Information Technology in Nursing Practice D220 (WGU)
Study Guide 2026–2027 Complete OA Exam Prep, Practice
Questions & Key Concepts
Data Source 1: Medical records - correct answers -Medical records offer information such as medical
history, drug history, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, lab tests, health problems, and any other
information collected during the patient's encounter with their medical provider or healthcare
organization.
This data source is used to monitor outbreaks of specific diseases and conditions.
Data Source 2: Surveillance - correct answers -Surveillance is a data source used when specifically
monitoring trending rates or outbreaks of specific diseases or conditions.
This data source collects information directly from participants and relies on the participants'
interpretation of what they recall and not necessarily what transpired.
Data Source 3: Survey - correct answers -Surveys collect health and social science information from a
sample of people in a standardized way to better understand a larger population.
This data source is used to provide information on fixed data elements at the state and national level.
Data Source 4: Vital records - correct answers -Vital records provide information on fixed data elements
at the state and national level.
A patient mentions to his nurse that with so much health information on the internet, he does not know
what information is reliable and credible as opposed to what is not.
1
, Which professional advice would be best for this patient? - correct answers -When evaluating
information quality, look for qualified, credible sources and specific details and dates that enable
independent verification of information.
Verification of information is the most important way to determine whether information is reliable and
credible. One way to verify information is by using the U.S. National Library of Medicine tutorials, which
can help determine the validity of health information.
Outcomes research, also known as OCR, is the stand-out model for the measurement of quality
indicators.
True or false? - correct answers -False
The goal of OCR is to improve the quality of care through the use of research data to improve outcomes,
not the effectiveness of healthcare processes.
Clinical decision support (CDS) systems provide clinicians, staff, patients, or other individuals with data-
driven and patient-specific information at the appropriate time so that decisions can be made
appropriately during the clinical workflow. You have been asked to look up information related to CDS
systems for your organization to determine their effectiveness. Review the AHRQ website provided in
your essential reading section and explore the comparison table providing the latest research update on
clinical decision support (Cross-cutting: Health Information Technology table).
What is a key finding in the latest research summary of evidence on clinical decision support (CDS)
systems? - correct answers -CDS systems are widely believed to have the potential to positively impact
patient safety, with the most consistent impact on improving medication safety.
The review provides a summary of evidence published from 2008 to 2018 on clinical decision support
(CDS) as a cross-cutting factor in efforts to improve patient safety, particularly in the arena of
medication safety.
2
Study Guide 2026–2027 Complete OA Exam Prep, Practice
Questions & Key Concepts
Data Source 1: Medical records - correct answers -Medical records offer information such as medical
history, drug history, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, lab tests, health problems, and any other
information collected during the patient's encounter with their medical provider or healthcare
organization.
This data source is used to monitor outbreaks of specific diseases and conditions.
Data Source 2: Surveillance - correct answers -Surveillance is a data source used when specifically
monitoring trending rates or outbreaks of specific diseases or conditions.
This data source collects information directly from participants and relies on the participants'
interpretation of what they recall and not necessarily what transpired.
Data Source 3: Survey - correct answers -Surveys collect health and social science information from a
sample of people in a standardized way to better understand a larger population.
This data source is used to provide information on fixed data elements at the state and national level.
Data Source 4: Vital records - correct answers -Vital records provide information on fixed data elements
at the state and national level.
A patient mentions to his nurse that with so much health information on the internet, he does not know
what information is reliable and credible as opposed to what is not.
1
, Which professional advice would be best for this patient? - correct answers -When evaluating
information quality, look for qualified, credible sources and specific details and dates that enable
independent verification of information.
Verification of information is the most important way to determine whether information is reliable and
credible. One way to verify information is by using the U.S. National Library of Medicine tutorials, which
can help determine the validity of health information.
Outcomes research, also known as OCR, is the stand-out model for the measurement of quality
indicators.
True or false? - correct answers -False
The goal of OCR is to improve the quality of care through the use of research data to improve outcomes,
not the effectiveness of healthcare processes.
Clinical decision support (CDS) systems provide clinicians, staff, patients, or other individuals with data-
driven and patient-specific information at the appropriate time so that decisions can be made
appropriately during the clinical workflow. You have been asked to look up information related to CDS
systems for your organization to determine their effectiveness. Review the AHRQ website provided in
your essential reading section and explore the comparison table providing the latest research update on
clinical decision support (Cross-cutting: Health Information Technology table).
What is a key finding in the latest research summary of evidence on clinical decision support (CDS)
systems? - correct answers -CDS systems are widely believed to have the potential to positively impact
patient safety, with the most consistent impact on improving medication safety.
The review provides a summary of evidence published from 2008 to 2018 on clinical decision support
(CDS) as a cross-cutting factor in efforts to improve patient safety, particularly in the arena of
medication safety.
2
