NURSING INFORMATICS AND THE
FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE
6TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)DEE MCGONIGLE;
KATHLEEN MASTRIAN
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Introduction — Foundation of Knowledge Model
Stem
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit notices that pulse oximetry
alarms increase staff interruptions but yield few actionable
changes in patient care. Using the Foundation of Knowledge
(DIKW) model, the nurse wants to convert repetitive SpO₂
readings into actionable nursing knowledge that reduces
unnecessary alarms. Which informatics action best advances
the nurse from data to knowledge while preserving patient
safety?
,Options
A. Reduce alarm thresholds across the unit so fewer alarms
trigger.
B. Configure the monitor to display a rolling average and add
context (respiratory rate, activity) to alarms.
C. Turn off nonessential alarm types on weekdays to reduce
interruptions.
D. Require additional manual documentation of each alarm
event in the EHR.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct (B): Averaging and adding contextual parameters
transforms isolated SpO₂ data into information with context and
supports knowledge creation by linking trends (rolling average)
with other vitals and activity — aligning with DIKW and
McGonigle & Mastrian’s emphasis on making meaningful
information for decision-making. This approach reduces false
positives while preserving safety and supports workflow.
Incorrect (A): Lowering thresholds risks missing true
desaturations and sacrifices safety; it does not add interpretive
context (information) or support knowledge formation.
Incorrect (C): Temporarily disabling alarms reduces
interruptions but undermines continuous monitoring and
patient safety; it fails DIKW progression.
Incorrect (D): Manual documentation increases workload
,without improving signal interpretation or transforming data
into actionable knowledge.
Teaching Point
Provide contextualized, trend-based data to convert raw signals
into actionable nursing knowledge.
Citation
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2022). Nursing Informatics and
the Foundation of Knowledge (6th ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Nursing Science — The Nurse as a Knowledge Worker
Stem
During morning rounds a nurse uses the EHR to synthesize lab
trends, medication changes, and patient-reported symptoms
before presenting at huddle. Which behavior best reflects the
nurse functioning as a knowledge worker per the chapter’s
description?
Options
A. Reading the last recorded vital signs aloud to the team.
B. Pulling relevant trends, applying evidence to reinterpret
findings, and proposing a prioritized plan.
C. Printing the patient’s full chart and distributing copies to
each team member.
D. Delegating chart review to a unit clerk to save time.
, Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct (B): This option demonstrates transforming data into
information and applying nursing science (evidence) to produce
knowledge and a plan — core characteristics of a knowledge
worker described by McGonigle & Mastrian. It shows synthesis,
judgment, and application.
Incorrect (A): Reading isolated vitals is data reporting, not
higher-order knowledge work.
Incorrect (C): Printing full charts is inefficient and does not
reflect analytic synthesis or knowledge creation.
Incorrect (D): Delegation of synthesis relinquishes professional
judgment and violates the knowledge worker role.
Teaching Point
Knowledge workers synthesize data, apply evidence, and
produce prioritized clinical actions.
Citation
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2022). Nursing Informatics and
the Foundation of Knowledge (6th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — The Nature of Knowledge — Tacit vs. Explicit
Knowledge
FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE
6TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)DEE MCGONIGLE;
KATHLEEN MASTRIAN
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Introduction — Foundation of Knowledge Model
Stem
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit notices that pulse oximetry
alarms increase staff interruptions but yield few actionable
changes in patient care. Using the Foundation of Knowledge
(DIKW) model, the nurse wants to convert repetitive SpO₂
readings into actionable nursing knowledge that reduces
unnecessary alarms. Which informatics action best advances
the nurse from data to knowledge while preserving patient
safety?
,Options
A. Reduce alarm thresholds across the unit so fewer alarms
trigger.
B. Configure the monitor to display a rolling average and add
context (respiratory rate, activity) to alarms.
C. Turn off nonessential alarm types on weekdays to reduce
interruptions.
D. Require additional manual documentation of each alarm
event in the EHR.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct (B): Averaging and adding contextual parameters
transforms isolated SpO₂ data into information with context and
supports knowledge creation by linking trends (rolling average)
with other vitals and activity — aligning with DIKW and
McGonigle & Mastrian’s emphasis on making meaningful
information for decision-making. This approach reduces false
positives while preserving safety and supports workflow.
Incorrect (A): Lowering thresholds risks missing true
desaturations and sacrifices safety; it does not add interpretive
context (information) or support knowledge formation.
Incorrect (C): Temporarily disabling alarms reduces
interruptions but undermines continuous monitoring and
patient safety; it fails DIKW progression.
Incorrect (D): Manual documentation increases workload
,without improving signal interpretation or transforming data
into actionable knowledge.
Teaching Point
Provide contextualized, trend-based data to convert raw signals
into actionable nursing knowledge.
Citation
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2022). Nursing Informatics and
the Foundation of Knowledge (6th ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Nursing Science — The Nurse as a Knowledge Worker
Stem
During morning rounds a nurse uses the EHR to synthesize lab
trends, medication changes, and patient-reported symptoms
before presenting at huddle. Which behavior best reflects the
nurse functioning as a knowledge worker per the chapter’s
description?
Options
A. Reading the last recorded vital signs aloud to the team.
B. Pulling relevant trends, applying evidence to reinterpret
findings, and proposing a prioritized plan.
C. Printing the patient’s full chart and distributing copies to
each team member.
D. Delegating chart review to a unit clerk to save time.
, Correct Answer
B
Rationales
Correct (B): This option demonstrates transforming data into
information and applying nursing science (evidence) to produce
knowledge and a plan — core characteristics of a knowledge
worker described by McGonigle & Mastrian. It shows synthesis,
judgment, and application.
Incorrect (A): Reading isolated vitals is data reporting, not
higher-order knowledge work.
Incorrect (C): Printing full charts is inefficient and does not
reflect analytic synthesis or knowledge creation.
Incorrect (D): Delegation of synthesis relinquishes professional
judgment and violates the knowledge worker role.
Teaching Point
Knowledge workers synthesize data, apply evidence, and
produce prioritized clinical actions.
Citation
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2022). Nursing Informatics and
the Foundation of Knowledge (6th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — The Nature of Knowledge — Tacit vs. Explicit
Knowledge
