,Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession
Key Concept: Characteristics of a profession
ANA Standard(s): Standards of Professional Performance
— Ethics, Education
Nursing Process: Assessment
Stem: Which characteristic most clearly differentiates
nursing as a profession rather than an occupation?
Options:
A. Work performed primarily for pay.
B. Lengthy formal education and a code of ethics.
C. Tasks learned on the job without formal credentialing.
D. Flexible hours and shift work.
Correct Answer: B — Lengthy formal education and a
code of ethics
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Nursing’s status as a profession
rests on systematic theory, extended education, a code of
ethics, and credentialing. This distinguishes it from
occupations that lack formalized preparation.
(Fundamentals of Nursing, 12th Ed., Ch. 1, p. 4). ANA
Standard: Ethics; Nursing Process: Assessment.
A (incorrect): Being paid does not distinguish a profession;
both occupations and professions have compensation.
B (incorrect): On-the-job task learning without formal
credentialing is characteristic of many occupations, not
professions.
, C (incorrect): Flexible scheduling is a workplace feature
and not a defining professional attribute.
Teaching Point: Professions require formal education,
theory, and ethical standards.
2. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession
Key Concept: Autonomy and accountability
ANA Standard(s): Professional Practice Evaluation;
Leadership
Nursing Process: Implementation
Stem: A nurse demonstrates professional autonomy
when he or she does which action?
Options:
A. Refers all clinical decisions to the physician.
B. Uses clinical judgment to initiate appropriate nursing
interventions.
C. Waits for explicit orders before performing basic hygiene
care.
D. Delegates all assessments to unlicensed staff.
Correct Answer: B — Uses clinical judgment to initiate
appropriate nursing interventions
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Autonomy in nursing is the ability
to make independent clinical judgments within scope and
to take actions that promote patient outcomes. Initiating
, appropriate interventions based on assessment reflects
professional accountability (Fundamentals of Nursing, 12th
Ed., Ch. 1, p. 6). ANA Standard: Professional Practice
Evaluation.
A (incorrect): Referring all decisions removes autonomy
and undermines nursing judgment.
C (incorrect): Waiting for orders for basic nursing tasks
indicates lack of professional initiative.
D (incorrect): Delegating assessments inappropriately
abdicates professional responsibilities.
Teaching Point: Autonomy = informed clinical judgement
and accountable action.
3. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession
Key Concept: Scope of practice
ANA Standard(s): Standards of Practice — Implementation,
Evaluation
Nursing Process: Planning
Stem: When planning care, which source most directly
defines the legal boundaries of a nurse’s practice?
Options:
A. Hospital policy manual only.
B. State nurse practice act and licensing board rules.
C. The nurse’s personal ethical beliefs.
D. Patient preferences alone.
Key Concept: Characteristics of a profession
ANA Standard(s): Standards of Professional Performance
— Ethics, Education
Nursing Process: Assessment
Stem: Which characteristic most clearly differentiates
nursing as a profession rather than an occupation?
Options:
A. Work performed primarily for pay.
B. Lengthy formal education and a code of ethics.
C. Tasks learned on the job without formal credentialing.
D. Flexible hours and shift work.
Correct Answer: B — Lengthy formal education and a
code of ethics
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Nursing’s status as a profession
rests on systematic theory, extended education, a code of
ethics, and credentialing. This distinguishes it from
occupations that lack formalized preparation.
(Fundamentals of Nursing, 12th Ed., Ch. 1, p. 4). ANA
Standard: Ethics; Nursing Process: Assessment.
A (incorrect): Being paid does not distinguish a profession;
both occupations and professions have compensation.
B (incorrect): On-the-job task learning without formal
credentialing is characteristic of many occupations, not
professions.
, C (incorrect): Flexible scheduling is a workplace feature
and not a defining professional attribute.
Teaching Point: Professions require formal education,
theory, and ethical standards.
2. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession
Key Concept: Autonomy and accountability
ANA Standard(s): Professional Practice Evaluation;
Leadership
Nursing Process: Implementation
Stem: A nurse demonstrates professional autonomy
when he or she does which action?
Options:
A. Refers all clinical decisions to the physician.
B. Uses clinical judgment to initiate appropriate nursing
interventions.
C. Waits for explicit orders before performing basic hygiene
care.
D. Delegates all assessments to unlicensed staff.
Correct Answer: B — Uses clinical judgment to initiate
appropriate nursing interventions
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Autonomy in nursing is the ability
to make independent clinical judgments within scope and
to take actions that promote patient outcomes. Initiating
, appropriate interventions based on assessment reflects
professional accountability (Fundamentals of Nursing, 12th
Ed., Ch. 1, p. 6). ANA Standard: Professional Practice
Evaluation.
A (incorrect): Referring all decisions removes autonomy
and undermines nursing judgment.
C (incorrect): Waiting for orders for basic nursing tasks
indicates lack of professional initiative.
D (incorrect): Delegating assessments inappropriately
abdicates professional responsibilities.
Teaching Point: Autonomy = informed clinical judgement
and accountable action.
3. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession
Key Concept: Scope of practice
ANA Standard(s): Standards of Practice — Implementation,
Evaluation
Nursing Process: Planning
Stem: When planning care, which source most directly
defines the legal boundaries of a nurse’s practice?
Options:
A. Hospital policy manual only.
B. State nurse practice act and licensing board rules.
C. The nurse’s personal ethical beliefs.
D. Patient preferences alone.
