Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Nursing
Exam Questions with Correct Answers
What Are the Main Points in This Chapter? - Answer-Religious organizations and the
military have played a major role in the development of nursing and healthcare
organizations.
Initially, the role of the nurse was limited to bathing, feeding, and supporting the patient;
keeping the patient environment clean and orderly; and providing support for the
physician.
Contemporary nursing care includes activities that are performed in collaboration with
other members of the healthcare team and also independently.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs or LVNs) are nurses who have successfully completed
a practical nursing program and have passed a licensure exam (NCLEX-PN). They are
prepared to give direct patient care.
Registered nurses (RNs) are nurses who have successfully completed a registered
nurse education program and have passed a licensure exam (NCLEX-RN). There are
several types of RN education programs.
Graduate nursing education is designed to prepare the RN for advanced practice,
expanded roles, nursing education, or research.
Benner has identified a five-step progression of skill acquisition in nurses: novice,
advanced beginner, competence, proficiency, and expert.
Nurse practice acts are laws that regulate nursing practice at the state level.
Nurses engage in health promotion, illness prevention, health restoration, and care of
the dying.
Nurses work in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals,
extended care facilities, ambulatory care, and community or home health settings.
Nurses provide care using either the case method, functional, team, primary, or
differentiated model.
The economy, technology, an aging population, increased consumer involvement in
healthcare, the women's movement, and the change in nursing role are forces that have
strongly affected nursing.
The healthcare delivery system is complex, with a multitude of playe
Based on the ICN definition of nursing, what does a nurse do? - Answer-Answer:
, Based on the ICN definition, the nurse practices independently and collaboratively and
does the following:
Provides care for individuals, families, groups, and communities
Cares for people sick and well
Works in a variety of settings
Provides care to promote health; prevent illness; and care for the ill, disabled, and dying
Advocates for improved healthcare
Promotes a safe environment
Engages in research and education
Participates in shaping health policy and patient and health systems
What factors make it difficult to define nursing? - Answer-Answer:
Several factors make it difficult to define nursing; among them are the following:
Rapid changes in the nursing role.
Rapid changes in healthcare.
Highly complex role.
Ongoing expansion of nursing knowledge.
Changes over time in beliefs and expectations of nursing.
Compare and contrast formal and informal education. - Answer-Answer:
Formal education is a structured program of study that is provided by an institution of
learning. A program of learning may culminate in a degree that is bestowed by the
institution (e.g., associate, baccalaureate, or master's degree). Usually it takes place on
the campus of a school, college, or university. However, it can also include distance
learning (e.g., online courses) and in-service and continuing education programs offered
at work sites, colleges, and professional organizations. Formal education offerings are
usually evaluated, accredited, or in some way regulated by agencies external to the
school itself (e.g., by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing [ACEN]).
Informal education occurs through socialization and self-study. It is the knowledge
gained by direct experience, observation in the real world, and informal discussion with
peers and colleagues. Benner's process of moving from novice to expert describes
professional socialization, during which the nurse acquires a personal integration of
knowledge that requires technical skill, thoughtful application, and insight.
Name and describe five educational pathways leading to licensure as an RN. - Answer-
Answer:
Diploma program—3 years, associated with a hospital. Focuses on clinical experience
and direct patient care.
Associate degree—2 years, community college. Includes liberal arts and science and
nursing courses.
Baccalaureate degree—At least 8 semesters, college or university. Includes more
emphasis on community care and utilization of research.
Master's entry programs—The typical student has a baccalaureate degree in another
field and has entered nursing as a second career. Programs usually last 3 years. At the
