,NSG 501 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
Exam 2 Study Guide Wilkes University Nursing
Theory 150 Q&A + Rationales | 2026/2027
1. A nurse practitioner is caring for a patient with multiple comorbidities and must integrate
assessment data, knowledge, and experience to make individualized care decisions. This process
is best described as:
A. Critical thinking
B. Clinical reasoning
C. Clinical judgment
D. Situational awareness
Correct Answer: B. Clinical reasoning
Rationale: Clinical reasoning is the specific application of critical thinking within the clinical
context, involving the integration of assessment data, knowledge, and experience to make
individualized patient care decisions. Critical thinking provides the foundation upon which
clinical reasoning is built .
2. Which statement best describes the relationship between critical thinking and clinical
reasoning in nursing practice?
A. Critical thinking is a narrow skill specific to nursing; clinical reasoning is a broad skill
applicable to all disciplines
,B. Critical thinking is a broad skill set that serves as the foundation for clinical reasoning in
nursing
C. Clinical reasoning replaces the need for critical thinking in complex patient situations
D. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning are identical concepts with no meaningful distinction
Correct Answer: B. Critical thinking is a broad skill set that serves as the foundation for clinical
reasoning in nursing
Rationale: Critical thinking is a broad cognitive skill set that includes analyzing, evaluating, and
synthesizing information. Clinical reasoning is a specific application of critical thinking within the
clinical context, involving the integration of assessment data, knowledge, and experience to
make individualized patient care decisions .
3. A nurse enters a heated discussion with a colleague over a work schedule change. The nurse
has a patient who asked for pain medication 20 minutes earlier. Another patient calls the nurse
to request assistance. The nurse feels tension in the neck and around the eyes and takes a 10-
second "time out." This shows the nurse is aware of which of the following? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Stress affects accuracy of problem solving
B. During stressful events, it is easier to communicate concise information
C. The level of stress can affect the nurse's ability to speak clearly
D. Stress improves recall of information
E. Managing emotions is difficult during stress
Correct Answer: A, C, E
, Rationale: The nurse's recognition of physical signs of stress and decision to take a "time out"
demonstrates awareness that stress affects problem-solving accuracy, stress affects
communication clarity, and managing emotions during stress is challenging. Stress does not
improve recall of information or make communication easier .
4. A nurse has not performed a procedure other than in simulation laboratory. The nurse
approaches the clinical instructor and asks a clarifying question about the amount of saline to
use in the procedure. This is an example of which critical thinking attitude?
A. Risk taking
B. Confidence
C. Consistency
D. Curiosity
Correct Answer: D. Curiosity
Rationale: Curiosity involves asking questions to gain knowledge and understanding. The nurse's
action of seeking clarification about an unfamiliar procedure demonstrates intellectual curiosity
and a desire to ensure safe practice. Risk taking involves trying new approaches, confidence is
belief in one's abilities, and consistency involves applying standards uniformly .
5. You can use the REFLECT model to improve learning after providing patient care. Place the
steps of this model in the correct order:
1. Think about your thoughts and actions at the time of the situation
2. Review the knowledge you gained from the experience
Exam 2 Study Guide Wilkes University Nursing
Theory 150 Q&A + Rationales | 2026/2027
1. A nurse practitioner is caring for a patient with multiple comorbidities and must integrate
assessment data, knowledge, and experience to make individualized care decisions. This process
is best described as:
A. Critical thinking
B. Clinical reasoning
C. Clinical judgment
D. Situational awareness
Correct Answer: B. Clinical reasoning
Rationale: Clinical reasoning is the specific application of critical thinking within the clinical
context, involving the integration of assessment data, knowledge, and experience to make
individualized patient care decisions. Critical thinking provides the foundation upon which
clinical reasoning is built .
2. Which statement best describes the relationship between critical thinking and clinical
reasoning in nursing practice?
A. Critical thinking is a narrow skill specific to nursing; clinical reasoning is a broad skill
applicable to all disciplines
,B. Critical thinking is a broad skill set that serves as the foundation for clinical reasoning in
nursing
C. Clinical reasoning replaces the need for critical thinking in complex patient situations
D. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning are identical concepts with no meaningful distinction
Correct Answer: B. Critical thinking is a broad skill set that serves as the foundation for clinical
reasoning in nursing
Rationale: Critical thinking is a broad cognitive skill set that includes analyzing, evaluating, and
synthesizing information. Clinical reasoning is a specific application of critical thinking within the
clinical context, involving the integration of assessment data, knowledge, and experience to
make individualized patient care decisions .
3. A nurse enters a heated discussion with a colleague over a work schedule change. The nurse
has a patient who asked for pain medication 20 minutes earlier. Another patient calls the nurse
to request assistance. The nurse feels tension in the neck and around the eyes and takes a 10-
second "time out." This shows the nurse is aware of which of the following? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Stress affects accuracy of problem solving
B. During stressful events, it is easier to communicate concise information
C. The level of stress can affect the nurse's ability to speak clearly
D. Stress improves recall of information
E. Managing emotions is difficult during stress
Correct Answer: A, C, E
, Rationale: The nurse's recognition of physical signs of stress and decision to take a "time out"
demonstrates awareness that stress affects problem-solving accuracy, stress affects
communication clarity, and managing emotions during stress is challenging. Stress does not
improve recall of information or make communication easier .
4. A nurse has not performed a procedure other than in simulation laboratory. The nurse
approaches the clinical instructor and asks a clarifying question about the amount of saline to
use in the procedure. This is an example of which critical thinking attitude?
A. Risk taking
B. Confidence
C. Consistency
D. Curiosity
Correct Answer: D. Curiosity
Rationale: Curiosity involves asking questions to gain knowledge and understanding. The nurse's
action of seeking clarification about an unfamiliar procedure demonstrates intellectual curiosity
and a desire to ensure safe practice. Risk taking involves trying new approaches, confidence is
belief in one's abilities, and consistency involves applying standards uniformly .
5. You can use the REFLECT model to improve learning after providing patient care. Place the
steps of this model in the correct order:
1. Think about your thoughts and actions at the time of the situation
2. Review the knowledge you gained from the experience
