Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-
Surgical Nursing
16th Edition
• Author(s)Janice L. Hinkle; Kerry H.
Cheever; Kristen J. Overbaugh; Carolyn E.
Bradley
TEST BANK
Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice – Professional Nursing
Practice
20 NCLEX-Style MCQs
Question 1
A nurse explains that nursing is both an art and a science.
Which statement best reflects this concept?
,A. Nursing focuses exclusively on administering medications
and treatments.
B. Nursing integrates scientific knowledge with compassionate
patient-centered care.
C. Nursing is primarily responsible for diagnosing medical
conditions.
D. Nursing emphasizes technical procedures rather than patient
relationships.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Nursing is described as both an art and a science because it
combines evidence-based scientific knowledge with caring,
compassionate, and individualized patient care. Nurses apply
clinical judgment while addressing physical, emotional, social,
and spiritual needs.
A is incorrect because nursing includes far more than
treatments and medications.
C is incorrect because medical diagnosis is primarily the
provider’s responsibility.
D is incorrect because therapeutic relationships are central to
nursing practice.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for several patients on a medical-surgical unit.
Which action best demonstrates patient-centered care?
A. Following unit routines regardless of patient preference
B. Encouraging the patient to participate in decisions regarding
care
C. Prioritizing physician requests over patient concerns
D. Limiting patient questions to save time during medication
administration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Patient-centered care emphasizes respect for patient values,
preferences, and involvement in healthcare decisions.
Encouraging participation promotes autonomy and improves
patient outcomes.
A is incorrect because patient preferences should be
considered.
C is incorrect because patient concerns remain a priority.
D is incorrect because communication and education are
essential nursing responsibilities.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice
, Question 3
Which factor has the greatest influence on an individual’s
overall health status?
A. Access to diagnostic testing
B. Social determinants of health
C. Availability of specialty physicians
D. Frequency of hospital admissions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Social determinants of health, including income, education,
housing, environment, and access to care, significantly
influence overall health outcomes and health disparities.
A, C, and D are incorrect because they represent components
of healthcare delivery but do not exert the broad influence of
social determinants.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice
Question 4
A nurse identifies a medication error before administering the
drug to a patient. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the medication because no harm occurred
B. Report the error according to institutional policy
Surgical Nursing
16th Edition
• Author(s)Janice L. Hinkle; Kerry H.
Cheever; Kristen J. Overbaugh; Carolyn E.
Bradley
TEST BANK
Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice – Professional Nursing
Practice
20 NCLEX-Style MCQs
Question 1
A nurse explains that nursing is both an art and a science.
Which statement best reflects this concept?
,A. Nursing focuses exclusively on administering medications
and treatments.
B. Nursing integrates scientific knowledge with compassionate
patient-centered care.
C. Nursing is primarily responsible for diagnosing medical
conditions.
D. Nursing emphasizes technical procedures rather than patient
relationships.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Nursing is described as both an art and a science because it
combines evidence-based scientific knowledge with caring,
compassionate, and individualized patient care. Nurses apply
clinical judgment while addressing physical, emotional, social,
and spiritual needs.
A is incorrect because nursing includes far more than
treatments and medications.
C is incorrect because medical diagnosis is primarily the
provider’s responsibility.
D is incorrect because therapeutic relationships are central to
nursing practice.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for several patients on a medical-surgical unit.
Which action best demonstrates patient-centered care?
A. Following unit routines regardless of patient preference
B. Encouraging the patient to participate in decisions regarding
care
C. Prioritizing physician requests over patient concerns
D. Limiting patient questions to save time during medication
administration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Patient-centered care emphasizes respect for patient values,
preferences, and involvement in healthcare decisions.
Encouraging participation promotes autonomy and improves
patient outcomes.
A is incorrect because patient preferences should be
considered.
C is incorrect because patient concerns remain a priority.
D is incorrect because communication and education are
essential nursing responsibilities.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice
, Question 3
Which factor has the greatest influence on an individual’s
overall health status?
A. Access to diagnostic testing
B. Social determinants of health
C. Availability of specialty physicians
D. Frequency of hospital admissions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Social determinants of health, including income, education,
housing, environment, and access to care, significantly
influence overall health outcomes and health disparities.
A, C, and D are incorrect because they represent components
of healthcare delivery but do not exert the broad influence of
social determinants.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice
Question 4
A nurse identifies a medication error before administering the
drug to a patient. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the medication because no harm occurred
B. Report the error according to institutional policy
