Fundamentals of Nursing – Professional Practice, Ethics & Legal Issues – MCQ Study Guide – Potter & Perry – Chapters 1–7

Fundamentals of Nursing – Potter & Perry
MCQ Study Guide
Chapters 1-7 Complete | Original MCQs
Nursing Student Exam Preparation




Chapter 1: Nursing Today (20 MCQs)
Question 1: (Basic)
The defining characteristic of professional nursing practice is:
A. Performing medical procedures
B. Applying the nursing process systematically
C. Administering routine medications
D. Recording patient data
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The nursing process distinguishes nursing as a unique discipline. Other options are
tasks, not defining characteristics.

Question 2: (Basic)
Nursing's social contract with society emphasizes:
A. Financial compensation
B. Public trust and accountability
C. Hospital administration
D. Physician collaboration only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Nurses maintain public confidence through ethical practice. Compensation and
administration are secondary.

Question 3: (Application)
A student nurse observes unsafe practice but remains silent fearing evaluation. This violates:
A. Autonomy principle
B. Beneficence
C. Whistleblower protection
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Nonmaleficence requires preventing harm. Silence allows potential patient injury.

Question 4: (Basic)
Contemporary nursing roles include all EXCEPT:
A. Care coordinator
B. Health educator
C. Independent prescriber

,D. Primary diagnostician
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Medical diagnosis remains physician domain. Nurses collaborate on care.

Question 5: (Clinical Reasoning)
Elderly patient refuses morning care citing fatigue. BEST nursing response:
A. Insist on completing routine
B. Assess for underlying causes
C. Document refusal only
D. Delegate to aide
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Individualized assessment respects patient autonomy while ensuring safety.

Question 6: (Basic)
Nursing informatics integrates:
A. Nursing science and information technology
B. Financial management systems
C. Surgical instrumentation
D. Dietary planning
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Enhances data management for patient care.

Question 7: (Application)
Nurse advocates for non-English speaking patient's interpreter. This demonstrates:
A. Justice principle
B. Fidelity
C. Veracity
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Fair equitable care access.

Question 8: (Basic)
Evidence-based practice relies on:
A. Tradition and authority
B. Research evidence and clinical expertise
C. Physician preference
D. Cost considerations only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Best available evidence guides decisions.

Question 9: (Clinical Reasoning)
During shift report, nurse notes medication discrepancy. Priority action:
A. Administer as charted
B. Notify prescriber immediately
C. Wait for next shift
D. Ask patient

, Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Medication safety prevents errors.

Question 10: (Basic)
Holistic nursing care addresses:
A. Physical symptoms only
B. Mind, body, spirit integration
C. Laboratory results
D. Vital signs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Comprehensive patient approach.

Question 11: (Application)
Nurse teaches diabetic foot care. This exemplifies:
A. Restorative care
B. Health promotion
C. Acute care
D. Palliative care
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Prevents complications through education.

Question 12: (Basic)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) typically provide:
A. Independent practice
B. Care under RN supervision
C. Advanced assessments
D. Care planning
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Scope limited by licensure.

Question 13: (Clinical Reasoning)
Patient spiritual distress identified during admission. Appropriate response:
A. Ignore unless requested
B. Document and explore respectfully
C. Change subject
D. Refer to chaplain only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Holistic assessment includes spiritual domain.

Question 14: (Basic)
Nursing shortage contributes to:
A. Improved patient ratios
B. Increased nurse burnout
C. Reduced documentation
D. Shorter shifts