NURSING NOW
TODAY'S ISSUES,
TOMORROW'S TRENDS
9TH EDITION
AUTHOR(S)JOSEPH CATALANO
TEST BANK
1) Professional characteristics
Reference: Unit 1 — The Evolution of Nursing / The
Development of a Profession
Stem:
A new RN notices that the unit routinely discourages staff from
questioning outdated wound-care practices because “this is
how we have always done it.” The RN wants to advocate for
,changes using professional standards rather than personal
opinion. Which action best reflects nursing as a profession?
Options:
A. Accept the established routine to maintain unit harmony
B. Base recommendations on evidence and professional
standards
C. Ask only the most senior nurse how to proceed
D. Wait until a physician suggests a change
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct Answer:
A profession is guided by evidence, standards, and
accountability rather than tradition alone. Using professional
standards to support practice changes shows autonomy, critical
thinking, and responsibility for quality care. This reflects the
nurse’s role in advancing safe, evidence-based practice.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A is incorrect because professional nursing does not depend on
blind acceptance of tradition.
C is incorrect because seniority does not replace evidence or
standards.
D is incorrect because nurses should not wait passively for
another discipline to initiate needed improvements.
,Teaching Point:
Professional nursing relies on evidence, standards, and
accountability—not routine alone.
Citation:
Catalano, J. (n.d.). Nursing Now: Today’s Issues, Tomorrow’s
Trends (9th ed.). Unit 1, Chapter 1: The Development of a
Profession.
2) Autonomy in nursing
Reference: Unit 1 — The Evolution of Nursing / The
Development of a Profession
Stem:
During a busy shift, a charge nurse assigns an RN to
independently assess a patient with new shortness of breath
and decide whether escalation is needed. The RN recognizes
the importance of acting within scope while using professional
judgment. Which concept is being demonstrated?
Options:
A. Dependency
B. Autonomy
C. Ritualism
D. Hierarchy
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale — Correct Answer:
Autonomy is the ability to make professional decisions based
on nursing knowledge, standards, and judgment. Nurses
demonstrate autonomy when they independently assess,
analyze, and act within scope to protect patient safety. This is a
key attribute of a profession.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A is incorrect because dependency means relying on others to
direct care decisions.
C is incorrect because ritualism refers to routine without
professional judgment.
D is incorrect because hierarchy refers to organizational
structure, not decision-making authority.
Teaching Point:
Autonomy means using nursing judgment independently
within scope of practice.
Citation:
Catalano, J. (n.d.). Nursing Now: Today’s Issues, Tomorrow’s
Trends (9th ed.). Unit 1, Chapter 1: The Development of a
Profession.
3) Accountability
TODAY'S ISSUES,
TOMORROW'S TRENDS
9TH EDITION
AUTHOR(S)JOSEPH CATALANO
TEST BANK
1) Professional characteristics
Reference: Unit 1 — The Evolution of Nursing / The
Development of a Profession
Stem:
A new RN notices that the unit routinely discourages staff from
questioning outdated wound-care practices because “this is
how we have always done it.” The RN wants to advocate for
,changes using professional standards rather than personal
opinion. Which action best reflects nursing as a profession?
Options:
A. Accept the established routine to maintain unit harmony
B. Base recommendations on evidence and professional
standards
C. Ask only the most senior nurse how to proceed
D. Wait until a physician suggests a change
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct Answer:
A profession is guided by evidence, standards, and
accountability rather than tradition alone. Using professional
standards to support practice changes shows autonomy, critical
thinking, and responsibility for quality care. This reflects the
nurse’s role in advancing safe, evidence-based practice.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A is incorrect because professional nursing does not depend on
blind acceptance of tradition.
C is incorrect because seniority does not replace evidence or
standards.
D is incorrect because nurses should not wait passively for
another discipline to initiate needed improvements.
,Teaching Point:
Professional nursing relies on evidence, standards, and
accountability—not routine alone.
Citation:
Catalano, J. (n.d.). Nursing Now: Today’s Issues, Tomorrow’s
Trends (9th ed.). Unit 1, Chapter 1: The Development of a
Profession.
2) Autonomy in nursing
Reference: Unit 1 — The Evolution of Nursing / The
Development of a Profession
Stem:
During a busy shift, a charge nurse assigns an RN to
independently assess a patient with new shortness of breath
and decide whether escalation is needed. The RN recognizes
the importance of acting within scope while using professional
judgment. Which concept is being demonstrated?
Options:
A. Dependency
B. Autonomy
C. Ritualism
D. Hierarchy
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale — Correct Answer:
Autonomy is the ability to make professional decisions based
on nursing knowledge, standards, and judgment. Nurses
demonstrate autonomy when they independently assess,
analyze, and act within scope to protect patient safety. This is a
key attribute of a profession.
Rationale — Incorrect Options:
A is incorrect because dependency means relying on others to
direct care decisions.
C is incorrect because ritualism refers to routine without
professional judgment.
D is incorrect because hierarchy refers to organizational
structure, not decision-making authority.
Teaching Point:
Autonomy means using nursing judgment independently
within scope of practice.
Citation:
Catalano, J. (n.d.). Nursing Now: Today’s Issues, Tomorrow’s
Trends (9th ed.). Unit 1, Chapter 1: The Development of a
Profession.
3) Accountability
