Nursing Informatics WGU D220 With Complete
Solutions
WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice
2026/2027 Academic Year – Complete Solutions Study Guide
85 Questions • 8 Sections • Estimated Time: 2.5 Hours • Passing Score: 70%
Instructions to Candidates:
1. This examination consists of 85 multiple-choice questions divided into eight sections covering the foundations
and theoretical frameworks of nursing informatics; health information systems and clinical technologies;
standardized terminologies; data management, governance, and analytics; informatics competencies and
professional practice; legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance; quality improvement, patient safety, and
evidence-based practice; and emerging technologies, future trends, and population health.
2. Each question has four answer choices (A, B, C, D). Only one answer is correct. The correct answer is identified
by the [CORRECT] marker and the Correct Answer: line.
3. A detailed rationale follows each answer explaining the WGU D220-specific nursing informatics reasoning,
including theoretical frameworks, clinical practice applications, regulatory and ethical standards, evidence-based
principles, and organizational impact — a complete solutions approach.
4. Cognitive levels are distributed approximately as: 25% recall, 55% application, 20% analysis. Approximately
80% of items are scenario-based; 20% are direct recall or terminology identification.
5. Content reflects current 2026/2027 WGU D220 course competencies, ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for
Nursing Informatics, TIGER and QSEN competencies, HIPAA/HITECH requirements, interoperability standards
(HL7, FHIR, DICOM), and emerging trends in AI, telehealth, and precision health.
Section 1: Foundations and Theoretical Frameworks (Q1-Q13)
This section evaluates the candidate's understanding of the ANA definition of nursing informatics, the DIKW
framework, the historical evolution of the specialty, systems and change theory, and foundational informatics
practice models including Benner's Novice to Expert.
WGU D220 • 2026/2027 Academic Year Page 1
,Nursing Informatics WGU D220 With Complete Solutions WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice
Q1: A nurse is explaining the specialty of nursing informatics to a new graduate. Which statement most
accurately reflects the American Nurses Association (ANA) definition of nursing informatics?
A. A specialty focused exclusively on computer programming and software development for hospitals
B. A specialty that manages billing and revenue cycle functions in healthcare organizations
C. A specialty that replaces bedside nursing with information technology functions
D. A specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and
communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The ANA defines nursing informatics as a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and
information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom (DIKW) in nursing
practice. Choice B incorrectly limits the specialty to programming; the integration of nursing science is the
distinguishing feature. Choice C confuses informatics with health information management and revenue cycle.
Choice D is incorrect because informatics augments rather than replaces bedside nursing. WGU D220 candidates
must articulate the ANA definition verbatim and apply it to practice scenarios.
Q2: A nurse observes that a patient's heart rate is 112 beats per minute. This raw value, before being
placed in context, is best described as which level of the DIKW framework?
A. Information, because it is processed data
B. Knowledge, because it reflects clinical understanding
C. Data, because it is a discrete, unprocessed objective fact [CORRECT]
D. Wisdom, because it reflects clinical judgment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
In the DIKW framework, data are discrete, unprocessed facts such as a numeric vital sign value. Information (A)
emerges when data are organized and contextualized (e.g., heart rate of 112 in a postoperative patient). Knowledge
(B) is the synthesis of information through experience and evidence (e.g., recognizing tachycardia may indicate
hemorrhage). Wisdom (D) is the appropriate application of knowledge to clinical decisions (e.g., calling the provider
and preparing for fluid resuscitation). WGU D220 candidates must correctly identify DIKW levels in clinical
scenarios.
WGU D220 • 2026/2027 Academic Year Page 2
,Nursing Informatics WGU D220 With Complete Solutions WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice
Q3: A charge nurse reviews the unit's fall rate over the past quarter and notes a 30% increase. She
compares this with data from peer units and the literature, identifies a pattern related to nighttime
sedation administration, and develops a new protocol to reduce falls. This progression best illustrates
movement through which DIKW levels?
A. Information to wisdom only
B. Wisdom to data, in reverse order
C. Data to information only
D. Data to information to knowledge, with wisdom reflected in the protocol application to reduce future falls
[CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The scenario illustrates the full DIKW progression: the 30% fall rate is data, comparing with peer units and
literature converts it to information, identifying the sedation pattern creates knowledge, and developing a protocol to
reduce future falls reflects wisdom. Choice A stops prematurely. Choice C omits the data foundation. Choice D
reverses the order, which is not how DIKW operates. WGU D220 candidates must trace the full DIKW progression
in QI scenarios.
Q4: When discussing the history of nursing informatics, which early milestone is correctly credited as the
foundational work that established nursing informatics as a distinct specialty?
A. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which popularized telehealth
B. The 2015 MACRA legislation
C. The 2009 HITECH Act, which mandated EHR adoption
D. The 1992 ANA recognition of nursing informatics as a specialty, building on earlier work from the 1960s that
introduced computers to nursing practice [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The ANA recognized nursing informatics as a distinct specialty in 1992, building on foundational work beginning in
the 1960s that introduced computers to hospital nursing practice. The HITECH Act (A) drove EHR adoption but
came much later. The COVID-19 pandemic (C) accelerated telehealth but did not establish the specialty. MACRA
(D) addressed payment reform. WGU D220 candidates must place informatics milestones in correct historical
sequence.
WGU D220 • 2026/2027 Academic Year Page 3
, Nursing Informatics WGU D220 With Complete Solutions WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice
Q5: A hospital is implementing a new barcode medication administration (BCMA) system. The
informatics nurse understands that the hospital is best understood as a system composed of interdependent
subsystems (pharmacy, nursing, IT, training). When a failure in one subsystem affects the others, this is
best explained by:
A. Diffusion of innovations theory, because technology spreads through populations
B. Benner's novice to expert model, because individuals progress through stages
C. Change theory, because individuals resist change
D. Systems theory, which holds that a system is a set of interdependent components that interact and adapt, and
that changes in one component affect all others [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Systems theory (von Bertalanffy) holds that a system is a set of interdependent components that interact, adapt, and
produce emergent properties; changes in one component ripple through the whole system. The BCMA scenario
illustrates interdependence among pharmacy, nursing, IT, and training subsystems. Change theory (A) addresses
resistance and adoption. Diffusion of innovations (C) addresses how innovations spread through populations.
Benner's model (D) addresses individual skill acquisition. WGU D220 candidates must apply the correct theory to
the scenario.
Q6: A nurse informaticist is leading an EHR upgrade. She begins by assessing current workflows, then
plans the change, communicates the vision, implements the upgrade, and finally evaluates adoption. This
sequenced approach most closely aligns with:
A. Benner's novice to expert model
B. The DIKW framework
C. Lewin's three-step change model (unfreeze, change, refreeze), in which current state is unfrozen, the change is
implemented, and the new state is refrozen [CORRECT]
D. Rogers' diffusion of innovations, in which adopter categories determine spread
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Lewin's three-step change model (unfreeze, change, refreeze) is a planned change approach in which the current
state is unfrozen through assessment and communication, the change is implemented, and the new state is refrozen
through evaluation and reinforcement. The scenario matches Lewin. Rogers' diffusion (B) describes how innovations
spread through adopter categories. Benner (C) addresses skill acquisition. DIKW (D) addresses information
hierarchy. WGU D220 candidates must distinguish change theories.
WGU D220 • 2026/2027 Academic Year Page 4
Solutions
WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice
2026/2027 Academic Year – Complete Solutions Study Guide
85 Questions • 8 Sections • Estimated Time: 2.5 Hours • Passing Score: 70%
Instructions to Candidates:
1. This examination consists of 85 multiple-choice questions divided into eight sections covering the foundations
and theoretical frameworks of nursing informatics; health information systems and clinical technologies;
standardized terminologies; data management, governance, and analytics; informatics competencies and
professional practice; legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance; quality improvement, patient safety, and
evidence-based practice; and emerging technologies, future trends, and population health.
2. Each question has four answer choices (A, B, C, D). Only one answer is correct. The correct answer is identified
by the [CORRECT] marker and the Correct Answer: line.
3. A detailed rationale follows each answer explaining the WGU D220-specific nursing informatics reasoning,
including theoretical frameworks, clinical practice applications, regulatory and ethical standards, evidence-based
principles, and organizational impact — a complete solutions approach.
4. Cognitive levels are distributed approximately as: 25% recall, 55% application, 20% analysis. Approximately
80% of items are scenario-based; 20% are direct recall or terminology identification.
5. Content reflects current 2026/2027 WGU D220 course competencies, ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for
Nursing Informatics, TIGER and QSEN competencies, HIPAA/HITECH requirements, interoperability standards
(HL7, FHIR, DICOM), and emerging trends in AI, telehealth, and precision health.
Section 1: Foundations and Theoretical Frameworks (Q1-Q13)
This section evaluates the candidate's understanding of the ANA definition of nursing informatics, the DIKW
framework, the historical evolution of the specialty, systems and change theory, and foundational informatics
practice models including Benner's Novice to Expert.
WGU D220 • 2026/2027 Academic Year Page 1
,Nursing Informatics WGU D220 With Complete Solutions WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice
Q1: A nurse is explaining the specialty of nursing informatics to a new graduate. Which statement most
accurately reflects the American Nurses Association (ANA) definition of nursing informatics?
A. A specialty focused exclusively on computer programming and software development for hospitals
B. A specialty that manages billing and revenue cycle functions in healthcare organizations
C. A specialty that replaces bedside nursing with information technology functions
D. A specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and
communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The ANA defines nursing informatics as a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and
information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom (DIKW) in nursing
practice. Choice B incorrectly limits the specialty to programming; the integration of nursing science is the
distinguishing feature. Choice C confuses informatics with health information management and revenue cycle.
Choice D is incorrect because informatics augments rather than replaces bedside nursing. WGU D220 candidates
must articulate the ANA definition verbatim and apply it to practice scenarios.
Q2: A nurse observes that a patient's heart rate is 112 beats per minute. This raw value, before being
placed in context, is best described as which level of the DIKW framework?
A. Information, because it is processed data
B. Knowledge, because it reflects clinical understanding
C. Data, because it is a discrete, unprocessed objective fact [CORRECT]
D. Wisdom, because it reflects clinical judgment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
In the DIKW framework, data are discrete, unprocessed facts such as a numeric vital sign value. Information (A)
emerges when data are organized and contextualized (e.g., heart rate of 112 in a postoperative patient). Knowledge
(B) is the synthesis of information through experience and evidence (e.g., recognizing tachycardia may indicate
hemorrhage). Wisdom (D) is the appropriate application of knowledge to clinical decisions (e.g., calling the provider
and preparing for fluid resuscitation). WGU D220 candidates must correctly identify DIKW levels in clinical
scenarios.
WGU D220 • 2026/2027 Academic Year Page 2
,Nursing Informatics WGU D220 With Complete Solutions WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice
Q3: A charge nurse reviews the unit's fall rate over the past quarter and notes a 30% increase. She
compares this with data from peer units and the literature, identifies a pattern related to nighttime
sedation administration, and develops a new protocol to reduce falls. This progression best illustrates
movement through which DIKW levels?
A. Information to wisdom only
B. Wisdom to data, in reverse order
C. Data to information only
D. Data to information to knowledge, with wisdom reflected in the protocol application to reduce future falls
[CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The scenario illustrates the full DIKW progression: the 30% fall rate is data, comparing with peer units and
literature converts it to information, identifying the sedation pattern creates knowledge, and developing a protocol to
reduce future falls reflects wisdom. Choice A stops prematurely. Choice C omits the data foundation. Choice D
reverses the order, which is not how DIKW operates. WGU D220 candidates must trace the full DIKW progression
in QI scenarios.
Q4: When discussing the history of nursing informatics, which early milestone is correctly credited as the
foundational work that established nursing informatics as a distinct specialty?
A. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which popularized telehealth
B. The 2015 MACRA legislation
C. The 2009 HITECH Act, which mandated EHR adoption
D. The 1992 ANA recognition of nursing informatics as a specialty, building on earlier work from the 1960s that
introduced computers to nursing practice [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The ANA recognized nursing informatics as a distinct specialty in 1992, building on foundational work beginning in
the 1960s that introduced computers to hospital nursing practice. The HITECH Act (A) drove EHR adoption but
came much later. The COVID-19 pandemic (C) accelerated telehealth but did not establish the specialty. MACRA
(D) addressed payment reform. WGU D220 candidates must place informatics milestones in correct historical
sequence.
WGU D220 • 2026/2027 Academic Year Page 3
, Nursing Informatics WGU D220 With Complete Solutions WGU D220 Informatics for Nursing Practice
Q5: A hospital is implementing a new barcode medication administration (BCMA) system. The
informatics nurse understands that the hospital is best understood as a system composed of interdependent
subsystems (pharmacy, nursing, IT, training). When a failure in one subsystem affects the others, this is
best explained by:
A. Diffusion of innovations theory, because technology spreads through populations
B. Benner's novice to expert model, because individuals progress through stages
C. Change theory, because individuals resist change
D. Systems theory, which holds that a system is a set of interdependent components that interact and adapt, and
that changes in one component affect all others [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Systems theory (von Bertalanffy) holds that a system is a set of interdependent components that interact, adapt, and
produce emergent properties; changes in one component ripple through the whole system. The BCMA scenario
illustrates interdependence among pharmacy, nursing, IT, and training subsystems. Change theory (A) addresses
resistance and adoption. Diffusion of innovations (C) addresses how innovations spread through populations.
Benner's model (D) addresses individual skill acquisition. WGU D220 candidates must apply the correct theory to
the scenario.
Q6: A nurse informaticist is leading an EHR upgrade. She begins by assessing current workflows, then
plans the change, communicates the vision, implements the upgrade, and finally evaluates adoption. This
sequenced approach most closely aligns with:
A. Benner's novice to expert model
B. The DIKW framework
C. Lewin's three-step change model (unfreeze, change, refreeze), in which current state is unfrozen, the change is
implemented, and the new state is refrozen [CORRECT]
D. Rogers' diffusion of innovations, in which adopter categories determine spread
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Lewin's three-step change model (unfreeze, change, refreeze) is a planned change approach in which the current
state is unfrozen through assessment and communication, the change is implemented, and the new state is refrozen
through evaluation and reinforcement. The scenario matches Lewin. Rogers' diffusion (B) describes how innovations
spread through adopter categories. Benner (C) addresses skill acquisition. DIKW (D) addresses information
hierarchy. WGU D220 candidates must distinguish change theories.
WGU D220 • 2026/2027 Academic Year Page 4
