Nursing informatics is best described as integrating nursing knowledge with which of the following?

• A. Providing hands-on clinical care
• B. Leading organizational change in hospitals
• C. Administrative billing and coding
• D. Integrating nursing's information and knowledge with communication technologies

Answer: (D)

Nursing informatics blends nursing knowledge with information management and communication technologies to collect, organize, analyze, and apply health data in patient care and decision making. This integration with technology—electronic health records, clinical decision support, telehealth, and data standards—drives safer, higher-quality, and more efficient care.

That’s why the best description is integrating nursing information and knowledge with communication technologies. It captures how data and systems are used to support nurses in delivering care, making decisions, and coordinating with the broader health team.

Hands-on clinical care is a fundamental nursing activity, but informatics focuses on how information systems and technology enhance that care. Leading organizational change describes leadership and change management outside the core informatics function. Administrative billing and coding relate to revenue and documentation processes rather than the integration of nursing knowledge with tech. An example of informatics in action would be using an EHR with decision-support alerts to prevent adverse drug interactions, leveraging data to guide practice.