,Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession — Defining
Characteristics
Key Concept: Professional attributes of nursing
Nursing Process: Assessment
Stem: Which characteristic best distinguishes nursing as a
profession rather than an occupation?
Options:
A. Performing tasks delegated by supervisors
B. Requiring on-the-job training only
C. Possessing a defined body of knowledge and specialized
education
D. Working variable hours for pay
Correct Answer: [C] — Possessing a defined body of
knowledge and specialized education
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Nursing is defined as a profession
because it relies on a specialized, evidence-based body of
knowledge and formal education preparing clinicians for
autonomous judgment and practice (Fundamentals of
Nursing, 12th Ed., Ch. 1). This differentiates it from
occupations that require mainly task-based training. ANA
Standard: Professional Practice. Nursing Process:
Assessment.
A (incorrect): Performing delegated tasks is common to
many jobs and does not define a profession.
B (incorrect): On-the-job training only describes
, occupations, not professions that require formal
education.
C (correct): — (see above).
D (incorrect): Variable hours describe employment
conditions, not professional status.
Teaching Point: A profession is defined by specialized
knowledge and formal education.
2. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession — Accountability &
Ethics
Key Concept: Professional accountability
Nursing Process: Implementation
Stem: A registered nurse demonstrates professional
accountability primarily by:
Options:
A. Following only written orders without question
B. Reporting errors and participating in corrective actions
C. Refusing to perform tasks outside preferred shifts
D. Sharing patient details casually with colleagues
Correct Answer: [B] — Reporting errors and participating
in corrective actions
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Professional accountability
requires nurses to acknowledge mistakes, report them,
and engage in system improvements to ensure safety and
, ethical practice (Fundamentals of Nursing, 12th Ed., Ch. 1).
This supports transparency and quality improvement. ANA
Standard: Professional Performance; Nursing Process:
Implementation.
A (incorrect): Blindly following orders without professional
judgment undermines accountability.
C (incorrect): Declining tasks for preference is not
demonstrating professional accountability.
D (incorrect): Casual sharing breaches confidentiality and
professionalism.
Teaching Point: Accountability includes error reporting and
system improvement participation.
3. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession — Scope of Practice
Key Concept: Scope & delegation
Nursing Process: Planning
Stem: When delegating a task to a licensed practical nurse
(LPN) or nursing assistant, the RN’s best action is to:
Options:
A. Delegate all clinical judgment tasks to save time
B. Ensure the delegatee’s competency for the specific task
and supervise appropriately
C. Assume delegation absolves the RN of responsibility for
outcomes
D. Delegate without verification because delegation is
Characteristics
Key Concept: Professional attributes of nursing
Nursing Process: Assessment
Stem: Which characteristic best distinguishes nursing as a
profession rather than an occupation?
Options:
A. Performing tasks delegated by supervisors
B. Requiring on-the-job training only
C. Possessing a defined body of knowledge and specialized
education
D. Working variable hours for pay
Correct Answer: [C] — Possessing a defined body of
knowledge and specialized education
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Nursing is defined as a profession
because it relies on a specialized, evidence-based body of
knowledge and formal education preparing clinicians for
autonomous judgment and practice (Fundamentals of
Nursing, 12th Ed., Ch. 1). This differentiates it from
occupations that require mainly task-based training. ANA
Standard: Professional Practice. Nursing Process:
Assessment.
A (incorrect): Performing delegated tasks is common to
many jobs and does not define a profession.
B (incorrect): On-the-job training only describes
, occupations, not professions that require formal
education.
C (correct): — (see above).
D (incorrect): Variable hours describe employment
conditions, not professional status.
Teaching Point: A profession is defined by specialized
knowledge and formal education.
2. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession — Accountability &
Ethics
Key Concept: Professional accountability
Nursing Process: Implementation
Stem: A registered nurse demonstrates professional
accountability primarily by:
Options:
A. Following only written orders without question
B. Reporting errors and participating in corrective actions
C. Refusing to perform tasks outside preferred shifts
D. Sharing patient details casually with colleagues
Correct Answer: [B] — Reporting errors and participating
in corrective actions
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Professional accountability
requires nurses to acknowledge mistakes, report them,
and engage in system improvements to ensure safety and
, ethical practice (Fundamentals of Nursing, 12th Ed., Ch. 1).
This supports transparency and quality improvement. ANA
Standard: Professional Performance; Nursing Process:
Implementation.
A (incorrect): Blindly following orders without professional
judgment undermines accountability.
C (incorrect): Declining tasks for preference is not
demonstrating professional accountability.
D (incorrect): Casual sharing breaches confidentiality and
professionalism.
Teaching Point: Accountability includes error reporting and
system improvement participation.
3. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession — Scope of Practice
Key Concept: Scope & delegation
Nursing Process: Planning
Stem: When delegating a task to a licensed practical nurse
(LPN) or nursing assistant, the RN’s best action is to:
Options:
A. Delegate all clinical judgment tasks to save time
B. Ensure the delegatee’s competency for the specific task
and supervise appropriately
C. Assume delegation absolves the RN of responsibility for
outcomes
D. Delegate without verification because delegation is
