West Coast University NURS 110 Assessment 2 (pdf) |
2026/2027 | Introduction to Professional Nursing Q&A |
Nursing
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection, organization, and
validation of patient data?
A) Planning
B) Assessment
C) Implementation
D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first and foundational phase of the nursing process. It involves gathering
subjective and objective data through interviews, physical examination, and review of medical
records. This data forms the basis for all subsequent nursing diagnoses, planning, interventions, and
evaluation. Without accurate assessment, the entire care planning process is compromised.
2. The nurse documents that a patient reports experiencing "a burning sensation in the chest
after meals." How is this information classified?
A) Objective data
B) Subjective data
C) Secondary data
D) Inferential data
Correct Answer: Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided directly by the patient that cannot be
independently measured or observed by the nurse. Sensations such as pain, nausea, burning, and
emotional states are subjective because only the patient can experience and report them. Objective
data would include measurable findings like vital signs or laboratory values.
3. Which finding represents an example of objective data obtained during a nursing
assessment?
A) The patient describes feeling "dizzy when standing up."
B) The patient states "my stomach hurts."
C) The patient's blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg.
D) The patient reports "I feel anxious about surgery."
Correct Answer: The patient's blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg.
Rationale: Objective data is observable, measurable, and verifiable by the nurse or another
healthcare provider. A blood pressure reading is a quantifiable physiological measurement that can
,be independently confirmed. Subjective data would include the patient's verbal reports of dizziness,
pain, or anxiety, which cannot be directly measured by others.
4. During which step of the nursing process does the nurse identify actual or potential health
problems based on analyzed assessment data?
A) Planning
B) Diagnosis
C) Evaluation
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: Diagnosis
Rationale: The diagnosis phase involves critical analysis of assessment data to identify actual or
potential health problems, risks, and patient strengths. This phase results in nursing diagnoses that
describe the patient's response to health conditions. Planning follows diagnosis, during which goals
and interventions are established based on identified problems.
5. A nurse formulates a patient goal stating: "The patient will ambulate 50 feet with a walker by
discharge on Friday." Which component of SMART criteria does "by discharge on Friday"
represent?
A) Specific
B) Measurable
C) Attainable
D) Time-bound
Correct Answer: Time-bound
Rationale: The SMART framework requires goals to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and
Time-bound. The phrase "by discharge on Friday" establishes a definite timeframe for achieving the
goal, which allows for timely evaluation of progress. Without a time component, goals lack the
structure necessary for effective evaluation.
6. Which ethical principle obligates the nurse to act in the patient's best interest and promote
positive outcomes?
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Justice
Correct Answer: Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good and taking actions that benefit the
patient. It requires nurses to actively promote the well-being of those in their care through positive
interventions. While nonmaleficence focuses on avoiding harm, beneficence emphasizes the
obligation to provide benefit and act in the patient's best interest.
, 7. A competent adult patient refuses a prescribed blood transfusion based on personal religious
beliefs. The nurse supports this decision and documents the refusal. Which ethical principle
is being honored?
A) Fidelity
B) Veracity
C) Autonomy
D) Paternalism
Correct Answer: Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient's right to self-determination and to make decisions about
their own healthcare without coercion. Respecting a competent patient's informed refusal, even
when the nurse disagrees with the decision, upholds this fundamental ethical principle. Fidelity
relates to keeping promises, while veracity concerns truthfulness.
8. The nurse tells a patient, "I will return in 15 minutes with your pain medication," and then
returns at the promised time with the medication. This action demonstrates which ethical
principle?
A) Beneficence
B) Fidelity
C) Justice
D) Autonomy
Correct Answer: Fidelity
Rationale: Fidelity is the ethical duty to be faithful to commitments, keep promises, and maintain
trust in the nurse-patient relationship. By making a specific commitment and following through on it,
the nurse demonstrates reliability and respect for the patient. This principle is foundational to
establishing therapeutic trust and effective communication.
9. Which historical figure is credited with establishing the first secular nursing school and using
statistical analysis to demonstrate the impact of sanitation on mortality?
A) Clara Barton
B) Dorothea Dix
C) Florence Nightingale
D) Mary Mahoney
Correct Answer: Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale founded the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas'
Hospital in London in 1860, establishing formal secular nursing education. She also pioneered the use
of statistical analysis in healthcare, using data to demonstrate that improved sanitation dramatically
reduced mortality rates among soldiers. Her work transformed nursing into a respected, evidence-
based profession.
, 10. What is the primary legal purpose of the Nurse Practice Act in each state?
A) To establish uniform salary standards for nursing professionals
B) To protect the public by regulating nursing practice and licensure
C) To provide federal funding for nursing education programs
D) To mandate continuing education requirements for physicians
Correct Answer: To protect the public by regulating nursing practice and licensure
Rationale: The Nurse Practice Act is statutory legislation enacted by each state legislature to protect
public health, safety, and welfare. It defines the legal scope of nursing practice, establishes
requirements for licensure, and creates the state board of nursing to enforce regulations. The primary
focus is safeguarding the public from unsafe or incompetent practitioners, not governing salaries or
education funding.
11. A nurse is reviewing the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice. Which statement accurately
describes the purpose of this document?
A) It establishes specific medication dosages for common conditions
B) It provides a legal mandate for hospital staffing ratios
C) It defines professional responsibilities and expectations for all registered nurses
D) It replaces state nurse practice acts with federal regulations
Correct Answer: It defines professional responsibilities and expectations for all registered nurses
Rationale: The ANA Scope and Standards of Practice articulates the professional responsibilities,
competencies, and expectations to which all registered nurses are held accountable. It serves as a
framework for nursing practice across all roles and specialties. It does not replace state laws,
establish staffing ratios, or provide clinical protocols for specific treatments.
12. Which level of prevention is demonstrated when a nurse administers a childhood
immunization at a community health clinic?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Quaternary prevention
Correct Answer: Primary prevention
Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury before it occurs through interventions
such as immunizations, health education, and risk reduction strategies. Administering vaccines to
healthy children protects them from developing preventable infectious diseases. Secondary
prevention involves early detection through screening, while tertiary prevention focuses on
rehabilitation after illness.
13. A nurse conducts scoliosis screening for middle school students. This activity represents
which level of prevention?
2026/2027 | Introduction to Professional Nursing Q&A |
Nursing
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection, organization, and
validation of patient data?
A) Planning
B) Assessment
C) Implementation
D) Evaluation
Correct Answer: Assessment
Rationale: Assessment is the first and foundational phase of the nursing process. It involves gathering
subjective and objective data through interviews, physical examination, and review of medical
records. This data forms the basis for all subsequent nursing diagnoses, planning, interventions, and
evaluation. Without accurate assessment, the entire care planning process is compromised.
2. The nurse documents that a patient reports experiencing "a burning sensation in the chest
after meals." How is this information classified?
A) Objective data
B) Subjective data
C) Secondary data
D) Inferential data
Correct Answer: Subjective data
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided directly by the patient that cannot be
independently measured or observed by the nurse. Sensations such as pain, nausea, burning, and
emotional states are subjective because only the patient can experience and report them. Objective
data would include measurable findings like vital signs or laboratory values.
3. Which finding represents an example of objective data obtained during a nursing
assessment?
A) The patient describes feeling "dizzy when standing up."
B) The patient states "my stomach hurts."
C) The patient's blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg.
D) The patient reports "I feel anxious about surgery."
Correct Answer: The patient's blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg.
Rationale: Objective data is observable, measurable, and verifiable by the nurse or another
healthcare provider. A blood pressure reading is a quantifiable physiological measurement that can
,be independently confirmed. Subjective data would include the patient's verbal reports of dizziness,
pain, or anxiety, which cannot be directly measured by others.
4. During which step of the nursing process does the nurse identify actual or potential health
problems based on analyzed assessment data?
A) Planning
B) Diagnosis
C) Evaluation
D) Implementation
Correct Answer: Diagnosis
Rationale: The diagnosis phase involves critical analysis of assessment data to identify actual or
potential health problems, risks, and patient strengths. This phase results in nursing diagnoses that
describe the patient's response to health conditions. Planning follows diagnosis, during which goals
and interventions are established based on identified problems.
5. A nurse formulates a patient goal stating: "The patient will ambulate 50 feet with a walker by
discharge on Friday." Which component of SMART criteria does "by discharge on Friday"
represent?
A) Specific
B) Measurable
C) Attainable
D) Time-bound
Correct Answer: Time-bound
Rationale: The SMART framework requires goals to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and
Time-bound. The phrase "by discharge on Friday" establishes a definite timeframe for achieving the
goal, which allows for timely evaluation of progress. Without a time component, goals lack the
structure necessary for effective evaluation.
6. Which ethical principle obligates the nurse to act in the patient's best interest and promote
positive outcomes?
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Justice
Correct Answer: Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good and taking actions that benefit the
patient. It requires nurses to actively promote the well-being of those in their care through positive
interventions. While nonmaleficence focuses on avoiding harm, beneficence emphasizes the
obligation to provide benefit and act in the patient's best interest.
, 7. A competent adult patient refuses a prescribed blood transfusion based on personal religious
beliefs. The nurse supports this decision and documents the refusal. Which ethical principle
is being honored?
A) Fidelity
B) Veracity
C) Autonomy
D) Paternalism
Correct Answer: Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient's right to self-determination and to make decisions about
their own healthcare without coercion. Respecting a competent patient's informed refusal, even
when the nurse disagrees with the decision, upholds this fundamental ethical principle. Fidelity
relates to keeping promises, while veracity concerns truthfulness.
8. The nurse tells a patient, "I will return in 15 minutes with your pain medication," and then
returns at the promised time with the medication. This action demonstrates which ethical
principle?
A) Beneficence
B) Fidelity
C) Justice
D) Autonomy
Correct Answer: Fidelity
Rationale: Fidelity is the ethical duty to be faithful to commitments, keep promises, and maintain
trust in the nurse-patient relationship. By making a specific commitment and following through on it,
the nurse demonstrates reliability and respect for the patient. This principle is foundational to
establishing therapeutic trust and effective communication.
9. Which historical figure is credited with establishing the first secular nursing school and using
statistical analysis to demonstrate the impact of sanitation on mortality?
A) Clara Barton
B) Dorothea Dix
C) Florence Nightingale
D) Mary Mahoney
Correct Answer: Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale founded the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas'
Hospital in London in 1860, establishing formal secular nursing education. She also pioneered the use
of statistical analysis in healthcare, using data to demonstrate that improved sanitation dramatically
reduced mortality rates among soldiers. Her work transformed nursing into a respected, evidence-
based profession.
, 10. What is the primary legal purpose of the Nurse Practice Act in each state?
A) To establish uniform salary standards for nursing professionals
B) To protect the public by regulating nursing practice and licensure
C) To provide federal funding for nursing education programs
D) To mandate continuing education requirements for physicians
Correct Answer: To protect the public by regulating nursing practice and licensure
Rationale: The Nurse Practice Act is statutory legislation enacted by each state legislature to protect
public health, safety, and welfare. It defines the legal scope of nursing practice, establishes
requirements for licensure, and creates the state board of nursing to enforce regulations. The primary
focus is safeguarding the public from unsafe or incompetent practitioners, not governing salaries or
education funding.
11. A nurse is reviewing the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice. Which statement accurately
describes the purpose of this document?
A) It establishes specific medication dosages for common conditions
B) It provides a legal mandate for hospital staffing ratios
C) It defines professional responsibilities and expectations for all registered nurses
D) It replaces state nurse practice acts with federal regulations
Correct Answer: It defines professional responsibilities and expectations for all registered nurses
Rationale: The ANA Scope and Standards of Practice articulates the professional responsibilities,
competencies, and expectations to which all registered nurses are held accountable. It serves as a
framework for nursing practice across all roles and specialties. It does not replace state laws,
establish staffing ratios, or provide clinical protocols for specific treatments.
12. Which level of prevention is demonstrated when a nurse administers a childhood
immunization at a community health clinic?
A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Quaternary prevention
Correct Answer: Primary prevention
Rationale: Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury before it occurs through interventions
such as immunizations, health education, and risk reduction strategies. Administering vaccines to
healthy children protects them from developing preventable infectious diseases. Secondary
prevention involves early detection through screening, while tertiary prevention focuses on
rehabilitation after illness.
13. A nurse conducts scoliosis screening for middle school students. This activity represents
which level of prevention?
