Lewis Chapter 1: Professional Nursing + Learning Styles

What defines professional nursing?

A profession focused on patient-centered, ethical, evidence-based care that requires accountability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

What distinguishes nursing as a profession rather than a job?

Specialized education, ethical standards, autonomy, accountability, and a defined scope of practice.

What organization establishes standards and ethical guidelines for nurses?

The American Nurses Association (ANA)

What document outlines ethical responsibilities for nurses?

The ANA Code of Ethics.

What is the primary responsibility of a professional nurse?

To provide safe, competent, and patient-centered care.

Which nursing role focuses on protecting patient rights?

Advocate.

Which nursing role involves teaching patients and families?

Educator.

Which nursing role emphasizes coordination of care and delegation?

Leader.

Which role involves working with other healthcare professionals?

Collaborator.

Providing emotional, physical, and cultural care reflects which role?

Caregiver.

What does accountability in nursing mean?

Taking responsibility for one’s actions, decisions, and professional growth.

A nurse makes a medication error. What is the most appropriate action?

Report the error according to policy and take steps to prevent future errors.

Why is accountability critical in nursing?

Because nursing decisions directly impact patient safety and outcomes.

Practicing within scope of practice demonstrates what?

Professional responsibility.

Respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions reflects which ethical principle?

Autonomy.

Acting in the patient’s best interest reflects which ethical principle?

Beneficence.

Avoiding harm reflects which ethical principle?

Nonmaleficence.

Fair treatment of all patients reflects which ethical principle?

Justice.

Evidence-based practice combines what three elements?

Best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.

Why is evidence-based practice important in nursing?

It improves patient outcomes and ensures safe, current care.

Changing injection techniques based on new research is an example of what?

Evidence-based practice

Why is lifelong learning essential in nursing?

Healthcare practices, technology, and research are constantly evolving.

Which behavior best demonstrates lifelong learning?

Staying updated on current research and clinical guidelines.

Failing to update knowledge puts patients at risk for what?

Unsafe or outdated care.

Which learning style benefits most from hands-on practice?

Kinesthetic.

A kinesthetic learner would benefit most from which study method?

Practice questions, simulations, and skills practice.

Which learning style prefers diagrams and visual aids?

Visual.

Which learning style learns best through discussion and listening?

Auditory

Why is understanding learning styles important in nursing school?

Nursing education requires applying knowledge, not just memorization.

What skill allows nurses to prioritize patient care effectively?

Critical thinking.

Nursing exams focus primarily on which type of knowledge?

Application and clinical reasoning.

Choosing the safest intervention reflects what nursing skill?

Clinical judgment.

Which action best reflects professional nursing behavior?

Advocating for a patient when care appears unsafe.

Which nurse behavior best supports patient-centered care?

Involving the patient in care decisions.

A student relies only on memorization. What is the biggest risk?

Difficulty applying knowledge in clinical situations.