,Chapter 1 — Nursing as a Profession
Key Concept: Characteristics of a profession
ANA Standard(s): Standard 5: Implementation (when
applied clinically)
Nursing Process: Assessment
Stem: Which characteristic best distinguishes nursing as a
profession rather than an occupation?
Options:
A. Work performed primarily for pay.
B. Short-term on-the-job training.
C. A code of ethics and a professional body of knowledge.
D. Variable work hours determined by employer.
Correct Answer: C — A code of ethics and a professional
body of knowledge
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Nursing is characterized by a
systematic body of knowledge, a code of ethics, and a self-
regulating professional organization, which separate it
from occupations that lack these features (Fundamentals
of Nursing, 12th Ed., Ch. 1). Link to ANA Standard:
Professional practice and ethical accountability (Standard
5: Implementation).
A (incorrect): Work for pay occurs in both professions and
occupations, so it does not distinguish nursing.
B (incorrect): Short-term training describes many
occupations, not professions like nursing which require
, formal education.
D (incorrect): Variable hours are common in many jobs and
are not a defining professional trait.
Teaching Point: Professions have specialized knowledge,
ethics, and self-regulation.
2. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Historical Influences
Key Concept: Florence Nightingale’s impact
ANA Standard(s): Standard 1: Assessment (historical
context informs care)
Nursing Process: Assessment
Stem: Florence Nightingale’s work during the Crimean War
is most credited with which long-term impact on nursing?
Options:
A. Establishing the first pharmacology textbook.
B. Introducing sanitation and statistical approaches to care.
C. Creating the first worldwide nursing union.
D. Inventing mechanical ventilators for respiratory failure.
Correct Answer: B — Introducing sanitation and statistical
approaches to care
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Nightingale emphasized
sanitation, hygiene, and data-driven improvements in care
delivery, influencing modern infection control and
nursing’s use of statistics (Fundamentals of Nursing, 12th
, Ed., Ch. 1). ANA Standard relevance: Assessment of
environment for safety and quality.
A (incorrect): Nightingale did not author a pharmacology
textbook; her contributions were to sanitation and nursing
education.
C (incorrect): She did not found a worldwide nursing union.
D (incorrect): Mechanical ventilators were developed much
later; Nightingale’s focus was public health and
environment.
Teaching Point: Nightingale advanced hygiene and
evidence-based system improvements.
3. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Contemporary Influences
Key Concept: Technology in nursing practice
ANA Standard(s): Standard 6: Evaluation (technology
outcomes)
Nursing Process: Implementation
Stem: Which technology-related trend most directly
improves patient safety in medication administration?
Options:
A. Social media use by nurses.
B. Bar-coded medication administration (BCMA).
C. Personal fitness trackers for nurses.
D. Virtual backgrounds during telehealth.
Correct Answer: B — Bar-coded medication
Key Concept: Characteristics of a profession
ANA Standard(s): Standard 5: Implementation (when
applied clinically)
Nursing Process: Assessment
Stem: Which characteristic best distinguishes nursing as a
profession rather than an occupation?
Options:
A. Work performed primarily for pay.
B. Short-term on-the-job training.
C. A code of ethics and a professional body of knowledge.
D. Variable work hours determined by employer.
Correct Answer: C — A code of ethics and a professional
body of knowledge
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Nursing is characterized by a
systematic body of knowledge, a code of ethics, and a self-
regulating professional organization, which separate it
from occupations that lack these features (Fundamentals
of Nursing, 12th Ed., Ch. 1). Link to ANA Standard:
Professional practice and ethical accountability (Standard
5: Implementation).
A (incorrect): Work for pay occurs in both professions and
occupations, so it does not distinguish nursing.
B (incorrect): Short-term training describes many
occupations, not professions like nursing which require
, formal education.
D (incorrect): Variable hours are common in many jobs and
are not a defining professional trait.
Teaching Point: Professions have specialized knowledge,
ethics, and self-regulation.
2. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Historical Influences
Key Concept: Florence Nightingale’s impact
ANA Standard(s): Standard 1: Assessment (historical
context informs care)
Nursing Process: Assessment
Stem: Florence Nightingale’s work during the Crimean War
is most credited with which long-term impact on nursing?
Options:
A. Establishing the first pharmacology textbook.
B. Introducing sanitation and statistical approaches to care.
C. Creating the first worldwide nursing union.
D. Inventing mechanical ventilators for respiratory failure.
Correct Answer: B — Introducing sanitation and statistical
approaches to care
Rationale:
Correct (2–3 sentences): Nightingale emphasized
sanitation, hygiene, and data-driven improvements in care
delivery, influencing modern infection control and
nursing’s use of statistics (Fundamentals of Nursing, 12th
, Ed., Ch. 1). ANA Standard relevance: Assessment of
environment for safety and quality.
A (incorrect): Nightingale did not author a pharmacology
textbook; her contributions were to sanitation and nursing
education.
C (incorrect): She did not found a worldwide nursing union.
D (incorrect): Mechanical ventilators were developed much
later; Nightingale’s focus was public health and
environment.
Teaching Point: Nightingale advanced hygiene and
evidence-based system improvements.
3. Question /stem
Chapter 1 — Contemporary Influences
Key Concept: Technology in nursing practice
ANA Standard(s): Standard 6: Evaluation (technology
outcomes)
Nursing Process: Implementation
Stem: Which technology-related trend most directly
improves patient safety in medication administration?
Options:
A. Social media use by nurses.
B. Bar-coded medication administration (BCMA).
C. Personal fitness trackers for nurses.
D. Virtual backgrounds during telehealth.
Correct Answer: B — Bar-coded medication
