,CHAPTER 1: Evolution of Nursing Thought &
Action
Key Concept: Definition of nursing and scope of practice.
Question Stem: A patient asks, “What is nursing?” Which succinct
definition best reflects contemporary professional nursing? (≤65
words)
A. Tasks that staff nurses perform under physicians’ orders.
B. Independent, evidence-based practice focused on promotion,
prevention, and care across life span.
C. Administrative coordination of clinician schedules and supplies.
D. Only bedside technical skills such as vital signs and medication
administration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): Contemporary nursing is an independent,
evidence-based profession emphasizing health promotion,
disease prevention, and direct/indirect care across settings
— consistent with Capriotti’s overview of nursing’s scope and
roles (Chapter 1). VitalSource
• A: Incorrect — nursing includes autonomous judgment, not
only tasks delegated by physicians.
• C: Incorrect — administrative coordination may be
performed by nurses but does not define the profession.
• D: Incorrect — bedside technical skills are part of nursing but
too narrow to be the profession’s definition.
Teaching Point: Nursing is autonomous, evidence-based care
across prevention to palliation.
2.
,Chapter 1 — Contemporary Nursing: Education, Regulation, and
Practice
Key Concept: Differences between educational paths (ADN vs BSN
vs graduate).
Question Stem: Which outcome is most strongly associated with a
higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses in a hospital?
A. Lower patient mortality and better clinical outcomes.
B. Faster medication administration times only.
C. Increased length of stay for all patients.
D. Reduced need for interprofessional collaboration.
Correct Answer: A
Rationales:
• Correct (A): Research and professional standards cited in
Capriotti link higher education (BSN) with improved patient
outcomes, including lower mortality and better clinical
outcomes. VitalSource
• B: Incorrect — education affects judgment and outcomes
broadly, not only task speed.
• C: Incorrect — higher education is not associated with
increased length of stay as a direct effect.
• D: Incorrect — BSN preparation typically enhances
collaboration skills, not reduces the need for it.
Teaching Point: Higher nursing education correlates with
improved patient safety and outcomes.
3.
Chapter 1 — How Is Nursing Practice Regulated?
Key Concept: Licensure and scope — NCLEX and state boards.
Question Stem: A newly graduated nurse asks why passing the
NCLEX is required. The best explanation is:
, A. It is a hospital credential unrelated to state law.
B. It is a national exam used by state boards to ensure minimum
safe practice for licensure.
C. It guarantees specialty certification in an area of practice.
D. It replaces state board regulation entirely.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): The NCLEX evaluates entry-level competence;
state boards use NCLEX results to grant licensure and define
legal scope of practice (Capriotti, Chapter 1). VitalSource
• A: Incorrect — NCLEX is used for licensure, not a hospital-
only credential.
• C: Incorrect — specialty certification is separate from NCLEX.
• D: Incorrect — state boards still regulate practice and
licensure beyond the exam.
Teaching Point: NCLEX measures minimum safe practice for state
licensure.
4.
Chapter 1 — What Are Some Important Nursing Organizations?
Key Concept: ANA role in standards & ethics.
Question Stem: Which action best illustrates the American Nurses
Association’s (ANA) primary professional role?
A. Accrediting nursing education programs.
B. Publishing scope and standards of nursing practice and the
Code of Ethics.
C. Issuing state nursing licenses.
D. Operating all hospital nursing departments.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
Action
Key Concept: Definition of nursing and scope of practice.
Question Stem: A patient asks, “What is nursing?” Which succinct
definition best reflects contemporary professional nursing? (≤65
words)
A. Tasks that staff nurses perform under physicians’ orders.
B. Independent, evidence-based practice focused on promotion,
prevention, and care across life span.
C. Administrative coordination of clinician schedules and supplies.
D. Only bedside technical skills such as vital signs and medication
administration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): Contemporary nursing is an independent,
evidence-based profession emphasizing health promotion,
disease prevention, and direct/indirect care across settings
— consistent with Capriotti’s overview of nursing’s scope and
roles (Chapter 1). VitalSource
• A: Incorrect — nursing includes autonomous judgment, not
only tasks delegated by physicians.
• C: Incorrect — administrative coordination may be
performed by nurses but does not define the profession.
• D: Incorrect — bedside technical skills are part of nursing but
too narrow to be the profession’s definition.
Teaching Point: Nursing is autonomous, evidence-based care
across prevention to palliation.
2.
,Chapter 1 — Contemporary Nursing: Education, Regulation, and
Practice
Key Concept: Differences between educational paths (ADN vs BSN
vs graduate).
Question Stem: Which outcome is most strongly associated with a
higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses in a hospital?
A. Lower patient mortality and better clinical outcomes.
B. Faster medication administration times only.
C. Increased length of stay for all patients.
D. Reduced need for interprofessional collaboration.
Correct Answer: A
Rationales:
• Correct (A): Research and professional standards cited in
Capriotti link higher education (BSN) with improved patient
outcomes, including lower mortality and better clinical
outcomes. VitalSource
• B: Incorrect — education affects judgment and outcomes
broadly, not only task speed.
• C: Incorrect — higher education is not associated with
increased length of stay as a direct effect.
• D: Incorrect — BSN preparation typically enhances
collaboration skills, not reduces the need for it.
Teaching Point: Higher nursing education correlates with
improved patient safety and outcomes.
3.
Chapter 1 — How Is Nursing Practice Regulated?
Key Concept: Licensure and scope — NCLEX and state boards.
Question Stem: A newly graduated nurse asks why passing the
NCLEX is required. The best explanation is:
, A. It is a hospital credential unrelated to state law.
B. It is a national exam used by state boards to ensure minimum
safe practice for licensure.
C. It guarantees specialty certification in an area of practice.
D. It replaces state board regulation entirely.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): The NCLEX evaluates entry-level competence;
state boards use NCLEX results to grant licensure and define
legal scope of practice (Capriotti, Chapter 1). VitalSource
• A: Incorrect — NCLEX is used for licensure, not a hospital-
only credential.
• C: Incorrect — specialty certification is separate from NCLEX.
• D: Incorrect — state boards still regulate practice and
licensure beyond the exam.
Teaching Point: NCLEX measures minimum safe practice for state
licensure.
4.
Chapter 1 — What Are Some Important Nursing Organizations?
Key Concept: ANA role in standards & ethics.
Question Stem: Which action best illustrates the American Nurses
Association’s (ANA) primary professional role?
A. Accrediting nursing education programs.
B. Publishing scope and standards of nursing practice and the
Code of Ethics.
C. Issuing state nursing licenses.
D. Operating all hospital nursing departments.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
