WGU D220 | NURSING INFORMATICS CASE STUDIES
WGU D220
Nursing Informatics Case Studies
2026–2027 | Clinical Scenarios & Rationales
Information Technology in Nursing Practice
10 applied cases • 20 scenario questions • Detailed rationales • Clinical reflections
Original educational practice resource; not an official WGU assessment or a collection of
verified exam questions.
Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027
, WGU D220 | NURSING INFORMATICS CASE STUDIES
How to Use This Casebook
1. Read each clinical scenario and answer its two questions before viewing the answer and
rationale.
2. Focus on the nursing decision: patient safety, data quality, privacy, workflow, and
appropriate escalation.
3. After each case, explain what information you would verify and which organizational policy or
professional standard may apply.
4. Use current WGU course resources and workplace policies to confirm course-specific or
organization-specific requirements.
Case Study 1: DIKW and Rapid Clinical Assessment
Case Study 1: DIKW and Rapid Clinical Assessment
Clinical scenario: A nurse reviews an EHR trend showing a rising temperature, increasing heart
rate, and falling blood pressure in a patient who now appears more confused. The nurse checks
the timing and accuracy of the measurements and prepares to escalate the concern.
Question 1.1: Which action best represents using information and knowledge to guide safe
care?
A. Copy the numbers into a note and wait for the next scheduled round
B. Assess the patient promptly, verify relevant data, and follow the escalation protocol
C. Assume the EHR has already diagnosed the cause
D. Delete earlier readings to simplify the trend
Correct answer: B
Detailed rationale: The nurse combines the pattern with the current assessment, verifies
the information, and acts through an appropriate escalation pathway. Technology informs
but does not replace clinical assessment.
Why the other options are incorrect: A delays action; C assumes the system has made a
definitive diagnosis; D destroys clinically relevant trend information.
Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027
WGU D220
Nursing Informatics Case Studies
2026–2027 | Clinical Scenarios & Rationales
Information Technology in Nursing Practice
10 applied cases • 20 scenario questions • Detailed rationales • Clinical reflections
Original educational practice resource; not an official WGU assessment or a collection of
verified exam questions.
Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027
, WGU D220 | NURSING INFORMATICS CASE STUDIES
How to Use This Casebook
1. Read each clinical scenario and answer its two questions before viewing the answer and
rationale.
2. Focus on the nursing decision: patient safety, data quality, privacy, workflow, and
appropriate escalation.
3. After each case, explain what information you would verify and which organizational policy or
professional standard may apply.
4. Use current WGU course resources and workplace policies to confirm course-specific or
organization-specific requirements.
Case Study 1: DIKW and Rapid Clinical Assessment
Case Study 1: DIKW and Rapid Clinical Assessment
Clinical scenario: A nurse reviews an EHR trend showing a rising temperature, increasing heart
rate, and falling blood pressure in a patient who now appears more confused. The nurse checks
the timing and accuracy of the measurements and prepares to escalate the concern.
Question 1.1: Which action best represents using information and knowledge to guide safe
care?
A. Copy the numbers into a note and wait for the next scheduled round
B. Assess the patient promptly, verify relevant data, and follow the escalation protocol
C. Assume the EHR has already diagnosed the cause
D. Delete earlier readings to simplify the trend
Correct answer: B
Detailed rationale: The nurse combines the pattern with the current assessment, verifies
the information, and acts through an appropriate escalation pathway. Technology informs
but does not replace clinical assessment.
Why the other options are incorrect: A delays action; C assumes the system has made a
definitive diagnosis; D destroys clinically relevant trend information.
Original educational practice resource • 2026–2027
