BSN 465 Exam 1 V2 | BSN 465 Decision-
making in Nursing | Q&A with Rationale
(BSN465 Exam 1) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse who has been working on a surgical unit for 3 years is able to prioritize tasks
effectively and perceives situations as wholes rather than in parts. According to Benner’s
stages of clinical competence, which level is this nurse demonstrating?
A. Novice
B. Advanced Beginner
C. Expert
D. Proficient
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The proficient nurse perceives situations as wholes rather than in terms of
chopped-up parts or aspects. This level of competence usually develops with three to five
years of experience in the same area. This stage differs from the competent stage where the
nurse is still focused on conscious, deliberate planning.
2. Which component of the Tanner Clinical Judgment Model involves the nurse’s initial grasp
of a clinical situation based on their knowledge and experience?
A. Interpreting
B. Noticing
,C. Responding
D. Reflecting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Noticing is the first phase of the Tanner Clinical Judgment Model where the
nurse identifies clinical cues. It is influenced by the nurse’s expectations, which are built
upon their theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Without proper noticing, the
subsequent steps of interpreting and responding cannot occur effectively.
3. A nurse is faced with a situation where a patient refuses a life-saving blood transfusion due
to religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by respecting the patient’s
decision?
A. Autonomy
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Justice
D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about
their medical care. Even if the healthcare provider disagrees with the decision, the
principle of autonomy requires the provider to respect the patient’s choice. This principle
is a cornerstone of patient-centered care and legal rights.
, 4. When using the PICO(T) format to develop a clinical question for evidence-based practice,
what does the ‘I’ represent?
A. Implementation
B. Intervention
C. Interpretation
D. Investigation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ‘I’ in PICO(T) stands for Intervention, which is the specific treatment or
action being studied. This could be a medication, a surgical procedure, or a nursing
intervention like repositioning. Clearly defining the intervention allows for a more focused
search for evidence and better clinical decision-making.
5. Critical thinking in nursing is best described as which of the following?
A. The ability to memorize all clinical protocols
B. A linear process that always follows the same steps
C. A purposeful, analytical process that results in clinical judgment
D. The act of following a physician’s orders without question
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Critical thinking is a disciplined process of conceptualizing, applying, and
analyzing information to guide action. It is not merely following rules but involves
making in Nursing | Q&A with Rationale
(BSN465 Exam 1) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse who has been working on a surgical unit for 3 years is able to prioritize tasks
effectively and perceives situations as wholes rather than in parts. According to Benner’s
stages of clinical competence, which level is this nurse demonstrating?
A. Novice
B. Advanced Beginner
C. Expert
D. Proficient
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The proficient nurse perceives situations as wholes rather than in terms of
chopped-up parts or aspects. This level of competence usually develops with three to five
years of experience in the same area. This stage differs from the competent stage where the
nurse is still focused on conscious, deliberate planning.
2. Which component of the Tanner Clinical Judgment Model involves the nurse’s initial grasp
of a clinical situation based on their knowledge and experience?
A. Interpreting
B. Noticing
,C. Responding
D. Reflecting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Noticing is the first phase of the Tanner Clinical Judgment Model where the
nurse identifies clinical cues. It is influenced by the nurse’s expectations, which are built
upon their theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Without proper noticing, the
subsequent steps of interpreting and responding cannot occur effectively.
3. A nurse is faced with a situation where a patient refuses a life-saving blood transfusion due
to religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by respecting the patient’s
decision?
A. Autonomy
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Justice
D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about
their medical care. Even if the healthcare provider disagrees with the decision, the
principle of autonomy requires the provider to respect the patient’s choice. This principle
is a cornerstone of patient-centered care and legal rights.
, 4. When using the PICO(T) format to develop a clinical question for evidence-based practice,
what does the ‘I’ represent?
A. Implementation
B. Intervention
C. Interpretation
D. Investigation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ‘I’ in PICO(T) stands for Intervention, which is the specific treatment or
action being studied. This could be a medication, a surgical procedure, or a nursing
intervention like repositioning. Clearly defining the intervention allows for a more focused
search for evidence and better clinical decision-making.
5. Critical thinking in nursing is best described as which of the following?
A. The ability to memorize all clinical protocols
B. A linear process that always follows the same steps
C. A purposeful, analytical process that results in clinical judgment
D. The act of following a physician’s orders without question
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Critical thinking is a disciplined process of conceptualizing, applying, and
analyzing information to guide action. It is not merely following rules but involves
