Comprehensive Examination Practice
Questions with Answers & Rationales
Question 1
Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the American Nurses
Association (ANA)?
A) To regulate nursing licensure examinations
B) To advance the nursing profession and promote high standards of nursing
practice
C) To accredit nursing education programs
D) To establish hospital policies for nursing care
Answer: B
Rationale: The ANA's primary purpose is to advance the nursing profession,
promote high standards of nursing practice, and advocate for the rights of nurses
and patients. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) regulates
licensure examinations, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE) accredits nursing programs.
Question 2
The ANA defines nursing as:
A) The diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health
problems
B) The administration of medications and treatments prescribed by physicians
C) The provision of direct patient care in hospital settings
D) The management of healthcare facilities
Answer: A
Rationale: The ANA's definition of nursing emphasizes the diagnosis and
treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems. This
definition reflects nursing's unique contribution to healthcare and distinguishes it
from other professions.
,Question 3
The registered nurse (RN) who has completed additional education and training in
a specific area of nursing practice is known as a:
A) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
B) Nursing assistant
C) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
D) Charge nurse
Answer: C
Rationale: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have completed
graduate-level education and specialized training in areas such as nurse
practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, and
certified nurse-midwife.
Question 4
According to the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, which of the following is the
nurse's primary commitment?
A) To the healthcare institution
B) To the physician
C) To the patient
D) To the nursing profession
Answer: C
Rationale: The ANA Code of Ethics states that the nurse's primary commitment is
to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.
This commitment is the foundation of nursing practice.
Question 5
The nurse's role as an advocate involves:
A) Making decisions for the patient
B) Protecting the patient's rights and interests
C) Following all physician orders without question
D) Focusing only on the patient's physical needs
,Answer: B
Rationale: Patient advocacy involves protecting the patient's rights and interests,
ensuring informed consent, supporting the patient's decisions, and speaking up on
behalf of the patient when necessary.
Question 6
Which of the following nursing organizations focuses on advancing the science
and practice of nursing through research and scholarship?
A) National League for Nursing (NLN)
B) American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
C) Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
D) National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA)
Answer: C
Rationale: Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is the honor society of nursing
that focuses on advancing the science and practice of nursing through research and
scholarship. The NLN focuses on nursing education, and the AACN represents
baccalaureate and graduate nursing education programs.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client who refuses a prescribed medication. The nurse
respects the client's decision and documents the refusal. This action demonstrates
which ethical principle?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Autonomy
D) Justice
Answer: C
Rationale: Autonomy respects the client's right to make their own decisions. By
honoring the client's refusal, the nurse is respecting their autonomy, even if the
nurse disagrees with the decision.
, Question 8
A nurse administers a medication and the client develops a severe allergic reaction.
The nurse immediately stops the medication and administers emergency treatment.
This action demonstrates which ethical principle?
A) Autonomy
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Beneficence
D) Fidelity
Answer: B
Rationale: Nonmaleficence means "do no harm." By stopping the medication and
providing emergency treatment, the nurse is preventing further harm to the client.
Question 9
Which of the following is an example of a nurse's role in health promotion?
A) Administering medications
B) Teaching a client about smoking cessation
C) Monitoring vital signs
D) Changing a wound dressing
Answer: B
Rationale: Health promotion involves teaching and empowering clients to adopt
healthy behaviors. Teaching about smoking cessation is a health promotion
activity. The other options are examples of illness management or treatment.
Question 10
The nurse is providing care to a client who is of a different cultural background.
Which action demonstrates cultural competence?
A) Using the same approach as with all clients
B) Asking the client about their cultural beliefs and practices
C) Assuming the client's preferences based on their ethnicity
D) Avoiding discussion of cultural differences
Answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence involves recognizing and respecting cultural