WEIVER • 1 MAXE
★ ★
Nursing Fundamentals Assessment
N Exam 1 Review — Comprehensive Study Guide
E XC E L L E N C E I N N U RS I N G E D U C AT I O N
EST. 2026
Exam 1 Review — Fundamentals of Nursing
V A LU E S , E T H I CS , I N F E C T I O N CO N T R O L , H E A LT H & I L L N E S S , N U R S I N G P R O C E S S
INSTITUTION Nursing Fundamentals Assessment COURSE CODE Fundamentals of Nursing — Exam 1
Review
PROGRAM Practical Nursing (PN) / Associate Degree ACADEMIC YEAR
in Nursing (ADN)
EXAM TITLE Exam 1 Review — Fundamentals of TOTAL QUESTIONS 50 Questions
Nursing
COURSE TITLE Fundamentals of Nursing FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best
Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Select all that apply questions are indicated — choose every correct option.
▸ Questions cover values, ethics, infection control, health/illness, nursing process, and legal concepts.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All content reflects current ANA standards and evidence-based nursing practice.
SECTION I — FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW Questions 1 – 50
1. A nurse skips lunch to stay with a patient who needs support during a procedure. Which professional value does
this best demonstrate?
A. Autonomy.
B. Altruism.
C. Integrity.
D. Social Justice.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Altruism.
RATIONALE Altruism is defined as concern for the welfare and well-being of others. Skipping a break to stay with a patient
who needs emotional support exemplifies placing the patient's needs above one's own — the core of
altruism. Autonomy is the right to self-determination. Integrity involves acting ethically and honestly. Social
justice is upholding moral, legal, and humanistic principles fairly.
,2. The nurse informs a cashier that they gave too much change, even though no one else would have known. This
action best demonstrates which professional value?
A. Human Dignity.
B. Autonomy.
C. Integrity.
D. Social Justice.
CORRECT ANSWER C — Integrity.
RATIONALE Integrity is defined as acting in accordance with an appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of
practice — doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Returning the extra change is an act of
honesty consistent with the value of integrity. Human Dignity is respect for the inherent worth of individuals.
Autonomy is the right to self-determination. Social Justice is fairness and equal treatment under societal
systems.
3. The word "nurse" originated from which Latin word meaning "to nourish"?
A. Natura.
B. Nutrix.
C. Nexus.
D. Nomen.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Nutrix.
RATIONALE The word "nurse" is derived from the Latin word "nutrix," which means to nourish, nurture, or care for. This
etymology reflects the fundamental role of nursing — providing nourishment and care. The other Latin roots
have different meanings: natura (nature), nexus (connection), nomen (name).
4. Which organization established the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for registered nurses?
A. National League for Nursing (NLN).
B. American Nurses Association (ANA).
C. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
D. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN).
CORRECT ANSWER B — American Nurses Association (ANA).
RATIONALE The ANA fosters high standards of nursing practice and has established the Code of Ethics and Standards of
Practice for RNs. The NLN fosters development and improvement of nursing services. The NCSBN administers
the NCLEX. QSEN developed quality and safety competencies. The ANA is the premier professional
organization representing the interests of the nation's registered nurses.
5. What are the four aims of nursing practice?
A. Assess, Diagnose, Plan, Evaluate.
B. Promote health, Restore health, Prevent illness, Facilitate coping with disability or death.
C. Altruism, Autonomy, Human Dignity, Integrity.
D. Caregiver, Communicator, Teacher, Advocate.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Promote health, Restore health, Prevent illness, Facilitate coping with disability or death.
RATIONALE The four broad aims of nursing practice are: (1) Promote health — wellness activities, education. (2) Restore
health — direct care, rehabilitation. (3) Prevent illness — immunizations, prenatal education. (4) Facilitate
coping with disability or death — maximizing strengths, hospice care. Option A describes the nursing process.
Option C lists professional values. Option D identifies specific nursing roles.
, 6. Which of the following is NOT one of the four competencies required of nurses?
A. Cognitive skills.
B. Technical skills.
C. Financial skills.
D. Interpersonal skills.
CORRECT ANSWER C — Financial skills.
RATIONALE The four nursing competencies are: Cognitive (thinking — making decisions), Technical (hands-on —
manipulating equipment), Interpersonal (caring relationships), and Ethical/Legal (conducting oneself morally
and professionally). Financial skills are not a defined nursing competency, though nurses may participate in
cost-effective care as part of quality improvement efforts.
7. What is the correct order of the nursing process (ADPIE)?
A. Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Planning, Evaluation.
B. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
C. Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
D. Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Evaluation.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
RATIONALE The nursing process (ADPIE) follows: Assessment (collecting data), Diagnosis (analyzing data to identify
problems), Planning (setting goals and selecting interventions), Implementation (performing the
interventions), and Evaluation (determining if goals were met). Assessment always comes first — you cannot
diagnose or plan without data. The process is cyclical and ongoing, not linear.
8. Nurse practice acts are laws established in each U.S. state that regulate which of the following?
A. Federal medication administration guidelines.
B. The practice of nursing, including education and licensure.
C. Hospital accreditation standards.
D. Physician scope of practice.
CORRECT ANSWER B — The practice of nursing, including education and licensure.
RATIONALE Nurse Practice Acts are state laws that define the legal scope of nursing practice within that state. They
regulate education, licensure requirements, and the parameters of what nurses can and cannot legally do.
They are enforced by each state's Board of Nursing. Federal medication guidelines, hospital accreditation,
and physician scope are separate regulatory domains.
9. Health is defined as which of the following?
A. The absence of disease.
B. A state of optimal functioning or well-being.
C. Complete physical fitness only.
D. An objective measurement of vital signs within normal limits.
CORRECT ANSWER B — A state of optimal functioning or well-being.
RATIONALE Health is a state of optimal functioning or well-being — not merely the absence of disease. It is subjective
(varies from person to person) and holistic, encompassing physical, social, and mental components. The
World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Health is not defined solely by lab values or vital signs.
★ ★
Nursing Fundamentals Assessment
N Exam 1 Review — Comprehensive Study Guide
E XC E L L E N C E I N N U RS I N G E D U C AT I O N
EST. 2026
Exam 1 Review — Fundamentals of Nursing
V A LU E S , E T H I CS , I N F E C T I O N CO N T R O L , H E A LT H & I L L N E S S , N U R S I N G P R O C E S S
INSTITUTION Nursing Fundamentals Assessment COURSE CODE Fundamentals of Nursing — Exam 1
Review
PROGRAM Practical Nursing (PN) / Associate Degree ACADEMIC YEAR
in Nursing (ADN)
EXAM TITLE Exam 1 Review — Fundamentals of TOTAL QUESTIONS 50 Questions
Nursing
COURSE TITLE Fundamentals of Nursing FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best
Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Select all that apply questions are indicated — choose every correct option.
▸ Questions cover values, ethics, infection control, health/illness, nursing process, and legal concepts.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All content reflects current ANA standards and evidence-based nursing practice.
SECTION I — FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW Questions 1 – 50
1. A nurse skips lunch to stay with a patient who needs support during a procedure. Which professional value does
this best demonstrate?
A. Autonomy.
B. Altruism.
C. Integrity.
D. Social Justice.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Altruism.
RATIONALE Altruism is defined as concern for the welfare and well-being of others. Skipping a break to stay with a patient
who needs emotional support exemplifies placing the patient's needs above one's own — the core of
altruism. Autonomy is the right to self-determination. Integrity involves acting ethically and honestly. Social
justice is upholding moral, legal, and humanistic principles fairly.
,2. The nurse informs a cashier that they gave too much change, even though no one else would have known. This
action best demonstrates which professional value?
A. Human Dignity.
B. Autonomy.
C. Integrity.
D. Social Justice.
CORRECT ANSWER C — Integrity.
RATIONALE Integrity is defined as acting in accordance with an appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of
practice — doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Returning the extra change is an act of
honesty consistent with the value of integrity. Human Dignity is respect for the inherent worth of individuals.
Autonomy is the right to self-determination. Social Justice is fairness and equal treatment under societal
systems.
3. The word "nurse" originated from which Latin word meaning "to nourish"?
A. Natura.
B. Nutrix.
C. Nexus.
D. Nomen.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Nutrix.
RATIONALE The word "nurse" is derived from the Latin word "nutrix," which means to nourish, nurture, or care for. This
etymology reflects the fundamental role of nursing — providing nourishment and care. The other Latin roots
have different meanings: natura (nature), nexus (connection), nomen (name).
4. Which organization established the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for registered nurses?
A. National League for Nursing (NLN).
B. American Nurses Association (ANA).
C. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
D. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN).
CORRECT ANSWER B — American Nurses Association (ANA).
RATIONALE The ANA fosters high standards of nursing practice and has established the Code of Ethics and Standards of
Practice for RNs. The NLN fosters development and improvement of nursing services. The NCSBN administers
the NCLEX. QSEN developed quality and safety competencies. The ANA is the premier professional
organization representing the interests of the nation's registered nurses.
5. What are the four aims of nursing practice?
A. Assess, Diagnose, Plan, Evaluate.
B. Promote health, Restore health, Prevent illness, Facilitate coping with disability or death.
C. Altruism, Autonomy, Human Dignity, Integrity.
D. Caregiver, Communicator, Teacher, Advocate.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Promote health, Restore health, Prevent illness, Facilitate coping with disability or death.
RATIONALE The four broad aims of nursing practice are: (1) Promote health — wellness activities, education. (2) Restore
health — direct care, rehabilitation. (3) Prevent illness — immunizations, prenatal education. (4) Facilitate
coping with disability or death — maximizing strengths, hospice care. Option A describes the nursing process.
Option C lists professional values. Option D identifies specific nursing roles.
, 6. Which of the following is NOT one of the four competencies required of nurses?
A. Cognitive skills.
B. Technical skills.
C. Financial skills.
D. Interpersonal skills.
CORRECT ANSWER C — Financial skills.
RATIONALE The four nursing competencies are: Cognitive (thinking — making decisions), Technical (hands-on —
manipulating equipment), Interpersonal (caring relationships), and Ethical/Legal (conducting oneself morally
and professionally). Financial skills are not a defined nursing competency, though nurses may participate in
cost-effective care as part of quality improvement efforts.
7. What is the correct order of the nursing process (ADPIE)?
A. Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Planning, Evaluation.
B. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
C. Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
D. Planning, Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Evaluation.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
RATIONALE The nursing process (ADPIE) follows: Assessment (collecting data), Diagnosis (analyzing data to identify
problems), Planning (setting goals and selecting interventions), Implementation (performing the
interventions), and Evaluation (determining if goals were met). Assessment always comes first — you cannot
diagnose or plan without data. The process is cyclical and ongoing, not linear.
8. Nurse practice acts are laws established in each U.S. state that regulate which of the following?
A. Federal medication administration guidelines.
B. The practice of nursing, including education and licensure.
C. Hospital accreditation standards.
D. Physician scope of practice.
CORRECT ANSWER B — The practice of nursing, including education and licensure.
RATIONALE Nurse Practice Acts are state laws that define the legal scope of nursing practice within that state. They
regulate education, licensure requirements, and the parameters of what nurses can and cannot legally do.
They are enforced by each state's Board of Nursing. Federal medication guidelines, hospital accreditation,
and physician scope are separate regulatory domains.
9. Health is defined as which of the following?
A. The absence of disease.
B. A state of optimal functioning or well-being.
C. Complete physical fitness only.
D. An objective measurement of vital signs within normal limits.
CORRECT ANSWER B — A state of optimal functioning or well-being.
RATIONALE Health is a state of optimal functioning or well-being — not merely the absence of disease. It is subjective
(varies from person to person) and holistic, encompassing physical, social, and mental components. The
World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Health is not defined solely by lab values or vital signs.
