Chamberlain University NR-103 Transition to the Nursing
Profession – Nursing Study Guide, Original Practice
Questions & Answers, Assessment Preparation,
Comprehensive NR103 Review, Professional Nursing
Identity, Chamberlain Care, Communication &
Collaboration, Emotional Intelligence, Professionalism,
Medical Terminology, Information Literacy, Mindfulness,
Career Development & Nursing Success
Question 1: According to the standards of professional nursing practice, which
action best demonstrates a nurse's commitment to altruism?
A. Accurately documenting all patient care provided during a shift
B. Advocating for a patient's right to refuse a life-saving blood transfusion
C. Administering medications on time to maintain patient safety
D. Attending a workshop on new wound care techniques to improve skills
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Advocating for a patient's right to refuse a life-saving
blood transfusion
Rationale: Altruism is a core professional value that involves a concern for the welfare
and well-being of others. In nursing, this is exemplified by prioritizing the patient's needs
and wishes, even when they conflict with the nurse's personal beliefs or medical advice.
Advocating for a patient's right to make an autonomous decision, such as refusing a
treatment, is a direct demonstration of this principle. The other options represent the
values of accountability (A), safety (C), and the pursuit of excellence/continuing
education (D).
Question 2: A student nurse is learning about the social contract that defines
the nursing profession. What is the primary obligation of the profession within
this social contract?
A. To provide cost-effective healthcare to reduce the burden on the economic system
B. To obey all hospital policies and procedures without question to maintain order
C. To maintain the public's trust by being accountable and meeting the healthcare needs
of society
D. To ensure job security for all nurses through professional unionization
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To maintain the public's trust by being accountable
and meeting the healthcare needs of society
Rationale: The social contract between the nursing profession and society is based on
trust. In exchange for autonomy, self-regulation, and professional status, nursing is
obligated to provide competent, ethical, and compassionate care that serves the public
good. Maintaining accountability and meeting the health needs of society are the
foundational elements of this contract. The other options are either secondary financial
concerns (A), place obedience above critical thinking (B), or are focused on self-interest
rather than public obligation (D).
,Question 3: A nurse is caring for a patient from a culture that differs
significantly from their own. Which action exemplifies the delivery of
culturally competent care?
A. Using a medical interpreter to ensure all clinical information is accurately translated
B. Relying on a family member to interpret because the patient is more comfortable with
them
C. Creating a care plan based on the nurse's understanding of the patient's cultural
norms
D. Treating all patients the same to demonstrate fairness and avoid cultural bias
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Using a medical interpreter to ensure all clinical
information is accurately translated
Rationale: Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting cultural
differences and tailoring care accordingly. The use of a qualified medical interpreter is a
standard practice that ensures accurate communication and respects the patient's
language needs. It is more reliable than using a family member (B), which can
compromise patient privacy and lead to misinterpretation. Option C is incorrect as the
care plan should be developed in collaboration with the patient, not based on the nurse's
assumptions. Option D represents cultural blindness, which ignores the unique needs of
the individual.
Question 4: The nurse is preparing a presentation on the ethical principle of
veracity. Which patient scenario best demonstrates the application of this
principle?
A. A surgeon asks the nurse to tell the patient that the surgery is "completely safe" to
alleviate anxiety
B. The nurse truthfully informs a patient that their lab results are critical and the
provider will discuss them soon
C. The nurse tells a terminally ill patient that they will get better to provide a sense of
hope
D. The nurse decides to withhold information about a new diagnosis until the patient's
family is present
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The nurse truthfully informs a patient that their lab
results are critical and the provider will discuss them soon
Rationale: Veracity is the ethical principle of truthfulness. It requires healthcare
professionals to be honest and transparent in their communications with patients.
Providing the patient with truthful information, even when it is negative news, is
essential for respecting patient autonomy and building trust. Options A, C, and D involve
deception or withholding information, which violates the principle of veracity.
,Question 5: A student is comparing the American Nurses Association (ANA)
Code of Ethics with state nurse practice acts. What is the fundamental
difference between these two documents?
A. The Code of Ethics is a set of standards for professional behavior, while the nurse
practice act is a legal document defining the scope of practice
B. The Code of Ethics is legally enforceable in all 50 states, while the nurse practice act
is only a guideline
C. The nurse practice act is a national standard, while the Code of Ethics varies from
state to state
D. The Code of Ethics and the nurse practice act are identical documents with different
titles
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The Code of Ethics is a set of standards for
professional behavior, while the nurse practice act is a legal document defining
the scope of practice
Rationale: The ANA Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making
and professional standards of conduct. It is a non-legal guide that reflects the
profession's values and obligations. In contrast, state nurse practice acts are statutory
laws that legally define the scope of nursing practice, licensure requirements, and
grounds for disciplinary action. Violating the nurse practice act can have legal
consequences, whereas violating the Code of Ethics can lead to disciplinary action from
the nursing board, but the document itself is not law.
Question 6: A newly licensed nurse is orienting on a medical-surgical unit.
Which action best demonstrates adherence to the professional standard of
"accountability"?
A. Following the preceptor's directions for every task without question
B. Taking responsibility for a medication error and reporting it to the charge nurse
C. Completing all tasks on the assignment sheet before the end of the shift
D. Offering to stay late to help a coworker who is falling behind
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Taking responsibility for a medication error and
reporting it to the charge nurse
Rationale: Accountability means being responsible for one's own actions and decisions
and their consequences. In nursing, this includes owning up to mistakes and reporting
errors to ensure patient safety and facilitate system improvements. Following directions
blindly (A) does not demonstrate personal accountability. Completing tasks (C) is more
about efficiency, and staying late (D) is collegiality, not accountability.
, Question 7: Which of the following is the best definition of "scope of practice"
for a registered nurse?
A. The specific salary and benefits a nurse is entitled to for their work
B. The geographic area or physical unit where a nurse is assigned to work
C. The tasks and duties that a nurse is legally permitted to perform based on their
education and licensure
D. The organizational hierarchy and chain of command within a healthcare facility
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The tasks and duties that a nurse is legally permitted
to perform based on their education and licensure
Rationale: Scope of practice is a legal term that defines the boundaries of a profession's
activities. For nurses, it is determined by the state's nurse practice act and outlines what
an RN with a certain level of education and training is legally authorized and competent
to do. It is not a description of salary (A), a physical location (B), or an organizational
chart (D).
Question 8: During a clinical rotation, a student nurse witnesses a senior nurse
physically restraining a patient without a physician's order. What is the
student's most appropriate initial action?
A. Ignore the situation as the senior nurse likely knows what is best for the patient
B. Immediately approach the senior nurse to confront the behavior
C. Report the observation to their clinical instructor or nursing supervisor
D. Wait until the end of the shift to document what they saw in the patient's chart
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Report the observation to their clinical instructor or
nursing supervisor
Rationale: Witnessing a potential violation of patient rights or safety requires immediate
action. The student should report the incident to their clinical instructor or a nursing
supervisor, who is in a position to investigate and address the issue through proper
channels. Confronting the nurse directly (B) is not appropriate and could escalate the
situation. Ignoring it (A) is a violation of the student's ethical duty. Documentation
should be done on an incident report, not in the patient's chart (D), and should not wait
until the end of the shift.
Question 9: The principle of "fidelity" in nursing ethics requires a nurse to:
A. Keep their promises and remain loyal to the patient and the profession
B. Ensure that the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks for the patient
C. Distribute healthcare resources fairly among all patients in their care
D. Respect the patient's right to self-determination and make their own decisions
Profession – Nursing Study Guide, Original Practice
Questions & Answers, Assessment Preparation,
Comprehensive NR103 Review, Professional Nursing
Identity, Chamberlain Care, Communication &
Collaboration, Emotional Intelligence, Professionalism,
Medical Terminology, Information Literacy, Mindfulness,
Career Development & Nursing Success
Question 1: According to the standards of professional nursing practice, which
action best demonstrates a nurse's commitment to altruism?
A. Accurately documenting all patient care provided during a shift
B. Advocating for a patient's right to refuse a life-saving blood transfusion
C. Administering medications on time to maintain patient safety
D. Attending a workshop on new wound care techniques to improve skills
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Advocating for a patient's right to refuse a life-saving
blood transfusion
Rationale: Altruism is a core professional value that involves a concern for the welfare
and well-being of others. In nursing, this is exemplified by prioritizing the patient's needs
and wishes, even when they conflict with the nurse's personal beliefs or medical advice.
Advocating for a patient's right to make an autonomous decision, such as refusing a
treatment, is a direct demonstration of this principle. The other options represent the
values of accountability (A), safety (C), and the pursuit of excellence/continuing
education (D).
Question 2: A student nurse is learning about the social contract that defines
the nursing profession. What is the primary obligation of the profession within
this social contract?
A. To provide cost-effective healthcare to reduce the burden on the economic system
B. To obey all hospital policies and procedures without question to maintain order
C. To maintain the public's trust by being accountable and meeting the healthcare needs
of society
D. To ensure job security for all nurses through professional unionization
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To maintain the public's trust by being accountable
and meeting the healthcare needs of society
Rationale: The social contract between the nursing profession and society is based on
trust. In exchange for autonomy, self-regulation, and professional status, nursing is
obligated to provide competent, ethical, and compassionate care that serves the public
good. Maintaining accountability and meeting the health needs of society are the
foundational elements of this contract. The other options are either secondary financial
concerns (A), place obedience above critical thinking (B), or are focused on self-interest
rather than public obligation (D).
,Question 3: A nurse is caring for a patient from a culture that differs
significantly from their own. Which action exemplifies the delivery of
culturally competent care?
A. Using a medical interpreter to ensure all clinical information is accurately translated
B. Relying on a family member to interpret because the patient is more comfortable with
them
C. Creating a care plan based on the nurse's understanding of the patient's cultural
norms
D. Treating all patients the same to demonstrate fairness and avoid cultural bias
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Using a medical interpreter to ensure all clinical
information is accurately translated
Rationale: Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting cultural
differences and tailoring care accordingly. The use of a qualified medical interpreter is a
standard practice that ensures accurate communication and respects the patient's
language needs. It is more reliable than using a family member (B), which can
compromise patient privacy and lead to misinterpretation. Option C is incorrect as the
care plan should be developed in collaboration with the patient, not based on the nurse's
assumptions. Option D represents cultural blindness, which ignores the unique needs of
the individual.
Question 4: The nurse is preparing a presentation on the ethical principle of
veracity. Which patient scenario best demonstrates the application of this
principle?
A. A surgeon asks the nurse to tell the patient that the surgery is "completely safe" to
alleviate anxiety
B. The nurse truthfully informs a patient that their lab results are critical and the
provider will discuss them soon
C. The nurse tells a terminally ill patient that they will get better to provide a sense of
hope
D. The nurse decides to withhold information about a new diagnosis until the patient's
family is present
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The nurse truthfully informs a patient that their lab
results are critical and the provider will discuss them soon
Rationale: Veracity is the ethical principle of truthfulness. It requires healthcare
professionals to be honest and transparent in their communications with patients.
Providing the patient with truthful information, even when it is negative news, is
essential for respecting patient autonomy and building trust. Options A, C, and D involve
deception or withholding information, which violates the principle of veracity.
,Question 5: A student is comparing the American Nurses Association (ANA)
Code of Ethics with state nurse practice acts. What is the fundamental
difference between these two documents?
A. The Code of Ethics is a set of standards for professional behavior, while the nurse
practice act is a legal document defining the scope of practice
B. The Code of Ethics is legally enforceable in all 50 states, while the nurse practice act
is only a guideline
C. The nurse practice act is a national standard, while the Code of Ethics varies from
state to state
D. The Code of Ethics and the nurse practice act are identical documents with different
titles
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The Code of Ethics is a set of standards for
professional behavior, while the nurse practice act is a legal document defining
the scope of practice
Rationale: The ANA Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making
and professional standards of conduct. It is a non-legal guide that reflects the
profession's values and obligations. In contrast, state nurse practice acts are statutory
laws that legally define the scope of nursing practice, licensure requirements, and
grounds for disciplinary action. Violating the nurse practice act can have legal
consequences, whereas violating the Code of Ethics can lead to disciplinary action from
the nursing board, but the document itself is not law.
Question 6: A newly licensed nurse is orienting on a medical-surgical unit.
Which action best demonstrates adherence to the professional standard of
"accountability"?
A. Following the preceptor's directions for every task without question
B. Taking responsibility for a medication error and reporting it to the charge nurse
C. Completing all tasks on the assignment sheet before the end of the shift
D. Offering to stay late to help a coworker who is falling behind
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Taking responsibility for a medication error and
reporting it to the charge nurse
Rationale: Accountability means being responsible for one's own actions and decisions
and their consequences. In nursing, this includes owning up to mistakes and reporting
errors to ensure patient safety and facilitate system improvements. Following directions
blindly (A) does not demonstrate personal accountability. Completing tasks (C) is more
about efficiency, and staying late (D) is collegiality, not accountability.
, Question 7: Which of the following is the best definition of "scope of practice"
for a registered nurse?
A. The specific salary and benefits a nurse is entitled to for their work
B. The geographic area or physical unit where a nurse is assigned to work
C. The tasks and duties that a nurse is legally permitted to perform based on their
education and licensure
D. The organizational hierarchy and chain of command within a healthcare facility
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The tasks and duties that a nurse is legally permitted
to perform based on their education and licensure
Rationale: Scope of practice is a legal term that defines the boundaries of a profession's
activities. For nurses, it is determined by the state's nurse practice act and outlines what
an RN with a certain level of education and training is legally authorized and competent
to do. It is not a description of salary (A), a physical location (B), or an organizational
chart (D).
Question 8: During a clinical rotation, a student nurse witnesses a senior nurse
physically restraining a patient without a physician's order. What is the
student's most appropriate initial action?
A. Ignore the situation as the senior nurse likely knows what is best for the patient
B. Immediately approach the senior nurse to confront the behavior
C. Report the observation to their clinical instructor or nursing supervisor
D. Wait until the end of the shift to document what they saw in the patient's chart
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Report the observation to their clinical instructor or
nursing supervisor
Rationale: Witnessing a potential violation of patient rights or safety requires immediate
action. The student should report the incident to their clinical instructor or a nursing
supervisor, who is in a position to investigate and address the issue through proper
channels. Confronting the nurse directly (B) is not appropriate and could escalate the
situation. Ignoring it (A) is a violation of the student's ethical duty. Documentation
should be done on an incident report, not in the patient's chart (D), and should not wait
until the end of the shift.
Question 9: The principle of "fidelity" in nursing ethics requires a nurse to:
A. Keep their promises and remain loyal to the patient and the profession
B. Ensure that the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks for the patient
C. Distribute healthcare resources fairly among all patients in their care
D. Respect the patient's right to self-determination and make their own decisions
