, NU 131: Nursing and Healthcare I —
Midterm Exam Questions and Answers
with Rationale 2026/2027 Update
Unit 1: Foundations of Nursing, Health
Promotion, & Theory
Q1. Which historical figure is widely recognized as the
founder of modern nursing, emphasizing environmental
factors such as ventilation, light, and cleanliness in patient
recovery?
A) Clara Barton
B) Florence Nightingale
C) Lillian Wald
D) Dorothea Dix
Correct Answer: B) Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale established the foundation of
modern nursing by emphasizing the impact of the physical
environment on patient health outcomes. Clara Barton founded
the American Red Cross, Lillian Wald pioneered public health
nursing, and Dorothea Dix advocated for mental health reform.
Q2. A nurse participates in a community health fair by
providing blood pressure screenings and cholesterol checks.
This activity represents which level of prevention?
, A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Quaternary prevention
Correct Answer: B) Secondary prevention
Rationale: Secondary prevention focuses on early detection,
screening, and prompt diagnosis of diseases to halt progression.
Primary prevention stops disease before it occurs (e.g.,
immunizations), while tertiary prevention focuses on
rehabilitation after a disease is established.
Q3. According to Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring,
what is considered the core essence of professional nursing
practice?
A) Strictly following physician medical orders without
deviation
B) Transpersonal caring relationships and human-to-human
connection
C) Maximizing hospital financial revenue through efficient
scheduling
D) Executing rapid mechanical technical skills
Correct Answer: B) Transpersonal caring relationships and
human-to-human connection
, Rationale: Watson’s theory emphasizes that nursing is
fundamentally centered on human-to-human caring, preserving
human dignity, and nurturing the mind, body, and spirit during
health and illness.
Q4. When prioritizing patient care using Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Needs, which physiological need takes absolute
priority over all other human needs?
A) Protection from environmental hazards
B) Achieving intimate interpersonal relationships
C) Maintaining a patent airway and adequate oxygenation
D) Financial stability and secure housing
Correct Answer: C) Maintaining a patent airway and
adequate oxygenation
Rationale: Physiological needs sit at the absolute base of
Maslow’s pyramid. Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC)
take precedence over safety, belonging, and self-actualization.
Unit 2: Legal Concepts, Ethics, &
Professional Standards
Q5. A nurse threatens to administer an injection to a
competent, uncooperative patient against their explicit will.
This action constitutes which intentional tort?
A) Battery
B) Assault
Midterm Exam Questions and Answers
with Rationale 2026/2027 Update
Unit 1: Foundations of Nursing, Health
Promotion, & Theory
Q1. Which historical figure is widely recognized as the
founder of modern nursing, emphasizing environmental
factors such as ventilation, light, and cleanliness in patient
recovery?
A) Clara Barton
B) Florence Nightingale
C) Lillian Wald
D) Dorothea Dix
Correct Answer: B) Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale established the foundation of
modern nursing by emphasizing the impact of the physical
environment on patient health outcomes. Clara Barton founded
the American Red Cross, Lillian Wald pioneered public health
nursing, and Dorothea Dix advocated for mental health reform.
Q2. A nurse participates in a community health fair by
providing blood pressure screenings and cholesterol checks.
This activity represents which level of prevention?
, A) Primary prevention
B) Secondary prevention
C) Tertiary prevention
D) Quaternary prevention
Correct Answer: B) Secondary prevention
Rationale: Secondary prevention focuses on early detection,
screening, and prompt diagnosis of diseases to halt progression.
Primary prevention stops disease before it occurs (e.g.,
immunizations), while tertiary prevention focuses on
rehabilitation after a disease is established.
Q3. According to Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring,
what is considered the core essence of professional nursing
practice?
A) Strictly following physician medical orders without
deviation
B) Transpersonal caring relationships and human-to-human
connection
C) Maximizing hospital financial revenue through efficient
scheduling
D) Executing rapid mechanical technical skills
Correct Answer: B) Transpersonal caring relationships and
human-to-human connection
, Rationale: Watson’s theory emphasizes that nursing is
fundamentally centered on human-to-human caring, preserving
human dignity, and nurturing the mind, body, and spirit during
health and illness.
Q4. When prioritizing patient care using Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Needs, which physiological need takes absolute
priority over all other human needs?
A) Protection from environmental hazards
B) Achieving intimate interpersonal relationships
C) Maintaining a patent airway and adequate oxygenation
D) Financial stability and secure housing
Correct Answer: C) Maintaining a patent airway and
adequate oxygenation
Rationale: Physiological needs sit at the absolute base of
Maslow’s pyramid. Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC)
take precedence over safety, belonging, and self-actualization.
Unit 2: Legal Concepts, Ethics, &
Professional Standards
Q5. A nurse threatens to administer an injection to a
competent, uncooperative patient against their explicit will.
This action constitutes which intentional tort?
A) Battery
B) Assault
