Page 1 of 214
NURSING FUNDAMENTALS EXAM PREP |
VERIFIED ANSWERS & DETAILED
RATIONALES **ALIGNED WITH THE
PLAN, QSEN COMPETENCIES, AACN
ESSENTIALS (2026 UPDATE), AND
SECTION I: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING PRACTICE
### Nursing History, Theory & Professional Practice
**Question 1**
Which nursing theorist is best known for developing the Environmental Theory, which
emphasizes the impact of external factors on patient health and recovery?
A. Hildegard Peplau
B. Florence Nightingale
C. Dorothea Orem
, Page 2 of 214
D. Virginia Henderson
---
**CorreCt Answer: B. Florence Nightingale**
**Rationale:** Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory focuses on the
manipulation of the patient's environment to promote recovery. She identified key environmental
factors including fresh air, pure water, efficient drainage, cleanliness, and direct sunlight as
essential to health. Nightingale's work during the Crimean War demonstrated that sanitary
conditions dramatically reduced mortality rates. Peplau is known for the Interpersonal Relations
Theory, Orem for the Self-Care Deficit Theory, and Henderson for the Need Theory.
---
**Question 2**
A nurse is applying the principles of Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. Which statement
best describes the primary focus of this theory?
A. The nurse-patient relationship progresses through phases of orientation, working, and
termination
B. Patients have universal, developmental, and health-deviation self-care requisites that must be
met
C. The environment consists of internal and external stimuli that affect health
D. Nursing care is based on the patient's level of independence in meeting 14 fundamental needs
---
, Page 3 of 214
**CorreCt Answer: B. Patients have universal, developmental, and health-deviation
self-care requisites that must be met**
**Rationale:** Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory posits that individuals have self-care
requisites (universal, developmental, and health-deviation) that must be met to maintain health
and well-being. When a patient cannot meet these requisites independently, a self-care deficit
exists, and nursing intervention is required. This theory emphasizes the nurse's role in assisting
patients to achieve optimal self-care.
---
**Question 3**
The AACN Essentials (2026 Update) identifies 10 domains for professional nursing education.
Which domain specifically addresses the nurse's role in quality improvement and patient safety?
A. Domain 2: Person-Centered Care
B. Domain 5: Quality and Safety
C. Domain 7: Systems-Based Practice
D. Domain 9: Professionalism
---
**CorreCt Answer: B. Domain 5: Quality and Safety**
**Rationale:** The AACN Essentials (2026 Update) outlines 10 domains for nursing
education. Domain 5, "Quality and Safety," specifically addresses the nurse's role in quality
improvement processes and patient safety. This domain includes competencies related to using
, Page 4 of 214
quality improvement methodologies, minimizing risk of harm, and contributing to a culture of
safety. Domain 2 focuses on person-centered care, Domain 7 on systems-based practice, and
Domain 9 on professionalism.
---
**Question 4**
A nurse is preparing to administer care to a patient. According to QSEN competencies, which
action best demonstrates the competency of "Patient-Centered Care"?
A. Administering medications within 30 minutes of the scheduled time
B. Partnering with the patient to develop a care plan that respects their cultural preferences and
values
C. Reporting a medication error to the unit manager
D. Using evidence-based guidelines to insert a urinary catheter
---
**CorreCt Answer: B. Partnering with the patient to develop a care plan that respects
their cultural preferences and values**
**Rationale:** QSEN's Patient-Centered Care competency requires nurses to
recognize the patient as a full partner in care decisions and to respect patients' preferences,
values, and needs. This involves advocating for the patient and involving them in the decision-
making process. Administering medications on time relates to safety, reporting errors relates to
quality improvement and safety, and using evidence-based guidelines relates to evidence-based
practice.
---
NURSING FUNDAMENTALS EXAM PREP |
VERIFIED ANSWERS & DETAILED
RATIONALES **ALIGNED WITH THE
PLAN, QSEN COMPETENCIES, AACN
ESSENTIALS (2026 UPDATE), AND
SECTION I: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING PRACTICE
### Nursing History, Theory & Professional Practice
**Question 1**
Which nursing theorist is best known for developing the Environmental Theory, which
emphasizes the impact of external factors on patient health and recovery?
A. Hildegard Peplau
B. Florence Nightingale
C. Dorothea Orem
, Page 2 of 214
D. Virginia Henderson
---
**CorreCt Answer: B. Florence Nightingale**
**Rationale:** Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory focuses on the
manipulation of the patient's environment to promote recovery. She identified key environmental
factors including fresh air, pure water, efficient drainage, cleanliness, and direct sunlight as
essential to health. Nightingale's work during the Crimean War demonstrated that sanitary
conditions dramatically reduced mortality rates. Peplau is known for the Interpersonal Relations
Theory, Orem for the Self-Care Deficit Theory, and Henderson for the Need Theory.
---
**Question 2**
A nurse is applying the principles of Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. Which statement
best describes the primary focus of this theory?
A. The nurse-patient relationship progresses through phases of orientation, working, and
termination
B. Patients have universal, developmental, and health-deviation self-care requisites that must be
met
C. The environment consists of internal and external stimuli that affect health
D. Nursing care is based on the patient's level of independence in meeting 14 fundamental needs
---
, Page 3 of 214
**CorreCt Answer: B. Patients have universal, developmental, and health-deviation
self-care requisites that must be met**
**Rationale:** Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory posits that individuals have self-care
requisites (universal, developmental, and health-deviation) that must be met to maintain health
and well-being. When a patient cannot meet these requisites independently, a self-care deficit
exists, and nursing intervention is required. This theory emphasizes the nurse's role in assisting
patients to achieve optimal self-care.
---
**Question 3**
The AACN Essentials (2026 Update) identifies 10 domains for professional nursing education.
Which domain specifically addresses the nurse's role in quality improvement and patient safety?
A. Domain 2: Person-Centered Care
B. Domain 5: Quality and Safety
C. Domain 7: Systems-Based Practice
D. Domain 9: Professionalism
---
**CorreCt Answer: B. Domain 5: Quality and Safety**
**Rationale:** The AACN Essentials (2026 Update) outlines 10 domains for nursing
education. Domain 5, "Quality and Safety," specifically addresses the nurse's role in quality
improvement processes and patient safety. This domain includes competencies related to using
, Page 4 of 214
quality improvement methodologies, minimizing risk of harm, and contributing to a culture of
safety. Domain 2 focuses on person-centered care, Domain 7 on systems-based practice, and
Domain 9 on professionalism.
---
**Question 4**
A nurse is preparing to administer care to a patient. According to QSEN competencies, which
action best demonstrates the competency of "Patient-Centered Care"?
A. Administering medications within 30 minutes of the scheduled time
B. Partnering with the patient to develop a care plan that respects their cultural preferences and
values
C. Reporting a medication error to the unit manager
D. Using evidence-based guidelines to insert a urinary catheter
---
**CorreCt Answer: B. Partnering with the patient to develop a care plan that respects
their cultural preferences and values**
**Rationale:** QSEN's Patient-Centered Care competency requires nurses to
recognize the patient as a full partner in care decisions and to respect patients' preferences,
values, and needs. This involves advocating for the patient and involving them in the decision-
making process. Administering medications on time relates to safety, reporting errors relates to
quality improvement and safety, and using evidence-based guidelines relates to evidence-based
practice.
---
