CHARACTERISTICS OF NURSING

Nursing is an art and science.

Nursing is an accountable discipline guided by science, theory, a code of ethics and the art of
care and comfort to treat human responses to health and illness.

Nursing is the provision, various levels preparation services essential into or helpful in the
promotion, maintenance & restoration of health and wellbeing or in prevention of illness.

Nursing is that expression of social activities that seeks under qualified instruction and
direction.

Nursing is a direct human service, goal directed and adoptable to the needs of the
individual, family & community during health and illness.

Its a dynamic, therapeutic & educative process in meeting health needs of the individual,
family and community.

It exits in response to the need of society and holds ideals related to human health
throughout life span.

NURSING

DEFINITION

Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of
illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through diagnosis and treatment of human
response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.
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Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families,
groups, and communities, sick or well in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of
health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled, and dying people.
{{9162982229558891::(International Council of Nurses, 2002) }}

“The act of utilizing the environment of the patient to assist him in his recovery”.
{{735384242739302::(Nightingale, 1860) }}

Focus: Human Response

Human responses as the focus in nursing are the responses of individuals to actual or
potential health problems of concern to nurses, including any observable need, concern,
condition, event, or fact of interest that may be the target of evidence-based nursing
practice.
Personal and Professional Qualities of a Nurse

Professional Qualities of a Nurse

1. Caring Nature

2. Emotionally stable

3. Hardworking

4. Quick Thinker

5. Physical Endurance

6. Good Judgement

7. Good Communication Skills

8. Responsible

Personal Qualities of a Nurse

individuals/groups in a variety of setting;

2. A warm personality and concern for people;

3. Resourcefulness and creativity as well as a well - balanced emotional condition;

4. Capacity and ability to work cooperatively with others;

5. Initiative to improve self and service;

6. Competence in performing works through the use of nursing process;

7. Skill in decision making, communicating, and relating with others and being
research oriented; and

8. Active participation in issues confronting nurses and nursing.

9. Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

10. Must be physically and mentally fit.

11. Must have a license to practice nursing in the country.

12. Interest and willingness to work and learn with

CHARACTERISTICS OF NURSE
 Communication Skills

Willingness to Learn

Critical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Problem Solving Skills

Sense of Humor

Care

Commitment

Empathy

Leadership

Stamina

Experience

Passion

QUIZ

A patient is visibly upset and crying because they miss their family. How do you respond?

a) "I understand you're upset, but I need to check on other patients."

b) "Try to stay strong. It'll be over soon."

c) "It sounds like you're really missing your family. Would you like to talk about it, or perhaps I can
help you make a phone call?"

d) "Here's a distraction; let's watch some TV."→C

You've just finished a long, stressful shift where a patient passed away. How do you handle the
emotional toll?

a) Immediately go home and drink alcohol to forget about it.

b) Share your feelings with a trusted colleague and utilize available support systems.

c) Bottle up your emotions to avoid appearing weak.

d) Immediately start your next shift without processing your feelings.→B

Your unit is understaffed, and you have more patients assigned to you than usual. How do you
respond?

a) Complain to your supervisor and leave early.

b) Prioritize tasks based on urgency and patient needs, working efficiently and effectively.

c) Do only the minimum required, hoping someone else will pick up the slack.

d) Ignore the extra workload and focus on your assigned patients only.→B

You are assigned to a patient who is demanding and difficult. How do you respond?

a) Avoid interacting with the patient as much as possible.

b) Provide excellent care while maintaining professional boundaries, remembering that this patient's
behavior is likely due to underlying issues.

c) Let the patient's behavior affect your care and become frustrated.

d) Complain to your colleagues about the patient.→B

A patient's family is angry and aggressive towards you. How do you react?

a) Respond angrily and defend yourself.

b) Remain calm and professional, de-escalating the situation with empathy and clear
communication, while still ensuring patient safety.

c) Ignore them and walk away.

d) Cry and leave the situation.→B

A patient suddenly collapses in the hallway, clutching their chest and gasping for air. Their skin is pale
and clammy. What is your PRIORITY action?

a) Immediately call for a Code Blue and begin chest compressions.

b) Assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs), then call for help.
c) Check the patient's chart for their medical history before taking any action.

d) Ask a nearby colleague to assist while you call the physician.→C

You're assisting a large, obese patient to transfer from the bed to a chair. During the transfer, the
patient experiences sudden dizziness and almost falls. What's the best response?

a) Quickly try to complete the transfer to avoid further delay.

b) Lower the patient gently to the floor, then call for assistance.

c) Continue assisting the patient to the chair, ignoring the dizziness.

d) Scold the patient for not being more careful.→B

A patient's family is upset because they feel their loved one isn't receiving enough attention. How
should you respond?

a) Tell them that you're doing your best and that everyone is busy.

b) Listen empathetically to their concerns, explain the care plan, and offer to address their specific
worries.

c) Ignore their complaints and continue your work.

d) Tell them to speak to the charge nurse.→B

During a busy shift, you notice a fire alarm going off. What is your immediate priority?

a) Continue your current task, as it might be a false alarm.

b) Immediately assist patients in evacuating the area, following fire safety protocols.

c) Check if the fire alarm is actually activated.

d) Call the fire department.→B

You suspect a colleague is diverting medications. What is the most appropriate action?

a) Confront your colleague directly.

b) Report your suspicions to your supervisor, following the facility's reporting procedures.

c) Ignore your suspicions, as it's not your problem.

d) Discuss your concerns with other colleagues→B.

An elderly patient, visibly distressed, is struggling to use the call button. How do you respond?

a) Ignore the patient, assuming they'll figure it out.

b) Rush in, impatiently assisting them with the button.

c) Approach calmly, offering assistance with a kind smile and reassuring words.

d) Tell them to wait their turn.→C

A vital piece of equipment malfunctions during a critical procedure. What's your best course of
action?

a) Panic and call for help, doing nothing until assistance arrives.

b) Improvise a solution using available resources, while simultaneously calling for assistance.

c) Blame the equipment manufacturer and delay the procedure.

d) Postpone the procedure until the equipment is fixed.→B

A colleague makes a mistake that impacts patient care. How do you react?

a) Publicly criticize your colleague, highlighting their error.

b) Privately address the issue with your colleague, offering support and constructive feedback.

c) Ignore the mistake to avoid conflict.

d) Report the colleague to the supervisor without attempting to resolve the issue directly.→B

You notice a pattern of medication errors on your unit. What's the best approach?

a) Assume it's just a coincidence and do nothing.

b) Propose a solution (e.g., new checklist, additional training) to your supervisor to address the issue.

c) Complain to your colleagues about the errors.

d) Wait for someone else to address the problem.→B

A patient's condition deteriorates unexpectedly. How should you proceed?

a) Immediately administer medications without reassessing the patient's needs.

b) Systematically assess the patient, gather data, develop a plan of care, implement interventions,
and evaluate the outcome, while collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

c) Wait for the doctor to arrive before taking any action.

d) Delegate all tasks to your colleagues.→B

A patient refuses a necessary medication, citing concerns based on misinformation found online.
How do you respond?

a) Force the patient to take the medication.

b) Dismiss the patient's concerns and administer the medication anyway.

c) Respectfully address their concerns, provide accurate information, and collaboratively find a
solution.

d) Tell the patient to consult their doctor.→C

A new treatment protocol is introduced. You notice conflicting evidence in research regarding its
effectiveness. What is your next step?

a) Implement the protocol without question.

b) Ignore the conflicting evidence and continue with the protocol.

c) Consult with colleagues and supervisors, and research further to inform your decision on whether
to implement the protocol.
d) Refuse to follow the protocol.→C

Your unit is experiencing high levels of staff burnout. How can you contribute to a solution?

a) Complain to colleagues about the situation.

b) Actively participate in discussions about improving work conditions and staff well-being,
proposing solutions.

c) Ignore the issue and focus only on your own work.

d) Quit your job.→B

A significant policy change impacts nursing practice negatively. How do you respond?

a) Accept the change without question.

b) Actively participate in professional organizations and advocate for changes to improve nursing
practice.

c) Complain to colleagues but take no further action.

d) Ignore the policy change and continue as before.→B

You are assigned to work with a new nurse who is struggling to adapt to the unit's workflow. How do
you best support them?

a) Ignore their struggles and focus on your own work.

b) Offer guidance and support, sharing your expertise and experience while fostering a collaborative
learning environment.

c) Criticize their performance to motivate them.

d) Report their struggles to your supervisor.→B

A patient is visibly anxious and upset about their diagnosis. How do you best communicate with
them?

a) Minimize their concerns, focusing on the positive aspects of their treatment.

b) Provide concise, factual information only, avoiding emotional engagement.

c) Actively listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and communicate in a clear,
compassionate manner.

d) Distract them with jokes to lighten the mood.→C

You have several urgent tasks to complete within a short timeframe, including administering
medications, documenting patient charts, and responding to a colleague's request for assistance.
How do you prioritize?

a) Complete tasks in the order they were assigned.

b) Prioritize tasks based on urgency and patient needs, delegating tasks where appropriate.

c) Focus on the easiest tasks first to build momentum.

d) Ask a colleague to handle some of your tasks.→B

While reviewing a patient's chart, you notice a discrepancy between the medication order and the
patient's allergies. What is your next step?

a) Administer the medication as ordered, assuming it's a clerical error.

b) Ignore the discrepancy, hoping someone else will notice it.

c) Verify the information with the physician and pharmacy before administering the medication.

d) Alert the patient about the discrepancy.→C

A new piece of medical equipment has been introduced to the unit. How do you approach learning
how to use it?

a) Avoid using the equipment until you are fully trained.

b) Ask a colleague for help, read the instruction manual, and practice using the equipment.

c) Wait for formal training before using the equipment.

d) Assume you can figure it out without any assistance.→B

A pediatric patient is afraid of needles. How do you approach the situation?

a) Force the child to receive the injection.

b) Distract the child with a joke or game while administering the injection.

c) Explain the procedure in simple terms, reassuring the child and using positive reinforcement.

d) Tell the child it won't hurt.→C

You notice a subtle change in a patient's vital signs that deviates from their baseline. What is your
response?

a) Assume it's a temporary fluctuation and do nothing.

b) Thoroughly reassess the patient, documenting your findings and reporting any significant changes
to the appropriate healthcare professional.

c) Wait for the next scheduled vital signs check.

d) Tell the patient to rest.→B

You're working a double shift due to unexpected staff shortages. A particularly demanding patient
requires constant attention. How do you respond?

a) Complain to your supervisor about the workload.

b) Maintain your commitment to providing high-quality care, demonstrating stamina and resilience.
c) Minimize your interaction with the patient to conserve energy.

d) Ask a colleague to take over some of your responsibilities.→B

A new nurse is struggling to cope with the emotional demands of the job. How do you respond?

a) Ignore the situation, focusing on your own tasks.

b) Demonstrate empathy, offering support and guidance, and mentoring the new nurse.

c) Criticize the new nurse's performance to motivate them.

d) Report the new nurse's struggles to your supervisor.→B

Your unit is facing a critical staffing shortage. How do you demonstrate leadership?

a) Complain to your colleagues about the situation.

b) Take initiative to organize and motivate your team, optimizing workflow and patient care despite
the shortage.

c) Wait for your supervisor to address the problem.

d) Reduce your workload to avoid burnout.→B

A patient is expressing frustration and anger due to a prolonged hospital stay. How do you respond?

a) Dismiss the patient's feelings and focus on the medical aspects of their care.

b) Demonstrate empathy, actively listening to their concerns, and validating their emotions, while
maintaining your passion for providing compassionate care.

c) Tell the patient to be more patient.

d) Ask a colleague to deal with the patient.→B

You've been working long hours for several weeks due to high patient volume. How do you maintain
your effectiveness?

a) Reduce your commitment to patient care to conserve energy.

b) Prioritize self-care, maintaining your stamina and commitment to providing high-quality care.

c) Complain to your colleagues about the workload.

d) Call in sick.→B

A patient is experiencing severe pain, but their vital signs are stable. Which approach best reflects
the art and science of nursing?

a) Administer pain medication solely based on the established protocol.

b) Assess the patient's pain using a standardized scale and administer medication accordingly.

c) Assess the patient's pain, considering both physiological data and their subjective experience, and
then collaboratively develop a pain management plan.

d) Ignore the pain, focusing on objective data.→C

You suspect a colleague is diverting medications. What is your ethical responsibility?

a) Ignore the situation to avoid conflict.

b) Confront your colleague directly.

c) Report your concerns through the appropriate channels, adhering to the facility's policies and
ethical guidelines.

d) Discuss your concerns with other colleagues before taking action.→C

A patient is recovering from surgery and is anxious about returning home. How can you best support
their transition?

a) Focus solely on the physical aspects of their recovery.

b) Provide education and resources to support their physical and emotional well-being, promoting a
smooth transition home.

c) Discharge the patient as soon as possible to free up resources.

d) Ignore the patient's concerns.→B

A community health clinic is experiencing a surge in patients due to a recent outbreak of influenza.
How can nursing best address this situation?

a) Restrict access to the clinic to manage the workload.

b) Collaborate with community partners and healthcare professionals to develop and implement a
plan to address the community's health needs.

c) Focus only on the patients currently at the clinic.

d) Ignore the situation.→B

A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes requires education on self-management. How do you
approach this?

a) Provide a handout and expect the patient to understand everything.

b) Assess the patient's learning style and provide tailored education using various methods (e.g.,
demonstration, discussion, written materials).

c) Delegate the education to another healthcare professional.

d) Assume the patient already knows how to manage diabetes.→B

1. True or False: Nursing is solely based on scientific principles, with no room for artistic
considerations.

Answer:→False.

Explanation: The statement explicitly states that nursing is "an art and science." The art of nursing
involves compassion, empathy, and individualized care, while the science of nursing relies on
evidence-based practices and knowledge.

2. True or False: Nurses are not accountable for their actions and decisions.

Answer→False.

Explanation: Nursing is described as an "accountable discipline" guided by ethics and scientific

knowledge. This means nurses are responsible for their actions and decisions, and they are held to a
high standard of ethical conduct.

3. True or False: Nursing solely focuses on restoring health and has no role in preventing illness.

Answer→False.

Explanation: The statement mentions that nursing is involved in "promotion, maintenance &
restoration of health or in prevention of illness." This highlights that nursing plays a crucial role in
both preventing and treating illness.

4. True or False: Nursing is a solitary profession, with no need for collaboration or teamwork.

Answer→False.

Explanation: Nursing is described as a "direct human service" that is "adoptable to the needs of the
individual, family & community." This implies a collaborative approach, working with individuals,
families, and communities, often as part of a larger healthcare team.

5. True or False: Nursing is a static profession that does not adapt to changing healthcare needs.

Answer→False.

Explanation: The statement describes nursing as a "dynamic" process and highlights its "adaptability"
to individual and community needs. This emphasizes that nursing is constantly evolving to meet the
changing needs of society and the healthcare landscape.

6. True or False: Nursing only focuses on the physical aspects of health, ignoring the mental and
emotional well-being of patients.
Answer→False.

Explanation: The statement emphasizes that nursing is about treating "human responses to health
and illness," which implies a holistic approach that considers the physical, emotional, and mental
well-being of patients.

7. True or False: Nursing exists solely to serve individual patients, with no broader societal purpose.

Answer→False.

Explanation: The statement emphasizes that nursing "exists in response to the need of society." This
indicates that nursing plays a vital role in addressing the health needs of communities and promoting
the well-being of society as a whole.

1. Which of the following BEST describes the primary focus of nursing, as defined by the American
Nurses Association (ANA)?

a) Treating illnesses and injuries.

b) Administering medications and performing medical procedures.

c) Protecting, promoting, and optimizing health and abilities.

d) Providing emotional support to patients.→C

2. According to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), nursing encompasses care for:

a) Only individuals who are ill.

b) Individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, regardless of health status.

c) Individuals in hospital settings only.

d) Only individuals with disabilities.→B

3. Florence Nightingale's definition of nursing emphasizes the importance of:

a) Utilizing technology to enhance patient care

b) Creating a supportive environment for patient recovery.

c) Following strict medical protocols.

d) Performing complex medical procedures.→B

4. What is the primary focus of nursing practice, as defined by the provided text?

a) Disease processes

b) Medical interventions

c) Human responses to health and illness

d) Technological advancements in healthcare→C

5. Which of the following is NOT a core aspect of nursing, as defined by the provided text?

a) Prevention of illness and injury

b) Promotion of health and well-being

c) Performing surgery and other medical procedures

d) Alleviation of suffering→C

True or False Questions:

1. True or False: Nursing is solely focused on the treatment of illness and disease.→False

2. True or False: Nursing is a profession that operates independently, without collaboration with
other healthcare professionals.→False

3. True or False: The definition of nursing provided by Florence Nightingale emphasizes the
importance of technology in patient care.→False

4. True or False: Nursing is a dynamic profession that adapts to the evolving needs of society and
individuals.→True

5. True or False: The focus on "human responses" in nursing means that nurses primarily address
patients' emotional needs.→False