Stem: A newly licensed RN is asked to explain the "what" of
nursing to a community group. Which statement best captures
the ANA definition of nursing?
A. Nursing is primarily performing delegated medical tasks
under physician orders.
B. Nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of human responses
and advocacy in care.
C. Nursing is mainly administering medications and
documenting vital signs.
D. Nursing only involves acute hospital-based interventions for
disease.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales — Correct: B is correct because ANA defines nursing
as diagnosis and treatment of human responses and advocacy
across settings, reflecting the profession’s broad focus. Nurses
apply knowledge to address human functioning, advocate, and
promote health.
Rationales — Incorrect:
A. Incorrect — Overemphasizes delegation and physician
authority; nursing is autonomous and collaborative, not merely
task performance.
C. Incorrect — Reduces nursing to technical tasks; nursing
includes assessment, planning, education, and advocacy.
D. Incorrect — Limits nursing to acute care, but nursing spans
wellness, prevention, chronic care, and community settings.
,Teaching Point: Nursing diagnoses, advocacy, and holistic care
define nursing’s purpose.
2.
Chapter 1 — Section: Description of the Scope of Nursing
Practice — Title: The "Who/When/Where/How/Why"
Framework
Stem: Which element of the scope statement answers the
question “how” nursing is practiced?
A. The list of populations served.
B. The ways, means, methods, and manners that nurses use to
practice.
C. The legal licensure requirements for RNs.
D. The settings where nursing occurs.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales — Correct: B is correct; the “how” refers to methods,
manners, and approaches nurses use in practice (e.g., critical
thinking, therapeutic relationship, evidence-based
interventions).
Rationales — Incorrect:
A. Incorrect — Populations served answer “who,” not “how.”
C. Incorrect — Licensure relates to authorization, not the
methods of practice.
D. Incorrect — Settings answer “where,” not “how.”
Teaching Point: The "how" focuses on methods and approaches
nurses employ.
, 3.
Chapter 1 — Section: Standards of Professional Nursing Practice
— Title: Two Components of the Standards
Stem: The ANA separates Standards of Practice from Standards
of Professional Performance. Which best differentiates them?
A. Standards of Practice focus on professional behavior;
Professional Performance describes nursing process steps.
B. Standards of Practice describe competent nursing actions;
Professional Performance describes role behavior and
responsibilities.
C. Both are identical and interchangeable.
D. Standards of Practice apply only to advanced practice nurses.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales — Correct: B is correct; Standards of Practice define
competent nursing actions (assessment, diagnosis, etc.), while
Standards of Professional Performance describe professional
behaviors (ethics, education, leadership).
Rationales — Incorrect:
A. Incorrect — Reverses the definitions.
C. Incorrect — They are distinct components with different
focuses.
D. Incorrect — Standards apply to all registered nurses across
roles and levels.
Teaching Point: Practice standards = clinical actions;
professional performance = role behaviors.