NUR 104/NUR104 Exam 1 V3 | Foundations
of Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. Which nursing pioneer is recognized for establishing the first nursing philosophy based on
health maintenance and restoration through environmental manipulation?
A. Clara Barton
B. Dorothea Dix
C. Florence Nightingale
D. Harriet Tubman
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Florence Nightingale is credited with developing the first nursing
theory which emphasized the role of the environment in patient recovery. She believed that
providing fresh air, light, and cleanliness would allow the body to heal itself. This
philosophy laid the groundwork for modern nursing standards regarding infection control
and patient care environments.
2. A nurse is practicing the principle of ‘autonomy’ when they perform which of the following
actions?
A. Ensuring the patient has all information to make an informed decision about surgery.
B. Administering pain medication exactly as scheduled to prevent breakthrough pain.
,C. Keeping a promise to return to the patient’s room in ten minutes.
D. Providing the same level of care to all patients regardless of their socio-economic status.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and
making their own healthcare choices. By ensuring the patient is fully informed, the nurse
supports the patient’s ability to choose their own course of treatment. This is a core ethical
principle in the nursing profession that respects individual freedom.
3. Which step of the nursing process involves the nurse collecting subjective and objective
data about the patient’s health status?
A. Diagnosis
B. Planning
C. Assessment
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Assessment is the foundational first step of the nursing process
where the nurse gathers comprehensive data. Subjective data includes what the patient
says, while objective data includes measurable signs like vital signs. This data is essential
for identifying patient needs and formulating a proper plan of care.
, 4. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs must be
addressed first by the nurse?
A. Self-esteem and recognition
B. Love and belonging
C. Safety and security
D. Physiological needs such as oxygen and nutrition
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Maslow’s Hierarchy prioritizes physiological needs as the most basic
and essential for survival. Oxygen, water, food, and sleep must be stabilized before a
patient can focus on higher-level needs like safety or self-actualization. In clinical practice,
this framework helps nurses prioritize life-threatening issues over psychosocial concerns.
5. What is the primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA)?
A. To set the salary standards for registered nurses in a specific state.
B. To define the scope of nursing practice and protect the public.
C. To provide a list of medications that a nurse can prescribe independently.
D. To establish the specific rules for hospital magnet certification.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Nurse Practice Act is state legislation that regulates the nursing
profession to ensure public safety. It defines the legal boundaries of nursing practice and
of Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. Which nursing pioneer is recognized for establishing the first nursing philosophy based on
health maintenance and restoration through environmental manipulation?
A. Clara Barton
B. Dorothea Dix
C. Florence Nightingale
D. Harriet Tubman
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Florence Nightingale is credited with developing the first nursing
theory which emphasized the role of the environment in patient recovery. She believed that
providing fresh air, light, and cleanliness would allow the body to heal itself. This
philosophy laid the groundwork for modern nursing standards regarding infection control
and patient care environments.
2. A nurse is practicing the principle of ‘autonomy’ when they perform which of the following
actions?
A. Ensuring the patient has all information to make an informed decision about surgery.
B. Administering pain medication exactly as scheduled to prevent breakthrough pain.
,C. Keeping a promise to return to the patient’s room in ten minutes.
D. Providing the same level of care to all patients regardless of their socio-economic status.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and
making their own healthcare choices. By ensuring the patient is fully informed, the nurse
supports the patient’s ability to choose their own course of treatment. This is a core ethical
principle in the nursing profession that respects individual freedom.
3. Which step of the nursing process involves the nurse collecting subjective and objective
data about the patient’s health status?
A. Diagnosis
B. Planning
C. Assessment
D. Implementation
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Assessment is the foundational first step of the nursing process
where the nurse gathers comprehensive data. Subjective data includes what the patient
says, while objective data includes measurable signs like vital signs. This data is essential
for identifying patient needs and formulating a proper plan of care.
, 4. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs must be
addressed first by the nurse?
A. Self-esteem and recognition
B. Love and belonging
C. Safety and security
D. Physiological needs such as oxygen and nutrition
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Maslow’s Hierarchy prioritizes physiological needs as the most basic
and essential for survival. Oxygen, water, food, and sleep must be stabilized before a
patient can focus on higher-level needs like safety or self-actualization. In clinical practice,
this framework helps nurses prioritize life-threatening issues over psychosocial concerns.
5. What is the primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA)?
A. To set the salary standards for registered nurses in a specific state.
B. To define the scope of nursing practice and protect the public.
C. To provide a list of medications that a nurse can prescribe independently.
D. To establish the specific rules for hospital magnet certification.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Nurse Practice Act is state legislation that regulates the nursing
profession to ensure public safety. It defines the legal boundaries of nursing practice and
