NSG 310/NSG310 Exam 1 V1 | Introduction
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. Which nurse leader is best known for improving the health of the British army by cleaning
the environment and providing fresh air and nutrition during the Crimean War?
A. Clara Barton
B. Florence Nightingale
C. Lillian Wald
D. Mary Mahoney
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Florence Nightingale is recognized as the founder of modern nursing
because of her emphasis on sanitation and environmental factors. Her work during the
Crimean War significantly reduced mortality rates among soldiers. She established the first
formal nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London.
2. According to Patricia Benner, which stage describes a nurse who has some level of
experience with the situation and is able to identify meaningful aspects of care?
A. Advanced Beginner
B. Novice
C. Competent
,D. Proficient
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The advanced beginner stage characterizes a nurse who has
experienced enough real situations to recognize recurring components. This stage typically
applies to new graduates who are beginning to apply theory to practice. They require
support and mentorship to continue developing clinical judgment.
3. What is the primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) in each state?
A. To protect the public from unsafe nursing practice
B. To set the salary ranges for registered nurses
C. To provide a union for hospital employees
D. To decide which patients a nurse should see first
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Nurse Practice Act is a state law that defines the scope of nursing
practice and ensures nurses are qualified. Its main goal is to protect the safety and well-
being of the public. Every nurse is legally responsible for following the rules established by
their state’s NPA.
4. A nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse a recommended surgery even though the
nurse believes the surgery is necessary. Which ethical principle is being applied?
A. Autonomy
, B. Non-maleficence
C. Beneficence
D. Justice
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own decisions
about their medical care. Even when a nurse disagrees with a patient’s choice, they must
respect the individual’s self-determination. This principle is a cornerstone of professional
nursing ethics and patient rights.
5. Which organization was the first to establish a code of ethics for nurses in the United
States?
A. National League for Nursing (NLN)
B. American Nurses Association (ANA)
C. International Council of Nurses (ICN)
D. National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)
E. American Red Cross
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The American Nurses Association (ANA) developed the first Code of
Ethics for Nurses to guide professional behavior. This code provides a framework for
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. Which nurse leader is best known for improving the health of the British army by cleaning
the environment and providing fresh air and nutrition during the Crimean War?
A. Clara Barton
B. Florence Nightingale
C. Lillian Wald
D. Mary Mahoney
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Florence Nightingale is recognized as the founder of modern nursing
because of her emphasis on sanitation and environmental factors. Her work during the
Crimean War significantly reduced mortality rates among soldiers. She established the first
formal nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London.
2. According to Patricia Benner, which stage describes a nurse who has some level of
experience with the situation and is able to identify meaningful aspects of care?
A. Advanced Beginner
B. Novice
C. Competent
,D. Proficient
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The advanced beginner stage characterizes a nurse who has
experienced enough real situations to recognize recurring components. This stage typically
applies to new graduates who are beginning to apply theory to practice. They require
support and mentorship to continue developing clinical judgment.
3. What is the primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) in each state?
A. To protect the public from unsafe nursing practice
B. To set the salary ranges for registered nurses
C. To provide a union for hospital employees
D. To decide which patients a nurse should see first
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Nurse Practice Act is a state law that defines the scope of nursing
practice and ensures nurses are qualified. Its main goal is to protect the safety and well-
being of the public. Every nurse is legally responsible for following the rules established by
their state’s NPA.
4. A nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse a recommended surgery even though the
nurse believes the surgery is necessary. Which ethical principle is being applied?
A. Autonomy
, B. Non-maleficence
C. Beneficence
D. Justice
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own decisions
about their medical care. Even when a nurse disagrees with a patient’s choice, they must
respect the individual’s self-determination. This principle is a cornerstone of professional
nursing ethics and patient rights.
5. Which organization was the first to establish a code of ethics for nurses in the United
States?
A. National League for Nursing (NLN)
B. American Nurses Association (ANA)
C. International Council of Nurses (ICN)
D. National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)
E. American Red Cross
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The American Nurses Association (ANA) developed the first Code of
Ethics for Nurses to guide professional behavior. This code provides a framework for
