track billing information only.
D) To store insurance information.
Correct Answer: B) To provide a longitudinal, comprehensive record of a patient's
health information across care settings.
Explanation: An EHR is a digital version of a patient's paper chart. Unlike a billing or
insurance system, it provides a comprehensive, real-time record of a patient's health
information, making it accessible to authorized providers across different healthcare
organizations .
Question 6: A nurse is using the EHR to review a patient's medication list and notices
that the patient is prescribed two medications that interact. This feature of the EHR is
known as:
A) Computerized provider order entry (CPOE).
B) Clinical decision support (CDS).
C) Billing and coding.
D) Telehealth.
Correct Answer: B) Clinical decision support (CDS).
Explanation: CDS includes features such as drug interaction alerts, allergy checks, and
dosage guidance that help prevent medication errors and improve patient safety. This
system provides real-time support to clinicians at the point of care .
, Question 7: Which of the following is a benefit of computerized provider order entry
(CPOE)?
A) Increased medication errors.
B) Reduced legibility issues.
C) Slower order processing.
D) Increased paper use.
Correct Answer: B) Reduced legibility issues.
Explanation: One of the most immediate benefits of CPOE is the elimination of illegible
handwritten orders. This reduces transcription errors and can streamline the order
processing, improving patient safety .
Question 8: What is interoperability in healthcare informatics?
A) The ability of different information systems to work together and exchange data.
B) The ability to use multiple devices.
C) The ability to work independently.
D) The ability to store large amounts of data.
Correct Answer: A) The ability of different information systems to work together
and exchange data.
Explanation: Interoperability is the capacity for different information systems and
software applications to communicate, exchange data, and use the information that has
been exchanged. This is essential for coordinated, efficient care .
SECTION 3: DATA SECURITY, PRIVACY & HIPAA
Question 9: What is the primary purpose of HIPAA?
A) Increase computer speed.
B) Protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
C) Allow personal device storage of patient info.
D) Share PHI on social media.