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NUR 1136 Unit 1 Exam — Comprehensive Practice Questions (2026–2027)
Graded A+ | Original Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales
This Original practice exam covers the core content typically included in NUR
1136 Unit 1: Foundations of Nursing Practice, Nursing Process, Infection Control,
Vital Signs, Patient Safety, Communication, Documentation, Health Assessment,
Ethics, and Professional Nursing Roles. Each question includes a correct answer
and a detailed rationale.
SECTION A: NURSING PROFESSION, HISTORY & THEORETICAL
FOUNDATIONS (Questions)
Question 1
Who is considered the founder of modern nursing?
A. Clara Barton
B. Florence Nightingale
C. Mary Eliza Mahoney
D. Lillian Wald
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing during
the Crimean War (1850s) by emphasizing sanitation, data
collection, and compassionate care. She established the first
secular nursing school in 1860 at St. Thomas' Hospital in
London. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross; Mary
Mahoney was the first African American registered nurse;
Lillian Wald pioneered public health nursing .
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Question 2
A nursing student is asked to explain the origin of the word
"nurse." Which response demonstrates correct understanding?
A. "It comes from the Greek word 'nosos,' meaning to tend to
the sick."
B. "It is derived from the Latin word 'nutrix,' which means to
nourish."
C. "It originates from the Old English 'nursan,' meaning to
protect."
D. "It has its roots in the French word 'nourrice,' referring to a
caretaker."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The word "nurse" is derived from the Latin word
"nutrix," which means "to nourish." This etymological origin
reflects the profession's historical and ongoing focus on
providing care and support to sustain and promote health .
Question 3
Which of the following is considered an essential characteristic
of a profession?
A. Reliance on tradition and common sense for decision-making
B. A well-defined body of specific and unique knowledge
C. Focus on task completion rather than critical thinking
D. Dependence on other professions for scope of practice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A well-defined body of specific and unique
knowledge is an essential characteristic of a profession. Other
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characteristics include service to society, autonomy, a code of
ethics, and formal education. Reliance on tradition alone does
not define a profession .
Question 4
According to Florence Nightingale's environmental theory, the
nurse should focus primarily on which aspect of patient care?
A. Administering prescribed medications accurately
B. Manipulating the environment to promote healing
C. Establishing a trusting interpersonal relationship
D. Utilizing the latest evidence-based practice guidelines
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Florence Nightingale's environmental theory
emphasized that the nurse should manipulate the patient's
environment—including fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness,
quiet, and proper nutrition—to promote healing. She believed
that environmental factors were critical to patient recovery .
Question 5
A graduate nurse is transitioning from the student role to a
professional registered nurse. Which behavior best
demonstrates successful role transition?
A. Relying solely on instructors for clinical decisions
B. Avoiding independent patient care responsibilities
C. Assuming accountability for nursing actions and judgments
D. Delegating all complex tasks to nursing assistive personnel
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Successful role transition from student to
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professional nurse is demonstrated by assuming accountability
and responsibility for one's own nursing actions and clinical
judgments. Professional nurses practice independently within
their scope, make evidence-based decisions, and are
accountable for patient outcomes .
Question 6
Which organization defines nursing as "the diagnosis and
treatment of human responses to actual and potential health
problems"?
A. American Nurses Association (ANA)
B. National League for Nursing (NLN)
C. International Council of Nurses (ICN)
D. American Medical Association (AMA)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines
nursing as "the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to
actual and potential health problems" .
Question 7
Which of the following is the primary goal of nursing?
A. To cure disease
B. To promote, maintain, and restore health
C. To prescribe medications
D. To perform surgery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ultimate goal of nursing is to promote, maintain,
or restore health, or to assist the patient to achieve a peaceful
NUR 1136 Unit 1 Exam — Comprehensive Practice Questions (2026–2027)
Graded A+ | Original Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales
This Original practice exam covers the core content typically included in NUR
1136 Unit 1: Foundations of Nursing Practice, Nursing Process, Infection Control,
Vital Signs, Patient Safety, Communication, Documentation, Health Assessment,
Ethics, and Professional Nursing Roles. Each question includes a correct answer
and a detailed rationale.
SECTION A: NURSING PROFESSION, HISTORY & THEORETICAL
FOUNDATIONS (Questions)
Question 1
Who is considered the founder of modern nursing?
A. Clara Barton
B. Florence Nightingale
C. Mary Eliza Mahoney
D. Lillian Wald
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing during
the Crimean War (1850s) by emphasizing sanitation, data
collection, and compassionate care. She established the first
secular nursing school in 1860 at St. Thomas' Hospital in
London. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross; Mary
Mahoney was the first African American registered nurse;
Lillian Wald pioneered public health nursing .
, Page |2
Question 2
A nursing student is asked to explain the origin of the word
"nurse." Which response demonstrates correct understanding?
A. "It comes from the Greek word 'nosos,' meaning to tend to
the sick."
B. "It is derived from the Latin word 'nutrix,' which means to
nourish."
C. "It originates from the Old English 'nursan,' meaning to
protect."
D. "It has its roots in the French word 'nourrice,' referring to a
caretaker."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The word "nurse" is derived from the Latin word
"nutrix," which means "to nourish." This etymological origin
reflects the profession's historical and ongoing focus on
providing care and support to sustain and promote health .
Question 3
Which of the following is considered an essential characteristic
of a profession?
A. Reliance on tradition and common sense for decision-making
B. A well-defined body of specific and unique knowledge
C. Focus on task completion rather than critical thinking
D. Dependence on other professions for scope of practice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A well-defined body of specific and unique
knowledge is an essential characteristic of a profession. Other
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characteristics include service to society, autonomy, a code of
ethics, and formal education. Reliance on tradition alone does
not define a profession .
Question 4
According to Florence Nightingale's environmental theory, the
nurse should focus primarily on which aspect of patient care?
A. Administering prescribed medications accurately
B. Manipulating the environment to promote healing
C. Establishing a trusting interpersonal relationship
D. Utilizing the latest evidence-based practice guidelines
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Florence Nightingale's environmental theory
emphasized that the nurse should manipulate the patient's
environment—including fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness,
quiet, and proper nutrition—to promote healing. She believed
that environmental factors were critical to patient recovery .
Question 5
A graduate nurse is transitioning from the student role to a
professional registered nurse. Which behavior best
demonstrates successful role transition?
A. Relying solely on instructors for clinical decisions
B. Avoiding independent patient care responsibilities
C. Assuming accountability for nursing actions and judgments
D. Delegating all complex tasks to nursing assistive personnel
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Successful role transition from student to
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professional nurse is demonstrated by assuming accountability
and responsibility for one's own nursing actions and clinical
judgments. Professional nurses practice independently within
their scope, make evidence-based decisions, and are
accountable for patient outcomes .
Question 6
Which organization defines nursing as "the diagnosis and
treatment of human responses to actual and potential health
problems"?
A. American Nurses Association (ANA)
B. National League for Nursing (NLN)
C. International Council of Nurses (ICN)
D. American Medical Association (AMA)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines
nursing as "the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to
actual and potential health problems" .
Question 7
Which of the following is the primary goal of nursing?
A. To cure disease
B. To promote, maintain, and restore health
C. To prescribe medications
D. To perform surgery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ultimate goal of nursing is to promote, maintain,
or restore health, or to assist the patient to achieve a peaceful
