Nursing: Theory, Concepts, and Applications 5th Edition (volume 1) By
Leslie S. Treas, Karen L. Barnett, and Mable H. Smith
, Chapter 1 Evolution of Nursing Thought & Action
1. Which statements best describe key components of nursing? (Select all that apply.)
A) Nursing mostly consists of technical tasks.
B) The main purpose of nursing is to help people recover from diseases.
C) The science of nursing offers the foundation for the care delivered.
D) The art of nursing is based entirely on research findings.
E) Nursing combines both scientific knowledge and creative application.
F) Nursing is a professional discipline that involves specialized knowledge and abilities.
Correct Answers: C, E, F
Rationale: The science of nursing encompasses the theoretical and evidence-based knowledge needed to deliver
quality care, while the art of nursing includes compassionate interactions and individualized approaches. Nursing is
regarded as both an art and a science, requiring critical thinking, empathy, and technical skill. Additionally, nursing is
a recognized profession because it involves formal education, standards of practice, and a specific body of knowledge
and competencies.
2. Which set of terms best reflects nursing during the close of the Middle Ages?
A) Consistency, compassion, critical analysis
B) Purpose, direction, leadership
C) Evaluation, interventions, results
D) Advocacy, evidence, instruction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At the end of the Middle Ages, nursing became more structured, particularly under religious institutions
and military orders. Nurses worked under the direction of clergy or governing figures, carrying out assigned tasks
with clear objectives and oversight. The terms “purpose,” “direction,” and “leadership” summarize the organized,
goal-oriented nature of nursing during this time.
,3. Which description most accurately reflects nursing between ancient times and the 16th century?
A) Illness was often thought to stem from supernatural causes.
B) Religious leaders treated illnesses through prayers and rituals.
C) Nuns were the primary caregivers for the ill and poor.
D) Nursing transitioned from religious to scientific focus.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In early civilizations, sickness was frequently attributed to mystical or supernatural origins. Healing
methods involved spiritual rituals or offerings to appease spirits. Although priests and religious figures played
significant roles in caregiving, the dominant belief system centered on spiritual causes rather than biological ones.
4. During which time period did nursing begin to take shape as a modern profession?
A) Prehistoric era
B) Early civilizations to 16th century
C) 16th to 17th century
D) 18th to 19th century
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant turning point in the nursing profession. With Florence
Nightingale’s reforms during the Crimean War, nursing shifted toward sanitation, hygiene, and formal education,
laying the groundwork for professional standards and training programs.
5. Who is widely recognized as the founder of modern professional nursing?
A) Dorothea Dix
B) Lillian Wald
C) Florence Nightingale
D) Clara Barton
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is credited with revolutionizing nursing through her focus on cleanliness, data
collection, and hospital design. Her work led to the establishment of the first scientifically based nursing school and
transformed the public perception of nursing from a domestic duty to a respected profession.
6. Which nursing leader established the American Red Cross in 1882?
A) Florence Nightingale
B) Clara Barton
C) Dorothea Dix
D) Jane Addams
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross after being inspired by her work with the International Red
Cross during the Civil War. She led efforts to provide emergency relief in times of war and disaster, which
established a new role for nurses in humanitarian and disaster response.
7. What was a major challenge to the professional development of nursing in the U.S. after the Civil War?
A) Inadequate educational standards
B) Training provided by hospitals
C) Absence of influential nursing leaders
D) Religious nursing orders operating independently
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After the Civil War, there were no consistent standards for nursing education or licensure, resulting in
wide variability in training and practice. This hindered professional credibility and the establishment of a unified
nursing identity across the nation.