NURS 420 Nursing Core Exam | Sample Questions and Answers

1. What statement is true regarding decision-making?

A) It is an analysis of a situation

B) It is closely related to evaluation

C) It involves choosing between courses of action 

D) It is dependent upon finding the cause of a problem

Explanation: Decision-making is a complex cognitive process involving the selection of a particular course of action. It is a crucial part of problem-solving, which systematically analyzes difficult situations.

2. What is a weakness of the traditional problem-solving model?

A) Its need for implementation time 

B) Its lack of a step requiring evaluation of results

C) Its failure to gather sufficient data

D) Its failure to evaluate alternatives

Explanation: Traditional problem-solving is less effective when time constraints are a factor. Decision-making can occur without full analysis, whereas problem-solving focuses on identifying the root cause of issues.

3. Which statement is true regarding decision-making?

A) Scientific methods provide identical decisions for the same problems

B) Decisions are greatly influenced by each person’s value system 

C) Personal beliefs can be adjusted using a scientific approac

D) Past experience has little impact on decision quality

Explanation: Decision-making is influenced by values, experiences, and personal preferences. Even with objective criteria, individual judgment plays a role.

4. What most influences the quality of a decision?

A) The decision maker’s immediate superior

B) The type of decision that needs to be made

C) Questions asked and alternatives generated 

D) The time of day the decision is made

Explanation: Better decision-making comes from generating more alternatives and thoroughly evaluating options. A person's value system also plays a role.

5. What is true about good decision-makers?

A) They are usually right-brain, intuitive thinkers

B) They are sensitive to the situation and to others 

C) They rely primarily on left-brain logical thinking

D) Good decisions require analytical rather than creative processes

Explanation: Good decision-makers are attuned to people and situations. Left-brain thinkers process logic, language, and numbers, while right-brain thinkers excel at holistic and creative problem-solving.

6. What is the best definition of decision-making?

A) The planning process of management

B) The evaluation phase of the executive role

C) One step in the problem-solving process 

D) Justifying the need for scarce items

Explanation: Decision-making is a core step in problem-solving and relies heavily on critical thinking and clinical reasoning.