WGU D220 Informatics Exam
Informatics for Nursing Practice
2026/2027 Edition
Updated Practice Questions, Verified Answers & Study Guide
Total Questions 75 Multiple Choice
Sections 7 WGU D220 Competency-Aligned Domains
Question Format 4 Options (A-D), One Correct Answer
Cognitive Distribution 25% Recall / 55% Application / 20% Analysis
Question Style 80% Scenario-Based / 20% Direct Recall
Rationale Format Detailed D220-Specific Informatics Reasoning
2026/2027 HIPAA, HITECH, MACRA, TIGER,
Guideline Alignment
QSEN Updates
Examination Instructions
• This examination consists of 75 multiple-choice questions distributed across seven WGU D220 content
domains: Informatics Fundamentals, Health Information Systems, Data Management and Terminologies,
Information and Communication Technology, Nursing Informatics Competencies, Legal/Ethical/Regulatory
Issues, and Quality Improvement/Patient Safety.
• Each question has four options (A, B, C, D) with exactly one correct answer.
• Correct answers are identified and accompanied by detailed D220-specific rationales explaining both why the
correct option is right and why the distractors are wrong.
• Cognitive complexity spans recall (25%), application (55%), and analysis (20%) per WGU D220 competency
framework.
,WGU D220 Informatics Exam | 2026/2027 Updated Practice Questions, Verified Answers & Study Guide
• Scenario-based questions require application of nursing informatics principles to clinical and organizational
situations, integrating DIKW framework, TIGER/QSEN competencies, HIPAA/HITECH compliance, and
quality/safety principles.
• Content aligns with current 2026/2027 updates including HITECH revisions, interoperability standards,
telehealth expansions, and AI in healthcare informatics.
Prepared for WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice Candidates
2026/2027 Examination Cycle
Page 2 | 75-Question Comprehensive Exam
, WGU D220 Informatics Exam | 2026/2027 Updated Practice Questions, Verified Answers & Study Guide
SECTION 1: INFORMATICS FUNDAMENTALS AND THEORY
Definitions, Concepts, History, & Theoretical Frameworks (Q1-Q12)
Q1: A nurse is explaining the discipline of nursing informatics to a new colleague. According to the American
Nurses Association (ANA) 2015 scope and standards definition, which statement most accurately describes
nursing informatics?
A. The use of computers to document nursing care in electronic health records
B. The specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to
identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing
practice [CORRECT]
C. The application of computer technology to manage patient appointments and billing
D. The study of how nurses use social media to communicate with patients
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The ANA's 2015 definition of nursing informatics emphasizes the integration of nursing science with information and
analytical sciences to manage the DIKW continuum (data, information, knowledge, wisdom) in nursing practice.
Option A is too narrow—documentation is only one application. Option C describes administrative informatics, not
nursing informatics. Option D misrepresents the scope, which encompasses clinical practice, education, research, and
administration. The DIKW framework underpins this definition.
Q2: A graduate nursing student is constructing a concept map for a D220 assignment. The student places
'medication name' at the bottom, 'medication classifications and indications' next, then 'individualized patient
therapy selection,' and finally 'ethical consideration of patient values in prescribing.' Which theoretical
framework does this structure best represent?
A. Systems theory
B. Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom (DIKW) framework [CORRECT]
C. Diffusion of innovations theory
D. Change management theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The DIKW framework organizes understanding into four hierarchical tiers: raw data (medication name), processed
information (classifications and indications), synthesized knowledge (individualized therapy selection), and wisdom
(ethical application considering patient values). Option A (systems theory) focuses on interrelated components
working as a whole. Option C explains how innovations spread through populations. Option D addresses managing
organizational transitions. The student's layered structure maps directly to the DIKW continuum.
Page 3 | 75-Question Comprehensive Exam
Informatics for Nursing Practice
2026/2027 Edition
Updated Practice Questions, Verified Answers & Study Guide
Total Questions 75 Multiple Choice
Sections 7 WGU D220 Competency-Aligned Domains
Question Format 4 Options (A-D), One Correct Answer
Cognitive Distribution 25% Recall / 55% Application / 20% Analysis
Question Style 80% Scenario-Based / 20% Direct Recall
Rationale Format Detailed D220-Specific Informatics Reasoning
2026/2027 HIPAA, HITECH, MACRA, TIGER,
Guideline Alignment
QSEN Updates
Examination Instructions
• This examination consists of 75 multiple-choice questions distributed across seven WGU D220 content
domains: Informatics Fundamentals, Health Information Systems, Data Management and Terminologies,
Information and Communication Technology, Nursing Informatics Competencies, Legal/Ethical/Regulatory
Issues, and Quality Improvement/Patient Safety.
• Each question has four options (A, B, C, D) with exactly one correct answer.
• Correct answers are identified and accompanied by detailed D220-specific rationales explaining both why the
correct option is right and why the distractors are wrong.
• Cognitive complexity spans recall (25%), application (55%), and analysis (20%) per WGU D220 competency
framework.
,WGU D220 Informatics Exam | 2026/2027 Updated Practice Questions, Verified Answers & Study Guide
• Scenario-based questions require application of nursing informatics principles to clinical and organizational
situations, integrating DIKW framework, TIGER/QSEN competencies, HIPAA/HITECH compliance, and
quality/safety principles.
• Content aligns with current 2026/2027 updates including HITECH revisions, interoperability standards,
telehealth expansions, and AI in healthcare informatics.
Prepared for WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice Candidates
2026/2027 Examination Cycle
Page 2 | 75-Question Comprehensive Exam
, WGU D220 Informatics Exam | 2026/2027 Updated Practice Questions, Verified Answers & Study Guide
SECTION 1: INFORMATICS FUNDAMENTALS AND THEORY
Definitions, Concepts, History, & Theoretical Frameworks (Q1-Q12)
Q1: A nurse is explaining the discipline of nursing informatics to a new colleague. According to the American
Nurses Association (ANA) 2015 scope and standards definition, which statement most accurately describes
nursing informatics?
A. The use of computers to document nursing care in electronic health records
B. The specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to
identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing
practice [CORRECT]
C. The application of computer technology to manage patient appointments and billing
D. The study of how nurses use social media to communicate with patients
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The ANA's 2015 definition of nursing informatics emphasizes the integration of nursing science with information and
analytical sciences to manage the DIKW continuum (data, information, knowledge, wisdom) in nursing practice.
Option A is too narrow—documentation is only one application. Option C describes administrative informatics, not
nursing informatics. Option D misrepresents the scope, which encompasses clinical practice, education, research, and
administration. The DIKW framework underpins this definition.
Q2: A graduate nursing student is constructing a concept map for a D220 assignment. The student places
'medication name' at the bottom, 'medication classifications and indications' next, then 'individualized patient
therapy selection,' and finally 'ethical consideration of patient values in prescribing.' Which theoretical
framework does this structure best represent?
A. Systems theory
B. Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom (DIKW) framework [CORRECT]
C. Diffusion of innovations theory
D. Change management theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The DIKW framework organizes understanding into four hierarchical tiers: raw data (medication name), processed
information (classifications and indications), synthesized knowledge (individualized therapy selection), and wisdom
(ethical application considering patient values). Option A (systems theory) focuses on interrelated components
working as a whole. Option C explains how innovations spread through populations. Option D addresses managing
organizational transitions. The student's layered structure maps directly to the DIKW continuum.
Page 3 | 75-Question Comprehensive Exam
