1|Page
WCU NURS 120 Introduction to Medical Surgical
Nursing Exam 1 (2026/2027) Actual Exam Questions
with Verified Answers & Rationales | Grade A
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the history of public health
nursing. Who were the first public health nurses?
A. Florence Nightingale and her colleagues
B. Deaconesses
C. Clara Barton and the Red Cross
D. "Sairey Gamps"
Correct Answer: B. Deaconesses
Rationale: Deaconesses were the first public health nurses. They were religious women
who provided care to the sick and poor in their communities during the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries.
Question 2
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A nurse is reviewing nursing history. When was the first school of nursing established?
A. 1853
B. 1863
C. 1897
D. 1955
Correct Answer: B. 1863
Rationale: The first school of nursing was established in 1863. Florence Nightingale was
a graduate of this school, which set the foundation for modern nursing education.
Question 3
A nurse is studying nursing history. What was the purpose of the Nurses Associated
Alumnae of the US, established in 1897?
A. To provide financial support to nursing students
B. To oversee nurses and protect patients from incompetent nurses
C. To establish the first practical nursing program
D. To publish the American Journal of Nursing
Correct Answer: B. To oversee nurses and protect patients from incompetent
nurses
Rationale: The Nurses Associated Alumnae of the US (now the American Nurses
,3|Page
Association) was established in 1897 to oversee nurses and protect patients from
incompetent nurses, promoting standards of care.
Question 4
*A nurse is reviewing nursing history. Which of the following occurred in the early
twentieth century? Select all that apply. *
A. States started to require licensure for nurses
B. Requirements for entering nursing school were established
C. The American Journal of Nursing was published
D. The first training program for practical nurses was established
E. Florence Nightingale started the Nightingale School of Nursing
Correct Answer: A. States started to require licensure for nurses, B. Requirements
for entering nursing school were established, C. The American Journal of Nursing was
published, D. The first training program for practical nurses was established
Rationale: In the early twentieth century, states began requiring licensure, entry
requirements for nursing school were established, the American Journal of Nursing was
published, and the first practical nursing training program was established (YWCA).
Florence Nightingale's school was established in 1863.
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Question 5
A nurse is studying nursing history. Which organization established the first training
program for practical nurses?
A. American Red Cross
B. Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
C. American Nurses Association
D. United States Public Health Service
Correct Answer: B. Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
Rationale: The YWCA established the first training program for practical nurses to meet
the need for educated bedside nurses. The program focused on homemaking skills and
caring for the sick.
Question 6
A nurse is studying nursing history. Who was known as the "Angel of the Battlefield"
and became the first president of the Red Cross Association?
A. Florence Nightingale
B. Dorothea Dix
C. Clara Barton
D. Mary Mahoney
WCU NURS 120 Introduction to Medical Surgical
Nursing Exam 1 (2026/2027) Actual Exam Questions
with Verified Answers & Rationales | Grade A
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the history of public health
nursing. Who were the first public health nurses?
A. Florence Nightingale and her colleagues
B. Deaconesses
C. Clara Barton and the Red Cross
D. "Sairey Gamps"
Correct Answer: B. Deaconesses
Rationale: Deaconesses were the first public health nurses. They were religious women
who provided care to the sick and poor in their communities during the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries.
Question 2
,2|Page
A nurse is reviewing nursing history. When was the first school of nursing established?
A. 1853
B. 1863
C. 1897
D. 1955
Correct Answer: B. 1863
Rationale: The first school of nursing was established in 1863. Florence Nightingale was
a graduate of this school, which set the foundation for modern nursing education.
Question 3
A nurse is studying nursing history. What was the purpose of the Nurses Associated
Alumnae of the US, established in 1897?
A. To provide financial support to nursing students
B. To oversee nurses and protect patients from incompetent nurses
C. To establish the first practical nursing program
D. To publish the American Journal of Nursing
Correct Answer: B. To oversee nurses and protect patients from incompetent
nurses
Rationale: The Nurses Associated Alumnae of the US (now the American Nurses
,3|Page
Association) was established in 1897 to oversee nurses and protect patients from
incompetent nurses, promoting standards of care.
Question 4
*A nurse is reviewing nursing history. Which of the following occurred in the early
twentieth century? Select all that apply. *
A. States started to require licensure for nurses
B. Requirements for entering nursing school were established
C. The American Journal of Nursing was published
D. The first training program for practical nurses was established
E. Florence Nightingale started the Nightingale School of Nursing
Correct Answer: A. States started to require licensure for nurses, B. Requirements
for entering nursing school were established, C. The American Journal of Nursing was
published, D. The first training program for practical nurses was established
Rationale: In the early twentieth century, states began requiring licensure, entry
requirements for nursing school were established, the American Journal of Nursing was
published, and the first practical nursing training program was established (YWCA).
Florence Nightingale's school was established in 1863.
, 4|Page
Question 5
A nurse is studying nursing history. Which organization established the first training
program for practical nurses?
A. American Red Cross
B. Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
C. American Nurses Association
D. United States Public Health Service
Correct Answer: B. Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
Rationale: The YWCA established the first training program for practical nurses to meet
the need for educated bedside nurses. The program focused on homemaking skills and
caring for the sick.
Question 6
A nurse is studying nursing history. Who was known as the "Angel of the Battlefield"
and became the first president of the Red Cross Association?
A. Florence Nightingale
B. Dorothea Dix
C. Clara Barton
D. Mary Mahoney
