, WGU D220 InformatIon technoloGy In nUrsInG PractIce,
2026/2027, Western Governors UnIversIty – objectIve
assessment comPrehensIve examInatIon | | jUst releaseD .
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination contains 100 verified questions designed to reinforce the core
competencies of the WGU D220 Information Technology in Nursing Practice course for the
2026/2027 academic year. This course explores the integration of nursing science, computer
science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge,
and wisdom in nursing practice. The exam covers essential concepts including the DIKW
framework, electronic health records (EHRs), health informatics, HIPAA compliance, clinical
decision support systems (CDSS), interoperability, telehealth, and the ethical/legal implications
of health information technology.
The questions address four core domains: Foundations of Nursing Informatics (DIKW
Paradigm, Nursing Informatics Definitions, TIGER Initiative, ANA Scope & Standards), Health
Information Systems and Technology (EHR/EMR, Health Information Exchange, Patient
Portals, CDSS, Telehealth, Systems Development Life Cycle), Data Privacy, Security, and
Legal/Ethical Issues (HIPAA, HITECH Act, 21st Century Cures Act, Cybersecurity, ePHI,
Patient Rights), and Data-Informed Decision-Making and Quality Improvement (Data
Analytics, Meaningful Use, Quality Measures, Evidence-Based Practice, Interoperability,
Informatics Competencies).
Each item requires application of foundational nursing informatics knowledge drawn from
established WGU D220 curriculum materials, the ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing
Informatics Practice, and evidence-based healthcare technology standards. Successful
completion supports development of the clinical judgment and technological competency
required for safe, effective, and data-driven nursing practice in modern healthcare
environments.
DOMAIN 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING INFORMATICS
(Questions 1-25)
Question 1. According to the DIKW paradigm, which of the following BEST represents
"knowledge" in clinical practice?
A. A patient's blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. The interpretation that a patient's elevated blood pressure indicates hypertension
, C. A list of all patients in a unit with their vital signs
D. The decision to initiate antihypertensive therapy based on clinical guidelines
correct ansWer: B
ratIonale: The DIKW hierarchy progresses from Data (raw facts, e.g., blood pressure
reading) → Information (processed data with meaning, e.g., interpretation of elevated blood
pressure) → Knowledge (synthesis of information that guides action, e.g., understanding that
elevated BP indicates hypertension) → Wisdom (applied knowledge with ethical and practical
judgment, e.g., deciding when and how to treat). Option A is Data, Option C is Data, and Option
D is Wisdom.
Question 2. Which statement BEST describes the definition of nursing informatics according to
the American Nurses Association (ANA)?
A. The use of computers to document patient care
B. The integration of nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage
and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice
C. The replacement of nursing judgment with technology
D. The automation of all clinical workflows to eliminate errors
correct ansWer: B
ratIonale: The ANA defines nursing informatics as the specialty that integrates nursing
science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data,
information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. This definition emphasizes the role of
technology as a support tool, not a replacement for nursing judgment.
Question 3. What are the four components of the DIKW framework in order from simplest to
most complex?
A. Wisdom, Knowledge, Information, Data
B. Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom
C. Information, Data, Knowledge, Wisdom
D. Data, Knowledge, Information, Wisdom
correct ansWer: B
ratIonale: The DIKW hierarchy progresses from Data (raw, unprocessed facts) →
Information (data that has been organized and given meaning) → Knowledge (synthesized
information that can guide decisions) → Wisdom (the appropriate application of knowledge with
judgment and ethical considerations).
Question 4. The TIGER Initiative (Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform) was
developed to:
A. Replace all paper-based documentation with electronic systems
B. Transform nursing education and practice through the integration of informatics
2026/2027, Western Governors UnIversIty – objectIve
assessment comPrehensIve examInatIon | | jUst releaseD .
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination contains 100 verified questions designed to reinforce the core
competencies of the WGU D220 Information Technology in Nursing Practice course for the
2026/2027 academic year. This course explores the integration of nursing science, computer
science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge,
and wisdom in nursing practice. The exam covers essential concepts including the DIKW
framework, electronic health records (EHRs), health informatics, HIPAA compliance, clinical
decision support systems (CDSS), interoperability, telehealth, and the ethical/legal implications
of health information technology.
The questions address four core domains: Foundations of Nursing Informatics (DIKW
Paradigm, Nursing Informatics Definitions, TIGER Initiative, ANA Scope & Standards), Health
Information Systems and Technology (EHR/EMR, Health Information Exchange, Patient
Portals, CDSS, Telehealth, Systems Development Life Cycle), Data Privacy, Security, and
Legal/Ethical Issues (HIPAA, HITECH Act, 21st Century Cures Act, Cybersecurity, ePHI,
Patient Rights), and Data-Informed Decision-Making and Quality Improvement (Data
Analytics, Meaningful Use, Quality Measures, Evidence-Based Practice, Interoperability,
Informatics Competencies).
Each item requires application of foundational nursing informatics knowledge drawn from
established WGU D220 curriculum materials, the ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing
Informatics Practice, and evidence-based healthcare technology standards. Successful
completion supports development of the clinical judgment and technological competency
required for safe, effective, and data-driven nursing practice in modern healthcare
environments.
DOMAIN 1: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING INFORMATICS
(Questions 1-25)
Question 1. According to the DIKW paradigm, which of the following BEST represents
"knowledge" in clinical practice?
A. A patient's blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
B. The interpretation that a patient's elevated blood pressure indicates hypertension
, C. A list of all patients in a unit with their vital signs
D. The decision to initiate antihypertensive therapy based on clinical guidelines
correct ansWer: B
ratIonale: The DIKW hierarchy progresses from Data (raw facts, e.g., blood pressure
reading) → Information (processed data with meaning, e.g., interpretation of elevated blood
pressure) → Knowledge (synthesis of information that guides action, e.g., understanding that
elevated BP indicates hypertension) → Wisdom (applied knowledge with ethical and practical
judgment, e.g., deciding when and how to treat). Option A is Data, Option C is Data, and Option
D is Wisdom.
Question 2. Which statement BEST describes the definition of nursing informatics according to
the American Nurses Association (ANA)?
A. The use of computers to document patient care
B. The integration of nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage
and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice
C. The replacement of nursing judgment with technology
D. The automation of all clinical workflows to eliminate errors
correct ansWer: B
ratIonale: The ANA defines nursing informatics as the specialty that integrates nursing
science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data,
information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. This definition emphasizes the role of
technology as a support tool, not a replacement for nursing judgment.
Question 3. What are the four components of the DIKW framework in order from simplest to
most complex?
A. Wisdom, Knowledge, Information, Data
B. Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom
C. Information, Data, Knowledge, Wisdom
D. Data, Knowledge, Information, Wisdom
correct ansWer: B
ratIonale: The DIKW hierarchy progresses from Data (raw, unprocessed facts) →
Information (data that has been organized and given meaning) → Knowledge (synthesized
information that can guide decisions) → Wisdom (the appropriate application of knowledge with
judgment and ethical considerations).
Question 4. The TIGER Initiative (Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform) was
developed to:
A. Replace all paper-based documentation with electronic systems
B. Transform nursing education and practice through the integration of informatics
