,NURS 110 Midterm Exam Introduction to Professional Nursing
Questions And Answers 2026/2027 West Coast University
Q1. Which statement best describes critical thinking in nursing?
A. Memorizing clinical information without questioning it
B. A continuous process of purposeful inquiry, analysis, and reflection used to
make sound clinical decisions
C. Following instructions without considering the patient's situation
D. Using intuition without examining available evidence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Critical thinking involves purposeful analysis, open-minded
inquiry, evaluation of assumptions and evidence, and adaptation to the
individual clinical situation.
Q2. Which behavior best demonstrates critical thinking?
A. Accepting the first explanation for a patient's symptoms
B. Asking whether the available evidence supports the initial interpretation
C. Following routine procedures regardless of patient response
D. Avoiding information that conflicts with expectations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Critical thinkers examine evidence, question assumptions,
consider alternatives, and determine whether conclusions are supported.
Q3. A nurse notices that a patient's symptoms do not fit the expected
pattern for the reported diagnosis. What should the nurse do?
A. Ignore the discrepancy
B. Reassess the patient and consider alternative explanations
C. Assume the patient is exaggerating
D. Continue the original plan without further assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When findings conflict with expectations, the nurse should
reassess and remain open to alternative explanations rather than forcing the
data to fit the original assumption.
Q4. Which characteristic is associated with strong critical thinking?
A. Intellectual curiosity
B. Rigidity
, C. Confirmation bias
D. Reliance on stereotypes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Intellectual curiosity encourages nurses to seek information, ask
questions, examine alternatives, and continue learning.
Q5. A nurse recognizes that personal assumptions may be influencing an
interpretation of a patient's behavior. What is the most appropriate
response?
A. Ignore the assumptions
B. Reflect on the assumptions and reassess the patient objectively
C. Use the assumptions to guide all subsequent decisions
D. Avoid caring for the patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Self-awareness helps nurses recognize bias and reduce the effect
of personal assumptions on clinical judgment.
Q6. Which statement best describes holistic nursing?
A. Focusing exclusively on physical symptoms
B. Addressing the physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual
dimensions of the person as appropriate
C. Treating disease without considering the individual
D. Allowing family members to make all decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Holistic nursing recognizes that multiple dimensions of a
person's life can affect health and healing.
Q7. A nurse asks about a patient's family support, cultural beliefs, emotional
concerns, and physical symptoms. Which nursing approach is demonstrated?
A. Task-centered care
B. Holistic care
C. Disease-centered care
D. Provider-centered care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Holistic assessment considers multiple dimensions of the
individual rather than focusing on disease or physical symptoms alone.
Questions And Answers 2026/2027 West Coast University
Q1. Which statement best describes critical thinking in nursing?
A. Memorizing clinical information without questioning it
B. A continuous process of purposeful inquiry, analysis, and reflection used to
make sound clinical decisions
C. Following instructions without considering the patient's situation
D. Using intuition without examining available evidence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Critical thinking involves purposeful analysis, open-minded
inquiry, evaluation of assumptions and evidence, and adaptation to the
individual clinical situation.
Q2. Which behavior best demonstrates critical thinking?
A. Accepting the first explanation for a patient's symptoms
B. Asking whether the available evidence supports the initial interpretation
C. Following routine procedures regardless of patient response
D. Avoiding information that conflicts with expectations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Critical thinkers examine evidence, question assumptions,
consider alternatives, and determine whether conclusions are supported.
Q3. A nurse notices that a patient's symptoms do not fit the expected
pattern for the reported diagnosis. What should the nurse do?
A. Ignore the discrepancy
B. Reassess the patient and consider alternative explanations
C. Assume the patient is exaggerating
D. Continue the original plan without further assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When findings conflict with expectations, the nurse should
reassess and remain open to alternative explanations rather than forcing the
data to fit the original assumption.
Q4. Which characteristic is associated with strong critical thinking?
A. Intellectual curiosity
B. Rigidity
, C. Confirmation bias
D. Reliance on stereotypes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Intellectual curiosity encourages nurses to seek information, ask
questions, examine alternatives, and continue learning.
Q5. A nurse recognizes that personal assumptions may be influencing an
interpretation of a patient's behavior. What is the most appropriate
response?
A. Ignore the assumptions
B. Reflect on the assumptions and reassess the patient objectively
C. Use the assumptions to guide all subsequent decisions
D. Avoid caring for the patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Self-awareness helps nurses recognize bias and reduce the effect
of personal assumptions on clinical judgment.
Q6. Which statement best describes holistic nursing?
A. Focusing exclusively on physical symptoms
B. Addressing the physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual
dimensions of the person as appropriate
C. Treating disease without considering the individual
D. Allowing family members to make all decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Holistic nursing recognizes that multiple dimensions of a
person's life can affect health and healing.
Q7. A nurse asks about a patient's family support, cultural beliefs, emotional
concerns, and physical symptoms. Which nursing approach is demonstrated?
A. Task-centered care
B. Holistic care
C. Disease-centered care
D. Provider-centered care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Holistic assessment considers multiple dimensions of the
individual rather than focusing on disease or physical symptoms alone.
