Reviewed 2026/2027| Key Nursing
Concepts| Detailed Questions with
Correct Verified Answers
ABCs - ANSWER -Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Prioritization - ANSWER -The process of deciding which problems need to
be addressed first based on factors such as problem urgency, future consequences,
patient preference, and computer-assisted diagnosing.
Scope of Practice - ANSWER -The range of responsibilities and activities
that a nurse is legally permitted to perform.
Actions without a Doctor's Order - ANSWER -Turning a patient, providing
comfort, raising the head of the bed, grooming/bathing, applying ice packs/heat
pads (with some exceptions), patient education, assisting in ADLs, preventing falls,
and promoting hydration and nourishment (with some exceptions).
Out of Scope Actions - ANSWER -If asked to perform out of scope, refer to
the facility's policies and procedures. If they cover the action, it is within scope; if
not, it may not be.
Primary Prevention - ANSWER -Designed to prevent or slow the onset of
disease through actions such as eating healthy foods, exercising, wearing
sunscreen, obeying seat belt laws, using car seats, using condoms, and keeping up
with immunizations.
Secondary Prevention - ANSWER -Screening activities and education for
detecting illnesses in the early stages, including breast self-exams, testicular
exams, regular physical exams, BP and diabetic screenings, bone density
screenings, and TB skin tests.
Tertiary Prevention - ANSWER -Focuses on stopping the disease from
progressing and returning the individual to the pre-illness phase, with rehab as the
, main intervention during this stage, including preventing pressure ulcers, cardiac
stent procedures, support groups, physical rehab, and speech therapy.
Nursing Process - ANSWER -A systematic approach to patient care
consisting of Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
(ADPIE).
Non-linear Nursing Process - ANSWER -The nursing process is not a linear
sequence; it involves continuous assessment and adjustment.
Assessment - ANSWER -Involves gathering data about the patient and their
health status; Info is related to the physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental, and spiritual status of the individual.
Primary data - ANSWER -Data obtained directly from the patient.
Subjective data - ANSWER -What the patient SAYS/TELLS you.
Objective data - ANSWER -What you can SEE for yourself.
Secondary Data - ANSWER -Data obtained secondhand, from the medical
record or another care provider.
Diagnosis - ANSWER -Using critical-thinking skills, the nurse analyzes the
Assessment to identify patterns in the data and draw conclusions about the client's
health status (strengths, problems, and factors contributing to the problem).
Nursing diagnosis - ANSWER -A statement of patient health status that
nurses can identify, prevent, or treat independently.
Medical diagnosis - ANSWER -Describes a disease, illness, or injury;
Purpose is to identify a pathology so appropriate treatment can be given to cure the
condition.
Planning - ANSWER -Encompasses identifying goals and outcomes,
choosing interventions, and creating nursing care plans.