NU 185 Exam 1 Study Guide (2026) | 150+ Practice Questions & Verified Answers | Nursing Foundations, Florence Nightingale, Nursing Process & ANA Code of Ethics

Prepare for NU 185 Exam 1 with this comprehensive 2026 study guide, featuring 150+ exam-style practice questions with verified answers and detailed explanations covering the foundational principles of professional nursing, nursing history, the nursing process, ethics, licensure, and the evolution of modern nursing practice. Designed for beginning nursing students, this resource reinforces essential theoretical concepts while strengthening critical thinking and examination readiness for introductory nursing courses. The practice questions closely reflect the format and content commonly assessed in NU 185 examinations, making this guide an excellent review tool for classroom tests and NCLEX preparation. This study guide provides extensive coverage of the concepts of nursing, health promotion, disease prevention, patient advocacy, nursing diagnosis, human responses to illness, professional nursing standards, the five steps of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation), characteristics of a profession, nursing autonomy, accountability, responsibility, professional organizations, nursing education, licensure and regulation, evidence-based practice, and professional development. It also explores the historical development of nursing, including nursing in ancient civilizations, the Dark Ages, the Crimean War, the U.S. Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the contributions of pioneers who transformed nursing into a respected healthcare profession. Additionally, the guide reviews the significant contributions of Florence Nightingale, including her environmental theory, reforms in military and civilian healthcare, the establishment of modern nursing education, statistical contributions to healthcare improvement, and her influence on nursing leadership worldwide. Other key topics include Mary Mahoney, Luther Christman, early nursing schools, St. Thomas' Hospital School of Nursing, the evolution of nursing education, nursing uniforms, the ANA Code of Ethics (Provisions 1–9), ethical principles, patient rights, confidentiality, professional accountability, collaboration, continuing competence, integrity, healthcare advocacy, and the legal foundations of nursing practice. Every verified answer is designed to reinforce fundamental nursing concepts essential for academic success and professional practice. This study guide is ideal for NU 185 students, Introduction to Nursing students, Fundamentals of Nursing students, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) students, Practical Nursing (PN/LPN) students, pre-nursing students, healthcare assistant students, and learners preparing for nursing examinations or NCLEX-RN/NCLEX-PN foundations. The content aligns with leading nursing education references and professional standards, including: Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P. A., & Hall, A. Fundamentals of Nursing. Elsevier. American Nurses Association (ANA). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. American Nurses Association (ANA). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. Taylor, C., Lynn, P., & Bartlett, J. Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Person-Centered Care. Wolters Kluwer. Blais, K., & Hayes, J. Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives. Pearson. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Relevant students: NU 185 Students, Introduction to Nursing Students, Fundamentals of Nursing Students, BSN Students, ADN Students, Practical Nursing (PN/LPN) Students, Pre-Nursing Students, Registered Nursing (RN) Students, Healthcare Assistant Students, Allied Health Students, NCLEX-RN Candidates, NCLEX-PN Candidates. Keywords NU 185, NU 185 Exam 1, Nursing Foundations, Introduction to Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing Process, Assessment, Nursing Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, Florence Nightingale, Nursing History, Crimean War, Mary Mahoney, Luther Christman, Professional Nursing, Nursing Profession, Nursing Education, Nursing Licensure, Nursing Regulation, ANA Code of Ethics, Nursing Ethics, Patient Advocacy, Professional Accountability, Nursing Leadership, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Nursing Theory, Evidence-Based Practice, Professional Organizations, Nursing Standards, Nursing Practice, NCLEX Review, Nursing Exam Questions, Verified Answers, Study Guide