NSG 300 Exam 1 (PDF) | (2026/2027) |
Foundations of Nursing | Grand Canyon
University 200 Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Section 1: Professional Nursing Practice & History (Questions 1–30)
1. The nurse is explaining the role of Florence Nightingale in nursing history.
Which contribution is Florence Nightingale best known for?
A) Establishing the first nursing school in the United States
B) Developing the first nursing theory
C) Improving sanitation and reducing mortality during the Crimean War
D) Creating the American Red Cross
Answer: C) Improving sanitation and reducing mortality during the
Crimean War
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is known for her work during the
Crimean War, where she improved sanitation and reduced mortality
rates. She established the first nursing school in London (not the US)
and is considered the founder of modern nursing.
,2. The nurse is reviewing the American Nurses Association (ANA) definition
of nursing. Which statement best describes the ANA's definition of nursing?
A) The diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential
health problems
B) The administration of medications and treatments prescribed by
physicians
C) The provision of comfort and care to the sick
D) The scientific study of disease processes
Answer: A) The diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or
potential health problems
Rationale: The ANA defines nursing as "the protection, promotion,
and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and
injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of
human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families,
communities, and populations."
3. A nursing student is learning about the scope of nursing practice. Which
organization defines the scope and standards of nursing practice?
A) National League for Nursing (NLN)
B) American Nurses Association (ANA)
C) National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
,D) Joint Commission
Answer: B) American Nurses Association (ANA)
Rationale: The ANA defines the scope and standards of nursing
practice. The NCSBN develops the NCLEX exam. The NLN focuses on
nursing education.
4. The nurse is explaining the concept of "evidence-based practice" (EBP) to
a new graduate. Which statement best defines EBP?
A) Using traditional methods of care passed down through generations
B) Integrating the best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient
preferences
C) Following hospital policies and procedures without question
D) Relying solely on research studies to guide care
Answer: B) Integrating the best current evidence with clinical
expertise and patient preferences
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates the best available
research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and
preferences to guide clinical decisions.
, 5. The nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a blood transfusion due to
religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating by
respecting this decision?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Autonomy
D) Justice
Answer: C) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy respects the patient's right to make their own
healthcare decisions. Beneficence is doing good, nonmaleficence is
avoiding harm, and justice is fairness.
6. The nurse is educating a patient about their treatment options. The
patient asks questions and ultimately decides to proceed with surgery.
Which element of informed consent is being demonstrated?
A) Disclosure of information
B) Comprehension
C) Voluntariness
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Foundations of Nursing | Grand Canyon
University 200 Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Section 1: Professional Nursing Practice & History (Questions 1–30)
1. The nurse is explaining the role of Florence Nightingale in nursing history.
Which contribution is Florence Nightingale best known for?
A) Establishing the first nursing school in the United States
B) Developing the first nursing theory
C) Improving sanitation and reducing mortality during the Crimean War
D) Creating the American Red Cross
Answer: C) Improving sanitation and reducing mortality during the
Crimean War
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is known for her work during the
Crimean War, where she improved sanitation and reduced mortality
rates. She established the first nursing school in London (not the US)
and is considered the founder of modern nursing.
,2. The nurse is reviewing the American Nurses Association (ANA) definition
of nursing. Which statement best describes the ANA's definition of nursing?
A) The diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential
health problems
B) The administration of medications and treatments prescribed by
physicians
C) The provision of comfort and care to the sick
D) The scientific study of disease processes
Answer: A) The diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or
potential health problems
Rationale: The ANA defines nursing as "the protection, promotion,
and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and
injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of
human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families,
communities, and populations."
3. A nursing student is learning about the scope of nursing practice. Which
organization defines the scope and standards of nursing practice?
A) National League for Nursing (NLN)
B) American Nurses Association (ANA)
C) National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
,D) Joint Commission
Answer: B) American Nurses Association (ANA)
Rationale: The ANA defines the scope and standards of nursing
practice. The NCSBN develops the NCLEX exam. The NLN focuses on
nursing education.
4. The nurse is explaining the concept of "evidence-based practice" (EBP) to
a new graduate. Which statement best defines EBP?
A) Using traditional methods of care passed down through generations
B) Integrating the best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient
preferences
C) Following hospital policies and procedures without question
D) Relying solely on research studies to guide care
Answer: B) Integrating the best current evidence with clinical
expertise and patient preferences
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates the best available
research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and
preferences to guide clinical decisions.
, 5. The nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a blood transfusion due to
religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating by
respecting this decision?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Autonomy
D) Justice
Answer: C) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy respects the patient's right to make their own
healthcare decisions. Beneficence is doing good, nonmaleficence is
avoiding harm, and justice is fairness.
6. The nurse is educating a patient about their treatment options. The
patient asks questions and ultimately decides to proceed with surgery.
Which element of informed consent is being demonstrated?
A) Disclosure of information
B) Comprehension
C) Voluntariness
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
