West Virginia University Parkersburg

Health Sciences Division

Nursing 111
Foundations of Nursing Practice Study Guide
1. In your own words, define nursing. What does nursing mean to you?
Nursing is an art and a science. Nursing is more than preventing illness and disease but health promotion
and disease prevention. Nursing is a science that requires the application of scientific knowledge.
. Nursing is an art and science. !efine the difference between the art and science of nursing.
"he art of nursing requires the nurse to be caring and compassionate, to deliver a skilled application of
knowledge through caring behaviors. "he science of nursing requires application of scientific
knowledge. "he scientific knowledge comes from the biologies like anatomy and physiology and
microbiology, and sociology and psychology.
#. "oday several theorists have developed nursing models or theories of nursing. $ach nursing theorist has
their own definition of their belief and goal of nursing care. %ist the & concepts common in nursing
theory that influence and determine nursing practice.
'erson (patient), $nvironment, *ealth, and Nursing
+ead W,-' nursing faculty.s definition of man, environment, health and nursing. In your own words,
e/plain these definitions0 (found in your student handbook)
1an0 "he individual, the client, his2her family and the community in which he2she is a part of.
$nvironment0 internal and e/ternal qualities of the person, his2her family and the community he2she is a
part of.
*ealth0 and ongoing process effecting the person, that is influenced by internal and e/ternal factors.
Nursing0 a profession that delivers continuous assistance to the person, the family and community to
encourage health maintenance and restoration.
&. What is the central focus in all definitions of nursing? 34lient33333333333333333
5. 6verall, as definitions of nursing have emerged over the years, the biggest change is that nursing has
progressed from the traditional view of caring for ill individuals. Nursing is viewed more as a process7
oriented, goal7directed service that cares for ill individuals, families and communities8 and a profession
that promotes health maintenance and prevention of illness. 9reater emphasis placed on the importance
of wellness and preventing illness as opposed to treating and curing illness. !efine the & broad aims of
nursing and give e/amples of nurses meeting these aims.
a. 'romoting health7 *ealth promotion through wellness. : process that engages in activities and
behaviors to enhance quality of life and ma/imi;ing personal potential.
$/amples0 "obacco prevention and accident prevention ie. 4hild car seat checks.
b. 'reventing illness7 reducing and controlling risk factors for disease and promoting good health
habits.
$/amples0 prenatal care, vaccinations2immuni;ations
c. +estoring *ealth7 most traditional role, providing nursing care of ill individuals.
$/amples0 planning rehabilitation after a heart attack and giving medications
d. <acilitating coping7 assists individuals in regaining ma/imal functional status, enhancing the
individual.s quality of life while promoting client independence and self care.
$/amples0 +ehab programs that help people cope with an altered function (pulmonary, cardiac
and or spinal)
=. What is >*ealthy 'eople ?1??@
: website that lists the 1? leading health indicators (maAor health concerns in the -. B.)
"hese indicators are used to measure the health of the nation over 1? years.
C. 9o to the *ealthy 'eople ?1? website and summari;e the *ealth 'romotion 9uidelines of *ealthy
'eople ?1?.
"o increase the quality and years of healthy life and eliminate health disparities
D. Who is credited with changing the image of nursing to a respected occupation? 3<lorence
Nightingale333333333333333333333
What other contributions to nursing did she make?
Bhe reformed hospitals and the care of patients with changing their environments with proper hygiene
and infection control. Bhe decreased mortality rate of the wounded in the 4rimean War. Bhe also opened
a school of nursing and became a famous nurse theorist.
E. !iscuss the factors that slowed the progress of nursing education in :merica prior to World War II.
Bociety believed that women should not work. "hey should take care of their husbands and families.
Nursing was not a profession but less than a servant.s role. 6ne of a prostitute or inmate. *ospitals did
not believe in educating their nurses, they were e/pected to work many hours.
1?. What impact did World War II have on nursing?
9overnment saw the need for an increase in the number of nurses they started funding to upgrade and
increase the number of schools. It was then that nursing began to move out of the hospital setting and
into school and universities.
11. What do the letters %'N and +N stand for?
%icensed 'ractical Nurse and +egistered Nurse
*ow does an %'N differ from an +N?
%'N.s are more of a technical nurse and do basic nursing care for patients. +N.s supervise and delegate
to the %'N.s. "he +N.s develop the patient.s plan of care. +N.s use critical thinking skills to take care of
their patients.
1. 4ompare the # types of educational programs that lead to licensure as an +N.
: diploma program is a three year program that is becoming absolite. :n :ssociate !egree program is a two
year program that teaches safe nursing care. : FBN degree can be an additional two years after an associate
degree and focuses on management courses. : FBN degree can be achieved in a four program also where
classes similar to an associate
1#. Is the student an +N upon graduation from an approved school of nursing? 3333333N63
What must the student do to become an +N?
'ass the N4%$G e/am
1&. What contributed to the increase number of Faccalaureate Nursing 'rograms?
Not considered a professional nurse unless you have a FBN degree8 management and leadership Aobs
15. %ist the # roles of the :ssociate !egree Nurse as defined by the National %eague for Nursing and give
an e/ample of each one. (Btudent *andbook)
a. 'rovider of care Hmost common and adheres to the standards of professional practice
b. 1anager of care Hdecision maker, coordinator
c. 1ember within the profession7practices within the scope of practice
1=. %ist the roles that a professional nurse assumes when providing nursing care. :fter reading the function
of these roles, give an e/ample of the nurse carrying out each role.
ole !"a#$le
a. 4aregiver assisting with pt.s physical and psychosocial needs
b. 4ommunicator identifying problems and communicating them to other staff orally
and written form
c. "eacher "each and evaluate the pt.s learning.
d. 4ounselor help the pt. to cope and recogni;e problems
e. 4hange :gent help the pt. modify behavior
f. %eader influence other to meet a specific goal
g. 1anager delegating nursing activities to ancillary workers
1C. 9ive some e/amples of the e/panded educational and career roles available to nurses and give a brief
description of these roles in your own words.
Nurse practitioner works with a physician and sees pt.s. 1ay prescriptive authority in some states.
1D. What are the levels of graduate education in nursing?
1asters degree in nursing and doctoral degree in nursing
1E. What is the purpose of continuing education programs for nurses?
*elp nurses remain current in nursing skills, knowledge and theory.
?. $/plain the differences between inpatient and outpatient services.
Inpatient pt remains in the facility over night. 6utpatient the pt. is seen for whatever procedure,
recovers for a period of time, and is sent home the same day.
1. $/plain the difference between private and public hospitals and for7profit and nonprofit hospitals.
'rivate hospitals are for profit or not for profit and operated by groups such as churches, corporations, or
businesses. 'ublic hospitals are not for profit and are financed and operated by a government agency at local,
state, or national level.
What services are provided in a hospital setting?
1edical2Burgical, emergency, respiratory, radiology, obstetrics2pediatrics
What changes have occurred with types of patients seen in an acute care setting (hospital) and what
impact has this had on nursing?
. What factors have had an influence on the importance of home healthcare?
"he shortened length of stay and the price of health care. 1ore pt.s are being discharged sooner and there for
need follow up care at home.
#. %ong term care facilities or nursing homes provide what types of healthcare services?
'rimarily provide care for people age =5 and over, provide health care and help with :!%.s for people of any
age who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves.
What two factors have influenced the growth of long term care facilities?
4lients discharged earlier and require recovery care beyond scope of home care.
Number of older adults increasing. 'eople living longer with chronic illnesses.
&. What affect did the 6mnibus Fudget +econciliation :ct have on long term care?
1aintains standards of quality in the nursing home industry.
5. In your own words, briefly e/plain what services are provided by the following health care settings.
'rimary care centers
1inor surgeries, /7ray, and lab
:mbulatory care centers and clinics
Walk ins at off hours. Bimilar to doctor.s office
!ay care centers
Benior citi;en day care for people who are not able to safely stay at home alone.
1ental *ealth centers
Bpeciali;ed units within a hospital setting or may be independently owned and part of a community center
+ural health centers
Fasic emergency room care. 4linics
Bchools
Bchool nurse to do lice checks, scoliosis checks, and to oversee the general health of students at school
Industry
6ccupational nurse will do screenings like hearing.
*omeless shelters
'rovide food, clothing and shelter
+ehabilitation centers
+eturn client to optimal health and productive members of community
+espite 4are
6ffered by some $4<Is for short term stays when the caregiver is unable to care for the individual
*ospice services
4ounseling and emotional support to terminally ill pt.s and families.
,oluntary services
'revention and detection of illness and research. Bupport groups
'arish Nursing
6ffered in churches.
9overnment agencies (,: and 'ublic *ealth agencies)
clinics
=. "he health care team is an organi;ation of health professionals who plan and work cooperatively
together (collaborate) to give individuali;ed and holistic health care services to individuals. Friefly
define the role of each of the following healthcare team.
'hysician
'hysician assistant H -nder the supervision of a physician they may diagnose and treat diseases.
'hysical therapist7 Works with individuals to strengthen muscles, regain ambulation, etc.
+espiratory therapist7 :dministers treatments for lung disorders and breathing problems
6ccupational therapist7 *elps individuals with :!%.s and self care
Bpeech therapist7:ssists people with regaining speech, improving speech and swallowing problems
!ietitian7 :ssesses a pt for the proper nutritional intake.
'harmacist7 :ssesses pt.s medications for counteractions and safe doses. 'repares meds for the staff to
give.
Bocial worker7 *elps with discharge planning and advanced directives, etc.
-nlicensed :ssistive 'ersonnel7 may do personal hygiene, vital signs, transport, etc.
C. 9ive an e/ample of how nursing collaborates with other members of the health care team to manage
care for a patient. (you may use a personal e/perience if you have had one.)
"he nurse may assess a pt who has had a stroke (4,:) and has swallowing difficulties. Bhe2he would notify the
physician who would give her2him an order for speech therapy consult and swallowing eval. "he nurse would
notify the speech therapist of the consult and the radiology department of the order for the swallowing
evaluation. "he radiology dept. would complete the swallowing evaluation with the speech therapist and the
therapist would document the findings and place in the chart. "he dr. would read the results and write the
appropriate orders.
D. In 1EC#, the :merican *ospital :ssociation developed the 'atient.s Fill of +ights which was revised in
??#. "he public can e/pect that their rights as an individual be respected and that they will receive
quality care. In your own words, briefly list the = e/pectations, rights and responsibilities contained
within the 'atient 4are 'artnership.
+espectful, safe care8 consideration of his2her privacy8 confidentiality8 information concerning his2her
treatment and diagnosis8 right to refuse treatment or care and the medical consequences of his2her actions.
E. What are the nurse practice acts?
: set of laws that are passed by state legislature that govern the practice for nurses. "here are limitations
as to what you can legally do within the scope of your practice. "hey are broadly written and may wary
somewhat from state to state. 'rimary purpose is to protect the public and the pt.
#?. What are the functions the state board of nursing?
"he governing board that issues licensure and enforces the rules and regulations of nursing practice, the
nurse practice acts. Btate Foards can revoke or suspend a nurse.s license when applicable. 1ost
common reason is drug and alcohol abuse. 6thers may be fraud, criminal acts, gross or ordinary
negligence, physical or mental impairments. Btate Foards also regulate the schools of nursing in that
state. 1aking sure they meet the legal requirements.
#1. What is the purpose of the Btandards of Nursing 'ractice?
"o ensure quality nursing care.
#. Friefly list the Btandards of 'rofessional 'erformance as stated in the Btandards of 4linical Nursing
'ractice.
$ach nurse accountable for her quality of practice and is responsible for the use of these standards to
ensure knowledgeable, safe, and comprehensive nursing care. -tili;es the Nursing 'rocess as the maAor
guidelines for nsg practice. Nursing 'rocess provides framework for decision making, guidelines for
nursing practice and care e/pected of all nurses.
##. What is the purpose of the 4ode of $thics?
: commitment to the public to provide the best possible quality of care. : framework for making ethical
decisions and sets professional e/pectations, the goals and values of the profession.
#&. What can be the result if a nurse violates the 4ode?
: nurse may have their license suspended or revoked.
#5. Friefly in your own words, list the statements of the :N:.s 4ode for Nurses.
Btatements that deal with the nurse accepting the pt for who they are and caring for them no matter who
the pt is or what the health problem is. 't comes first.
#=. What does the term >patient advocacy@ mean?
'rotecting and supporting the pt.s rights and respecting and supporting the pts right to make decisions.
#C. :s a student nurse, what is the e/pectation of your behavior in regards to the 't.s Fill of +ights, :N:.s
standards of care and the 4ode of $thics?
Jou are held to the same standards as a nurse.
#D. 9ive an e/ample of a violation of the nurse practice act that would subAect the nurse to a crime.
'racticing without a license.
#E. !efine the following0
"ort0 a legal wrong committed by one person against the person or property of another.
Negligence0 $very person is e/pected to conduct themselves in a reasonable and prudent manner. If not and
he causes harm to another, he is legally negligent. "he person harmed can bring civil suit against him and
recover a sum of money.
1alpractice0 +efers to the negligent acts of persons engaged in professions or occupations in which highly
technical and professional skills are employed. Bpecific term used in referring to negligent conduct in the
rendering of professional services by a person with professional education and training.
&?. %ist and define the elements of liability that must be established to prove that malpractice or negligence
has occurred.
&1. In a court of law, as a nursing student, you are held to the same standard of care that an +N is when you
perform duties in a hospital which are performed by an +N. Why is this so?
"he pt has a right to assume that all professional services furnished to him in the hospital, including nsg
service, will be provided by the persons required degree of professional training and skill.
&. 9ive # e/amples of negligence of a nurse.
9iving the wrong med, carrying out treatment wrongly, failure to protect pt from harm, not documenting
accurately and completely.
&#. %ist and define the intentional torts for which nurses may be held liable. 9ive an e/ample of each.
:ssault7 act of placing another person in fear of being touched without his2her consent.
Fattery7 touching a person without their consent.
<alse imprisonment7 holding someone against their will.
!efamation of character7 any communication that inAures a pts reputation.
&&. %ist the four things you can do as a student to ensure that you accept accountability and responsibility
and provide safe nursing care.
Fe prepared for clinical, never do anything you are unsure of without the help of your instructor.