2026 | Foundations of Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Fortis College | Grade A+
Section 1: Nursing Foundations & Theorists (Questions 1-25)
1. Which nursing theorist is credited with establishing the first nursing philosophy
based on health maintenance and restoration through environmental control?
A) Dorothea Orem
B) Florence Nightingale
C) Sister Callista Roy
D) Jean Watson
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory emphasized the importance of the
patient's environment, such as fresh air, light, and cleanliness, in promoting healing. She
believed that nursing should focus on providing these conditions so that nature could act
upon the patient. Her work during the Crimean War laid the foundation for modern
evidence-based nursing practice .
, 2. According to Erikson's stages of development, what is the focus for children ages
6-12 years (school-age)?
A) Trust vs. Mistrust
B) Initiative vs. Guilt
C) Industry vs. Inferiority
D) Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Erikson, school-age children (6-12 years) focus on developing a
sense of competence, industry, and the ability to learn and complete tasks. Successful
resolution leads to a feeling of competence .
3. What is parallel play, and in what age group does it typically occur?
A) Playing cooperatively with others; 4-5 years
B) Playing alongside but not with other children; 18 months to 3 years
C) Playing alone with no interest in others; birth to 12 months
D) Playing organized games with rules; 6-12 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Parallel play is a normal stage of social development in toddlers (approximately
18 months to 3 years) where children play near each other using similar toys but do not
actively engage or interact with each other .
, 4. According to Piaget, how do children learn and adapt to the environment?
A) Through operant conditioning
B) Through problem-solving and curiosity
C) Through social imitation
D) Through memorization and repetition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Piaget's cognitive development theory emphasizes that children actively
construct knowledge through exploration, problem-solving, and natural curiosity about their
environment. They learn by interacting with the world around them .
5. According to Shea's developmental theory, what is the Achievement stage?
A) Focus on reproduction and childbearing
B) Need to learn and use abilities
C) Middle adulthood focus on job and family
D) Managing important responsibilities like running a company
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shea's developmental theory has multiple stages. The Achievement stage
focuses on the need to learn and use abilities. The Responsibility stage (middle adulthood)
focuses on job and family, and the Executive substage involves important responsibilities
such as managing a company .
, 6. A toddler who insists on choosing their own clothes and feeding themselves is
demonstrating which Erikson stage?
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Initiative vs. Guilt
C) Industry vs. Inferiority
D) Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Toddlers (18 months to 3 years) are in the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
stage. They strive for independence and control over their environment .
7. A preschooler who plans a pretend tea party and invites friends is demonstrating
which psychosocial stage?
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Initiative vs. Guilt
C) Industry vs. Inferiority
D) Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preschoolers (3-5 years) are in the Initiative vs. Guilt stage. They begin to assert
control and plan activities, taking initiative .