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PROFESSIONAL NURSING: CONCEPTS & CHALLENGES EXAM PRACTICE
GUIDE AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST EDITION
Professional Nursing: Concepts & Challenges — 250
Questions & Answers
Chapter 1: Nursing in Today's Evolving Health Care
Environment (Questions 1–30)
1. Which of the following could eventually change the historical status of nursing
as a female-dominated profession?
A. More men graduating from baccalaureate and higher degree programs
B. The proportion of men in nursing beginning to increase
C. More male graduates of basic nursing programs entering the workplace
D. Salary compensation increasing to attract more men
Answer: C
Rationale: The more men who enter the workplace as nurses, the less nursing will be
seen as a female-dominated profession. Associate degree programs produce the
majority of new graduates, making "more men graduating from baccalaureate
programs" less impactful in changing the profession's gender demographics. Salary
rates do not appear to relate to the recruitment of men into nursing.
2. The racial and ethnic composition of the nursing profession will change to more
accurately reflect the population as a whole when:
A. The increased numbers of racial and ethnic minorities enrolled in educational
programs graduate and begin to practice
B. The number of Asians or Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islanders begins to increase
C. The percentage of African-American and Hispanic nurses decreases more than the
percentage of White nurses
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D. The non-White portion of the general population decreases
Answer: A
Rationale: A larger percentage of minorities are enrolled in nursing educational
programs than previously, so their graduation and entry into practice will diversify the
workforce. Asians and Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islanders are already overrepresented in
nursing compared to their percentage of the general population. The non-White portion
of the population is not likely to decrease.
3. Which of the following is a correct statement about the registered nurse (RN)
population?
A. The racial/ethnic composition of RNs closely resembles that of the general population
B. The number of men entering nursing has decreased steadily over the last decade
C. The rate of aging of RNs has slowed for the first time in the past 30 years
D. The majority of employed RNs working full time must work a second position
Answer: C
Rationale: The average age of RNs remained stable in both 2004 and 2008 at 46,
indicating the rate of aging has slowed due to numbers of RNs under 30 entering the
workforce. The racial/ethnic composition of RNs is increasing but does not approximate
the general population. The number of men entering nursing is increasing, not
decreasing. Only 12% of nurses working full time hold second positions.
4. Which of the following best describes trends in nursing education?
A. Numbers of RNs with bachelors and higher degrees are increasing
B. Numbers of RNs with associate degrees are decreasing
C. Foreign-born nurses practicing in the United States are seen as less knowledgeable
because of their lesser educational preparation
D. Numbers of RNs with diploma educations are increasing
Answer: A
Rationale: Slightly over 50% of RNs eventually obtain their BSN or a higher nursing
degree. The majority of nurses get their initial education in ADN programs, so the
number of RNs with associate degrees is not decreasing. Foreign-born nurses may be
viewed as less knowledgeable by peers due to language and cultural differences, not
educational preparation. Diploma-educated nurses are declining in number.
5. Despite the variety of work settings available to the RN, data from 2008 indicate
that the primary work site for RNs is:
A. Ambulatory care settings
B. Community health settings
C. Long-term care facilities
D. Acute care hospitals
Answer: D
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Rationale: Statistics show that 62.2% of RNs work in acute care hospitals. Ambulatory
care settings account for about 10.5%, public health and community health settings
account for 7.8%, and long-term care facilities account for 5.3%.
6. One important advantage of clinical ladder programs for hospital-based RNs is
that they:
A. Allow career advancement for nurses who choose to remain at the bedside
B. Encourage nurses to move into management positions
C. Provide financial incentives for nurses to pursue graduate education
D. Mandate continuing education for all nursing staff
Answer: A
Rationale: Clinical ladder programs provide opportunities for career advancement for
nurses who wish to remain at the bedside, recognizing clinical excellence rather than
requiring movement into management. This helps retain experienced nurses in direct
patient care roles.
7. The most rapid growth in the health care sector is occurring in which setting?
A. Acute care hospitals
B. Ambulatory care settings
C. Long-term care facilities
D. Home health care
Answer: B
Rationale: The most rapid growth in the health care sector is occurring in ambulatory
care settings, reflecting the shift from inpatient to outpatient care. This growth is driven
by technological advances, cost containment pressures, and patient preference for
community-based care.
8. Which of the following is a factor contributing to the nursing shortage?
A. Aging of the nursing workforce
B. Insufficient faculty to teach nursing students
C. Increasing demand for health care services
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: The nursing shortage is caused by multiple factors: the aging of the nursing
workforce (with many nurses approaching retirement), insufficient faculty to educate
new nurses, and increasing demand for health care services due to an aging population
and expanded access to care. These factors combine to create a persistent and growing
shortage.
9. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report "The Future of Nursing" recommended
that:
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A. 80% of RNs should hold a BSN by 2020
B. Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training
C. Residency programs should be established for new graduates
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: The IOM report made several key recommendations: increasing the
proportion of RNs with BSN degrees to 80% by 2020, removing scope-of-practice
barriers so nurses can practice to the full extent of their education, and implementing
nurse residency programs for new graduates. These recommendations aim to transform
nursing practice and improve patient care.
10. A nurse is caring for a patient who has limited English proficiency and is from a
different cultural background. Which action best demonstrates culturally
competent care?
A. Asking a family member to interpret
B. Using a professional interpreter and respecting cultural preferences
C. Speaking loudly and slowly in English
D. Avoiding discussion of cultural differences
Answer: B
Rationale: Using a professional interpreter and respecting cultural preferences ensures
accurate communication and culturally competent care.
11. The nurse is caring for a patient with a chronic illness. The nurse teaches the
patient self-management skills. This nursing action reflects which current trend in
health care?
A. Hospital-centered care
B. Primary care focus
C. Emphasis on chronic disease management
D. Focus on acute care
Answer: C
Rationale: The increasing prevalence of chronic illness has shifted the focus to self-
management and patient education.
12. A nurse is using an electronic health record to document patient care. This
technology supports which goal of health care?
A. Increased paperwork
B. Improved quality and safety
C. Reduced communication
D. Limited access to information
Answer: B
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PROFESSIONAL NURSING: CONCEPTS & CHALLENGES EXAM PRACTICE
GUIDE AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST EDITION
Professional Nursing: Concepts & Challenges — 250
Questions & Answers
Chapter 1: Nursing in Today's Evolving Health Care
Environment (Questions 1–30)
1. Which of the following could eventually change the historical status of nursing
as a female-dominated profession?
A. More men graduating from baccalaureate and higher degree programs
B. The proportion of men in nursing beginning to increase
C. More male graduates of basic nursing programs entering the workplace
D. Salary compensation increasing to attract more men
Answer: C
Rationale: The more men who enter the workplace as nurses, the less nursing will be
seen as a female-dominated profession. Associate degree programs produce the
majority of new graduates, making "more men graduating from baccalaureate
programs" less impactful in changing the profession's gender demographics. Salary
rates do not appear to relate to the recruitment of men into nursing.
2. The racial and ethnic composition of the nursing profession will change to more
accurately reflect the population as a whole when:
A. The increased numbers of racial and ethnic minorities enrolled in educational
programs graduate and begin to practice
B. The number of Asians or Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islanders begins to increase
C. The percentage of African-American and Hispanic nurses decreases more than the
percentage of White nurses
1|Page
,Page 2 of 59
D. The non-White portion of the general population decreases
Answer: A
Rationale: A larger percentage of minorities are enrolled in nursing educational
programs than previously, so their graduation and entry into practice will diversify the
workforce. Asians and Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islanders are already overrepresented in
nursing compared to their percentage of the general population. The non-White portion
of the population is not likely to decrease.
3. Which of the following is a correct statement about the registered nurse (RN)
population?
A. The racial/ethnic composition of RNs closely resembles that of the general population
B. The number of men entering nursing has decreased steadily over the last decade
C. The rate of aging of RNs has slowed for the first time in the past 30 years
D. The majority of employed RNs working full time must work a second position
Answer: C
Rationale: The average age of RNs remained stable in both 2004 and 2008 at 46,
indicating the rate of aging has slowed due to numbers of RNs under 30 entering the
workforce. The racial/ethnic composition of RNs is increasing but does not approximate
the general population. The number of men entering nursing is increasing, not
decreasing. Only 12% of nurses working full time hold second positions.
4. Which of the following best describes trends in nursing education?
A. Numbers of RNs with bachelors and higher degrees are increasing
B. Numbers of RNs with associate degrees are decreasing
C. Foreign-born nurses practicing in the United States are seen as less knowledgeable
because of their lesser educational preparation
D. Numbers of RNs with diploma educations are increasing
Answer: A
Rationale: Slightly over 50% of RNs eventually obtain their BSN or a higher nursing
degree. The majority of nurses get their initial education in ADN programs, so the
number of RNs with associate degrees is not decreasing. Foreign-born nurses may be
viewed as less knowledgeable by peers due to language and cultural differences, not
educational preparation. Diploma-educated nurses are declining in number.
5. Despite the variety of work settings available to the RN, data from 2008 indicate
that the primary work site for RNs is:
A. Ambulatory care settings
B. Community health settings
C. Long-term care facilities
D. Acute care hospitals
Answer: D
2|Page
,Page 3 of 59
Rationale: Statistics show that 62.2% of RNs work in acute care hospitals. Ambulatory
care settings account for about 10.5%, public health and community health settings
account for 7.8%, and long-term care facilities account for 5.3%.
6. One important advantage of clinical ladder programs for hospital-based RNs is
that they:
A. Allow career advancement for nurses who choose to remain at the bedside
B. Encourage nurses to move into management positions
C. Provide financial incentives for nurses to pursue graduate education
D. Mandate continuing education for all nursing staff
Answer: A
Rationale: Clinical ladder programs provide opportunities for career advancement for
nurses who wish to remain at the bedside, recognizing clinical excellence rather than
requiring movement into management. This helps retain experienced nurses in direct
patient care roles.
7. The most rapid growth in the health care sector is occurring in which setting?
A. Acute care hospitals
B. Ambulatory care settings
C. Long-term care facilities
D. Home health care
Answer: B
Rationale: The most rapid growth in the health care sector is occurring in ambulatory
care settings, reflecting the shift from inpatient to outpatient care. This growth is driven
by technological advances, cost containment pressures, and patient preference for
community-based care.
8. Which of the following is a factor contributing to the nursing shortage?
A. Aging of the nursing workforce
B. Insufficient faculty to teach nursing students
C. Increasing demand for health care services
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: The nursing shortage is caused by multiple factors: the aging of the nursing
workforce (with many nurses approaching retirement), insufficient faculty to educate
new nurses, and increasing demand for health care services due to an aging population
and expanded access to care. These factors combine to create a persistent and growing
shortage.
9. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report "The Future of Nursing" recommended
that:
3|Page
, Page 4 of 59
A. 80% of RNs should hold a BSN by 2020
B. Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training
C. Residency programs should be established for new graduates
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: The IOM report made several key recommendations: increasing the
proportion of RNs with BSN degrees to 80% by 2020, removing scope-of-practice
barriers so nurses can practice to the full extent of their education, and implementing
nurse residency programs for new graduates. These recommendations aim to transform
nursing practice and improve patient care.
10. A nurse is caring for a patient who has limited English proficiency and is from a
different cultural background. Which action best demonstrates culturally
competent care?
A. Asking a family member to interpret
B. Using a professional interpreter and respecting cultural preferences
C. Speaking loudly and slowly in English
D. Avoiding discussion of cultural differences
Answer: B
Rationale: Using a professional interpreter and respecting cultural preferences ensures
accurate communication and culturally competent care.
11. The nurse is caring for a patient with a chronic illness. The nurse teaches the
patient self-management skills. This nursing action reflects which current trend in
health care?
A. Hospital-centered care
B. Primary care focus
C. Emphasis on chronic disease management
D. Focus on acute care
Answer: C
Rationale: The increasing prevalence of chronic illness has shifted the focus to self-
management and patient education.
12. A nurse is using an electronic health record to document patient care. This
technology supports which goal of health care?
A. Increased paperwork
B. Improved quality and safety
C. Reduced communication
D. Limited access to information
Answer: B
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