Stem: Which statement best reflects the ANA definition of what
nursing is according to the Scope of Nursing Practice?
A. Nursing is primarily the technical performance of clinical
tasks delegated by physicians.
B. Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of
health and human functioning; prevention of illness and injury;
facilitation of healing; and alleviation of suffering.
C. Nursing is limited to acute care settings and the management
of life-saving interventions.
D. Nursing is the exclusive prescribing and dispensing of all
pharmacologic therapies.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The ANA definition emphasizes a broad,
holistic role including protection, promotion, optimization of
health, prevention, facilitation of healing, and alleviation of
suffering — reflecting nursing’s full scope beyond just technical
tasks. This comprehensive view also frames nurses’
responsibilities in medication safety and monitoring when
pharmacologic therapy is used. ANA
Rationale — A (incorrect): Nursing is not defined as primarily
technical nor as subordinate to physicians; such wording
underestimates autonomous nursing judgment.
Rationale — C (incorrect): Nursing occurs across settings and
the life–illness continuum, not only in acute care.
Rationale — D (incorrect): While some nurses (APRNs)
,prescribe, nursing is not defined as exclusive
prescribing/dispensing.
Teaching Point: Nursing is a holistic, autonomous profession
focused on health promotion and alleviating suffering.
2.
Chapter 1 — Section: DESCRIPTION OF THE SCOPE OF
NURSING PRACTICE — Title: “When” & “Where” Nursing
Occurs
Stem: According to the Scope statement, when and where does
nursing occur?
A. Only in licensed healthcare facilities during scheduled shifts.
B. When there is a need for nursing knowledge, wisdom, caring,
leadership, practice, or education — anytime, anywhere.
C. Only when a physician delegates nursing tasks.
D. In outpatient clinics during business hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: ANA explicitly states nursing occurs
“when” there is a need for nursing knowledge and may occur
“anytime, anywhere,” which supports nurses’ obligation to
provide advocacy, education, and care across settings. This
principle underpins continuous responsibilities such as
medication reconciliation and patient education about
pharmacotherapies. ANA
Rationale — A (incorrect): Nursing is not limited to licensed
, facilities or scheduled shifts.
Rationale — C (incorrect): Nursing practice is not solely
dependent on physician delegation; nurses exercise
independent judgment.
Rationale — D (incorrect): Nursing occurs in more places than
outpatient clinics and not limited to business hours.
Teaching Point: Nursing practice is context-driven and can occur
anytime and anywhere care is needed.
3.
Chapter 1 — Section: DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION OF THE
STANDARDS — Title: Standards Overview
Stem: Which best describes the role of the Standards of
Professional Nursing Practice in the ANA Scope?
A. They are optional recommendations for new nurses only.
B. They are authoritative statements of the actions and
behaviors all RNs are expected to competently perform.
C. They are legal statutes that replace state nurse practice acts.
D. They are performance metrics only for nurse managers.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The Standards are authoritative
expectations for all registered nurses and may serve as evidence
of the standard of practice; they complement but do not
supplant legal/regulatory frameworks. They also guide safe
medication administration and professional responsibilities.