NURC 1001: Foundations of Nursing
Exam 1 Review | 60 Questions with Correct Answers & Rationales | 2025/2026
Institutional Course Assessment | NCLEX-RN Aligned
This comprehensive review document is designed to support students preparing for the
NURC 1001 Foundations of Nursing Exam 1. It contains 60 clinically realistic multiple-
choice questions with correct answers and evidence-based rationales, organized across ten
foundational domains that align with the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model
(CJMM) and current NCLEX-RN test plan categories. Content areas include nursing
history and professional identity, the nursing process and clinical judgment, legal and
ethical foundations, therapeutic communication and professional relationships, safety and
infection control, vital signs and documentation, basic care and comfort measures,
medication administration principles, health promotion and interprofessional collaboration,
and NCLEX-RN test-taking strategies. Each question is crafted at the pre-licensure
foundational level, reflecting the knowledge and clinical reasoning expected of beginning
nursing students. Rationales reference authoritative guidelines from the ANA, CDC, Joint
Commission, NCSBN, and ISMP where applicable. Students are encouraged to use this
review as both a content assessment and a learning tool—reading each rationale carefully,
even for questions answered correctly, to deepen understanding of best practices and
patient safety principles.
Section 1: Nursing History & Professional Identity (Q1–Q7)
1. A nursing student is researching the origins of professional nursing practice. Which
historical figure is credited with establishing the first formal nursing training program and
introducing evidence-based environmental reforms during the Crimean War?
A. Clara Barton B. Florence Nightingale
C. Mary Mahoney D. Dorothea Dix
Answer: B. Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale founded the first formal nursing training program at St. Thomas'
Hospital in London in 1860 and used statistical data to demonstrate that improved sanitation
dramatically reduced mortality rates. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross; Mary
Mahoney was the first African American professional nurse; Dorothea Dix was a mental health
reform advocate.
1
,2. A nurse manager is orienting new graduates to the American Nurses Association (ANA)
Scope and Standards of Practice. Which statement best describes the purpose of the ANA
Standards of Practice?
A. They define the legal scope of practice B. They establish the competency
for each state independently expectations and professional
responsibilities for all registered nurses
nationwide
C. They regulate the licensure and D. They specify the educational curriculum
disciplinary actions for nursing requirements for nursing programs
professionals
Answer: B. They establish the competency expectations and professional responsibilities for
all registered nurses nationwide
Rationale: The ANA Scope and Standards of Practice provide a comprehensive framework of
professional responsibilities and competency expectations that guide RN practice across all settings
and specialties. State boards of nursing—not ANA—regulate licensure and discipline.
Accreditation bodies such as CCNE set educational standards.
3. A nursing instructor asks students to differentiate the scope of practice among nursing
roles. Which activity is within the scope of a registered nurse (RN) but outside the scope of
a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
A. Administering oral medications as B. Performing a comprehensive nursing
prescribed assessment and developing the nursing care
plan
C. Obtaining vital signs and reporting D. Providing basic wound care under
abnormal findings physician orders
Answer: B. Performing a comprehensive nursing assessment and developing the nursing care
plan
Rationale: RNs are educationally prepared to perform comprehensive assessments, analyze data to
formulate nursing diagnoses, and develop individualized care plans. LPNs collect data and
contribute to the plan under RN supervision but do not independently create the care plan. All other
options are within LPN scope.
4. A nursing student is preparing for licensure. Which organization is responsible for
developing and administering the NCLEX-RN examination?
A. American Nurses Association (ANA) B. National League for Nursing (NLN)
C. National Council of State Boards of D. Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Nursing (NCSBN) Education (CCNE)
Answer: C. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Rationale: The NCSBN develops the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations to ensure that
candidates possess the minimum competency required for safe and effective entry-level nursing
2
, practice. The ANA sets professional standards; the NLN focuses on nursing education excellence;
the CCNE accredits baccalaureate nursing programs.
5. A student nurse asks, "What makes nursing a profession rather than just an occupation?"
Which response by the instructor best explains a characteristic of a profession?
A. Professions require licensure by a state B. Professions have a specialized body of
board of nursing knowledge, autonomy in practice, and a
code of ethics
C. Professions are primarily focused on D. Professions must have a national
providing direct patient care standardized uniform
Answer: B. Professions have a specialized body of knowledge, autonomy in practice, and a
code of ethics
Rationale: Professions are distinguished by a specialized body of knowledge, a commitment to
service, autonomy in decision-making, self-regulation through professional organizations, and a
formal code of ethics. While licensure is required, it is a regulatory mechanism rather than a
defining characteristic. Focus on direct care is a feature of the occupation itself.
6. A nursing student is studying historical milestones in nursing. Mary Eliza Mahoney is
historically significant because she was:
A. The first nurse to develop a standardized B. The first African American licensed
curriculum for nursing education professional nurse in the United States
C. The founder of the American Red Cross D. The first president of the National
nursing service League for Nursing
Answer: B. The first African American licensed professional nurse in the United States
Rationale: Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first African American professionally trained nurse
when she graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1879. She was
also a co-founder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN), advocating
for racial equality in nursing.
7. A nursing program includes a course on professional role development. Which activity
best supports socialization into the professional nursing role?
A. Memorizing the contents of the Nurse B. Participating in clinical rotations with an
Practice Act assigned preceptor and joining the Student
Nurses Association
C. Completing all didactic coursework D. Observing nurses in a documentary
before any patient contact about healthcare
Answer: B. Participating in clinical rotations with an assigned preceptor and joining the
Student Nurses Association
Rationale: Professional socialization occurs through experiential learning, mentorship, and
engagement with professional communities. Clinical rotations with preceptors provide real-world
3
Exam 1 Review | 60 Questions with Correct Answers & Rationales | 2025/2026
Institutional Course Assessment | NCLEX-RN Aligned
This comprehensive review document is designed to support students preparing for the
NURC 1001 Foundations of Nursing Exam 1. It contains 60 clinically realistic multiple-
choice questions with correct answers and evidence-based rationales, organized across ten
foundational domains that align with the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model
(CJMM) and current NCLEX-RN test plan categories. Content areas include nursing
history and professional identity, the nursing process and clinical judgment, legal and
ethical foundations, therapeutic communication and professional relationships, safety and
infection control, vital signs and documentation, basic care and comfort measures,
medication administration principles, health promotion and interprofessional collaboration,
and NCLEX-RN test-taking strategies. Each question is crafted at the pre-licensure
foundational level, reflecting the knowledge and clinical reasoning expected of beginning
nursing students. Rationales reference authoritative guidelines from the ANA, CDC, Joint
Commission, NCSBN, and ISMP where applicable. Students are encouraged to use this
review as both a content assessment and a learning tool—reading each rationale carefully,
even for questions answered correctly, to deepen understanding of best practices and
patient safety principles.
Section 1: Nursing History & Professional Identity (Q1–Q7)
1. A nursing student is researching the origins of professional nursing practice. Which
historical figure is credited with establishing the first formal nursing training program and
introducing evidence-based environmental reforms during the Crimean War?
A. Clara Barton B. Florence Nightingale
C. Mary Mahoney D. Dorothea Dix
Answer: B. Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale founded the first formal nursing training program at St. Thomas'
Hospital in London in 1860 and used statistical data to demonstrate that improved sanitation
dramatically reduced mortality rates. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross; Mary
Mahoney was the first African American professional nurse; Dorothea Dix was a mental health
reform advocate.
1
,2. A nurse manager is orienting new graduates to the American Nurses Association (ANA)
Scope and Standards of Practice. Which statement best describes the purpose of the ANA
Standards of Practice?
A. They define the legal scope of practice B. They establish the competency
for each state independently expectations and professional
responsibilities for all registered nurses
nationwide
C. They regulate the licensure and D. They specify the educational curriculum
disciplinary actions for nursing requirements for nursing programs
professionals
Answer: B. They establish the competency expectations and professional responsibilities for
all registered nurses nationwide
Rationale: The ANA Scope and Standards of Practice provide a comprehensive framework of
professional responsibilities and competency expectations that guide RN practice across all settings
and specialties. State boards of nursing—not ANA—regulate licensure and discipline.
Accreditation bodies such as CCNE set educational standards.
3. A nursing instructor asks students to differentiate the scope of practice among nursing
roles. Which activity is within the scope of a registered nurse (RN) but outside the scope of
a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
A. Administering oral medications as B. Performing a comprehensive nursing
prescribed assessment and developing the nursing care
plan
C. Obtaining vital signs and reporting D. Providing basic wound care under
abnormal findings physician orders
Answer: B. Performing a comprehensive nursing assessment and developing the nursing care
plan
Rationale: RNs are educationally prepared to perform comprehensive assessments, analyze data to
formulate nursing diagnoses, and develop individualized care plans. LPNs collect data and
contribute to the plan under RN supervision but do not independently create the care plan. All other
options are within LPN scope.
4. A nursing student is preparing for licensure. Which organization is responsible for
developing and administering the NCLEX-RN examination?
A. American Nurses Association (ANA) B. National League for Nursing (NLN)
C. National Council of State Boards of D. Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Nursing (NCSBN) Education (CCNE)
Answer: C. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Rationale: The NCSBN develops the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations to ensure that
candidates possess the minimum competency required for safe and effective entry-level nursing
2
, practice. The ANA sets professional standards; the NLN focuses on nursing education excellence;
the CCNE accredits baccalaureate nursing programs.
5. A student nurse asks, "What makes nursing a profession rather than just an occupation?"
Which response by the instructor best explains a characteristic of a profession?
A. Professions require licensure by a state B. Professions have a specialized body of
board of nursing knowledge, autonomy in practice, and a
code of ethics
C. Professions are primarily focused on D. Professions must have a national
providing direct patient care standardized uniform
Answer: B. Professions have a specialized body of knowledge, autonomy in practice, and a
code of ethics
Rationale: Professions are distinguished by a specialized body of knowledge, a commitment to
service, autonomy in decision-making, self-regulation through professional organizations, and a
formal code of ethics. While licensure is required, it is a regulatory mechanism rather than a
defining characteristic. Focus on direct care is a feature of the occupation itself.
6. A nursing student is studying historical milestones in nursing. Mary Eliza Mahoney is
historically significant because she was:
A. The first nurse to develop a standardized B. The first African American licensed
curriculum for nursing education professional nurse in the United States
C. The founder of the American Red Cross D. The first president of the National
nursing service League for Nursing
Answer: B. The first African American licensed professional nurse in the United States
Rationale: Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first African American professionally trained nurse
when she graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1879. She was
also a co-founder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN), advocating
for racial equality in nursing.
7. A nursing program includes a course on professional role development. Which activity
best supports socialization into the professional nursing role?
A. Memorizing the contents of the Nurse B. Participating in clinical rotations with an
Practice Act assigned preceptor and joining the Student
Nurses Association
C. Completing all didactic coursework D. Observing nurses in a documentary
before any patient contact about healthcare
Answer: B. Participating in clinical rotations with an assigned preceptor and joining the
Student Nurses Association
Rationale: Professional socialization occurs through experiential learning, mentorship, and
engagement with professional communities. Clinical rotations with preceptors provide real-world
3
