Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge 6th Edition – McGonigle and Mastrian – Complete Test Bank with Answers

This document contains a complete test bank for Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge, 6th Edition by McGonigle and Mastrian. It includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with correct answers covering all chapters of the textbook. This resource is useful for exam preparation, quizzes, and reinforcing key concepts in nursing informatics.

Sample Questions

CHAPTER 1: NURSING SCIENCE AND FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE
Question 1
The nurse knows that nursing informatics is considered a specialty area of practice based on which statement?
1. Research priorities in nursing informatics include creating a standardized nursing language and
developing clinical information databases.
2. Nurses must complete a formal master’s-level program to be eligible to take the credentialing exam.
3. As a distinct practice area, nursing informatics centers on the client, nurse, health, and environment.
4. There is a need for nursing informatics to be represented by various working groups and organizations in
the U.S.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Identifying research priorities is a key aspect of specialty practice. Though master’s degrees are
available, credentialing generally requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. The demand for safe,
cost-effective care depends on research-supported best practices.
Rationale 2: Completing a master’s program alone does not define a specialty practice. Credentialing typically
requires a bachelor’s degree and field experience. Identifying research priorities defines specialty practice.
Rationale 3: This response describes the general discipline of nursing, not nursing informatics. Informatics
combines nursing, computer, and information sciences to manage and communicate knowledge. Research
priorities define a specialty area.
Rationale 4: Numerous groups already represent informatics, such as the Nursing Informatics Special Interest
Group of the International Medical Informatics Association. Research priorities define specialty practice.
Question 2
Which statement reflects that the nurse is “information literate”?
1. “I know how to search for websites and assess their relevance for healthcare needs.”
2. “I enter client information, like skin status, into healthcare databases.”
3. “I use email to communicate with clients and provide information.”
4. “I use applications like word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software.”
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Information literacy involves locating, evaluating, and using information effectively. The other
responses represent computer literacy but lack the critical thinking component of information literacy.
Rationales 2–4: These are examples of computer literacy, not the advanced skill of information literacy, which
includes evaluating and using information effectively.
Question 3
When caring for clients, the nurse collects a lot of data. Which example demonstrates higher-level
“information”?
1. Vital signs: BP 130/70, HR 88, RR 24, Temp 98.8°F, O2 Sat 98%.
2. Lab results: electrolyte panel and CBC with differential.
3. Client: 64-year-old Black widower admitted for prostatitis.
4. Client reports feeling better today after receiving 1g IV Rocephin yesterday.
Correct Answer: 4
Rationales 1–3: These are examples of raw data, not processed or interpreted information.
Rationale 4: This reflects interpreted clinical data, which is structured as useful “information” to guide
decision-making and monitor progress.
Question 4
What best explains the distinction between information literacy and computer literacy?
1. Information literacy isn’t necessary for healthcare; computer literacy enables electronic order entry.
2. Information literacy underpins the EHR; computer literacy helps nurses access data.
3. With computer literacy alone, a nurse can interpret data without needing information literacy.
4. Information literacy supports lifelong learning, while computer literacy is familiarity with computers.
Correct Answer: 4
Rationales 1–3: Computer literacy involves basic use of software and hardware; information literacy
encompasses higher-level learning and critical evaluation of information.
Question 5
Which statement matches the correct level of informatics competency to the nurse?
1. An informatics specialist develops best practice models for catheter care using data analysis.
2. A novice nurse uses a spreadsheet to document medication side effects.
3. An experienced nurse creates databases with SNOMED coding.
4. A beginner nurse integrates multiple disciplines through Internet research.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Informatics specialists have the knowledge to analyze data and build models to improve practice.
Rationales 2–4: These reflect skills below the level of an informatics specialist or are inappropriate for
novice/experienced staff roles.
Question 6
Which statement about today’s healthcare delivery system is inaccurate?
1. Technology can fully resolve the nursing shortage in acute care.
2. Evidence-based practice is supported by technology for accessing research.
3. Computerized order entry can reduce medication errors.
4. Managed care uses disease management to treat chronic conditions effectively.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Technology can improve care and reduce errors, but it will not eliminate the nursing shortage.
Question 7
Identify at least three current factors driving the use of IT in acute care settings.
1. Patient safety
2. Nursing shortage
3. Evidence-based practice
4. Growing number of digital-native nurses
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Although digital natives are comfortable with technology, they are not the main drivers. Factors like
patient safety, evidence-based care, and staffing shortages lead IT adoption.
Question 8
Which action reflects the nurse working as a knowledge worker?
1. Documenting hypoactive bowel sounds in the EMR.
2. Administering insulin based on sliding scale and documenting it.
3. Increasing a client’s breathing exercises based on clinical assessment.
4. Recording vitals, intake, and output.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: This example shows the nurse analyzing and acting on clinical data, applying knowledge for patient
benefit—hallmark of a knowledge worker.
Question 9
What is a disadvantage of using an EMR?
1. Multiple users can access the EMR from various locations.
2. Initial training time required for staff.
3. Documentation takes longer and limits patient care time.
4. Diagnostic images cannot be stored in the EMR.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: The initial training period is a disadvantage. Once trained, nurses usually find documentation
becomes more efficient.
Question 10
What beginning-level informatics skill should a new graduate nurse have?
1. Conduct literature searches for research.
2. Enter vitals and intake/output into the EMR.
3. Analyze healthcare IT trends online.
4. Create staff schedules using spreadsheets.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Data entry into EMRs is a basic informatics competency. The other tasks require more advanced
skills.