Potter & Perry Chapters 1-50 | 2025/2026 Update | 1-200
Questions and Answers
Chapter 01: Nursing Today
Question 1
Which nurse is known for establishing the Henry Street Settlement and providing
nursing services to immigrants in New York City?
a) Florence Nightingale
b) Mary Nutting
c) Clara Barton
d) Lillian Wald
Answer: d) Lillian Wald
Rationale: Lillian Wald established the Henry Street Settlement in New York City,
providing nursing services to immigrants and establishing public health nursing . Florence
,Nightingale (a) was a pioneer in epidemiology and sanitation. Mary Nutting (b) advanced
nursing education. Clara Barton (c) founded the American Red Cross .
Question 2
A nurse is using Benner's model to describe their level of proficiency. The nurse has
been in practice for 3 years and can see the "big picture" and anticipate outcomes.
Which level of proficiency is the nurse?
a) Novice
b) Advanced beginner
c) Competent
d) Proficient
Answer: d) Proficient
Rationale: According to Benner's model, the proficient nurse has been in practice for 2-3
years and can see the "big picture," anticipate outcomes, and modify plans as needed . The
novice (a) has no experience. The advanced beginner (b) has some experience but relies on
rules. The competent (c) nurse has 2-3 years of experience and can plan and coordinate
care. The proficient nurse (d) has a deeper understanding and can anticipate outcomes .
Question 3
An experienced medical-surgical nurse chooses to work in obstetrics. Which level of
proficiency is the nurse upon initial transition to the obstetrical floor?
a) Novice
b) Proficient
c) Competent
d) Advanced beginner
Answer: a) Novice
Rationale: A novice nurse is a beginning nursing student or any nurse entering a situation
with no previous level of experience . A proficient nurse perceives a patient's clinical
situation as a whole. A competent nurse understands the organization and specific care
required. An advanced beginner has had some observational experience .
,Question 4
Nursing is defined as:
a) Disease treatment
b) Care of individuals, families, and communities
c) Medication administration only
d) Hospital work
Answer: b) Care of individuals, families, and communities
Rationale: Nursing encompasses the care of individuals, families, and communities across
all settings, not just disease treatment or medication administration . The definition
reflects the holistic and comprehensive nature of nursing practice .
Question 5
A nurse assesses a patient's fluid status and decides that the patient needs to drink
more fluids. The nurse then encourages the patient to drink more fluids. Which concept
is the nurse demonstrating?
a) Licensure
b) Autonomy
c) Certification
d) Accountability
Answer: b) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy involves the initiation of independent nursing interventions without
medical orders . Licensure requires passing the NCLEX, certification validates specialized
knowledge, and accountability means being responsible for the quality of care provided .
Question 6
Which nursing role is the nurse fulfilling when administering pain medication and
assisting with ambulation?
a) Educator
b) Advocate
, c) Caregiver
d) Manager
Answer: c) Caregiver
Rationale: The caregiver role involves providing direct care, such as administering
medications and assisting with activities of daily living . The educator (a) role involves
teaching. The advocate (b) role involves supporting patient rights. The manager (d) role
coordinates care .
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a patient who is considering a treatment option that conflicts with
the physician's recommendation. The nurse provides information and supports the
patient's decision. Which role is the nurse fulfilling?
a) Educator
b) Advocate
c) Caregiver
d) Manager
Answer: b) Advocate
Rationale: An advocate protects patient safety and acts to support patient rights and
decisions . Supporting the patient's decision, even when it conflicts with the physician's
recommendation, is advocacy .
Question 8
A nurse is using evidence-based practice to guide patient care. What is the first step in
the evidence-based practice process?
a) Appraise the evidence
b) Ask a clinical question
c) Apply the evidence
d) Evaluate the outcome
Answer: b) Ask a clinical question