In the context of computer hardware and peripherals, which of the following is correctly classified as an output device?

Appeared in: NORCET 9 Prelims-2025

Explanation

A printer is correctly classified as an output device.
Output devices accept the results produced by the computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU) and make them available to the user.
A printer takes processed digital information from the computer and converts it into a tangible, physical format (a hard copy) like printed text or images on paper.
Other common output devices include monitors (display screens) and speakers.

Option A: A scanner is an input device, not an output device. It converts physical documents or images into a digital format that can be sent to the computer.
Option C: A mouse is a primary input device (a pointing device). It is used to send instructions and control the cursor on the computer screen.
Option D: A keyboard is a fundamental input device. Its purpose is to allow a user to type text, numbers, and commands to be sent to the computer for processing.

Visual 1: Diagram - A simple flowchart showing the flow of information. User -> Input Device (Keyboard, Mouse) -> CPU -> Output Device (Monitor, Printer) -> User. This clarifies the direction of data transfer for each category.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of computer peripherals as input or output devices as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In modern healthcare settings, nurses use both input and output devices daily for Electronic Health Record (EHR) management. Keyboards and mice are used to input patient data, while printers are used to output patient wristbands, medication lists, and discharge instructions.
Understanding the function of each peripheral is crucial for efficient and accurate documentation, which is a cornerstone of patient safety.
What if? If a nurse needed to add a patient's signed consent form to their digital chart, they would use a scanner (input device), not a printer (output device). Using the wrong device would make the task impossible.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the core question. It asks to identify an 'output' device.
Define 'output device' in your mind: a device that presents data FROM the computer to the user.
Define 'input device': a device that sends data TO the computer from the user.
Evaluate each option against these definitions:
Scanner: Sends an image TO the computer. It's an input device.
Printer: Takes data FROM the computer and prints it. It's an output device.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of computer peripherals as input or output devices.
Stem keywords: computer hardware, peripherals, output device
Lead-in keywords: correctly classified
Negative lead-in flag: false

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