NUR 2790 Exam 1: Professional Nursing III - Rasmussen
University Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A registered nurse (RN) is assigning tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP). Which task is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to the LPN?
A. Administering an intravenous push medication for pain.
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of a patient’s response to a new anti-hypertensive medication.
C. Creating a discharge teaching plan for a patient with new-onset diabetes.
D. Performing a sterile dressing change on a stable post-operative wound.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delegating tasks to an LPN requires the nurse to consider the complexity of the patient and
the scope of practice. LPNs are trained to perform sterile procedures such as dressing changes for
patients who are clinically stable. Assessment, teaching, and complex IV medications are typically
reserved for the registered nurse’s scope of practice. The RN must ensure that the delegated task aligns
with institutional policies and the specific state’s nurse practice act. Effective delegation enhances unit
efficiency while maintaining high standards for patient safety and clinical outcomes.
2. A nurse manager is implementing a new bedside shift report protocol. According to Lewin’s Change
Theory, which action represents the ‘Unfreezing’ stage?
A. Providing education sessions to staff regarding the benefits of the new protocol.
B. Gathering data that shows current handoff methods are leading to medication errors.
C. Formalizing the new policy in the hospital’s electronic manual.
D. Rewarding staff members who consistently use the new bedside report format.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The unfreezing stage of change theory involves creating a motivation to change by identifying
a problem or a need for improvement. By gathering data on medication errors, the manager highlights
the necessity for a new system to ensure patient safety. This stage is critical because it helps staff
members let go of old patterns that are no longer effective. Without a clear understanding of the ‘why’
behind the change, staff resistance is much more likely to occur. Once the need is established, the moving
phase can begin to implement the actual intervention strategies.
3. Which leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes all decisions for the unit without seeking
input from the staff?
A. Democratic
B. Laissez-faire
C. Transactional
D. Autocratic
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autocratic leadership is defined by central decision-making where the leader maintains high
control over the group. This style can be very effective in emergency situations where quick, decisive
actions are necessary for survival. However, in routine nursing environments, it may lead to low staff
morale and limited professional growth for subordinates. The autocratic leader dictates tasks and does
not typically encourage collaboration or creative problem-solving from the team. Understanding these
styles allows nurses to adapt their leadership approach based on the specific needs of the clinical
environment.
,4. A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first using the principle of
prioritization?
A. A patient who had a chest tube removed 1 hour ago and is now experiencing shortness of breath.
B. A patient with a pain level of 8/10 requesting oral medication.
C. A patient with a scheduled dose of insulin due in 15 minutes.
D. A patient who needs a dressing change for a chronic pressure ulcer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prioritization in nursing often follows the ABC framework, which stands for Airway,
Breathing, and Circulation. A patient experiencing shortness of breath after a chest tube removal is a
high-risk situation that could indicate a pneumothorax. Immediate assessment and intervention are
required to prevent respiratory failure or further physiological decline. While pain management and
insulin administration are important, they do not take precedence over an acute respiratory compromise.
The nurse must quickly identify life-threatening conditions to ensure the highest level of patient safety.
5. A nurse manager is conducting a root cause analysis (RCA) after a medication error occurred. What is the
primary purpose of an RCA?
A. To identify which individual staff member is at fault for the error.
B. To fulfill the legal requirements for reporting to the Board of Nursing.
C. To determine the underlying system failures that contributed to the error.
D. To provide evidence for terminating the employee involved in the incident.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Root cause analysis is a structured process used to identify the basic factors that result in an
adverse event. It shifts the focus from individual blame to examining system processes and
, environmental factors that allow errors to occur. By understanding the ‘root’ of the problem, healthcare
organizations can implement permanent solutions to prevent recurrence. This approach promotes a ‘just
culture’ where transparency is valued over punitive measures. Ultimately, the goal of RCA is to improve
the overall quality and safety of patient care delivery systems.
6. During an interprofessional team meeting, a nurse suggests using a specific evidence-based intervention
for fall prevention. Which level of evidence is considered the ‘gold standard’ for clinical decision-making?
A. A systematic review or meta-analysis of multiple RCTs.
B. A single randomized controlled trial (RCT).
C. Expert opinion from a senior nurse manager.
D. A descriptive study conducted at a local hospital.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the hierarchy of evidence, systematic reviews and meta-analyses sit at the top as the most
reliable sources. These documents synthesize data from multiple high-quality randomized controlled
trials to provide a comprehensive view of an intervention’s efficacy. Using top-tier evidence ensures that
nursing practice is based on rigorous scientific research rather than tradition or intuition. Clinical
decision-making that incorporates high-level evidence leads to better patient outcomes and more
efficient resource utilization. Nurses must be able to appraise research to provide the best possible care
to their patients.
7. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. The patient states, ‘I’m not really sure why they are doing this
procedure.’ What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery to the patient.
B. Ask the patient to sign the consent form anyway and notify the surgeon later.
University Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A registered nurse (RN) is assigning tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP). Which task is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to the LPN?
A. Administering an intravenous push medication for pain.
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of a patient’s response to a new anti-hypertensive medication.
C. Creating a discharge teaching plan for a patient with new-onset diabetes.
D. Performing a sterile dressing change on a stable post-operative wound.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delegating tasks to an LPN requires the nurse to consider the complexity of the patient and
the scope of practice. LPNs are trained to perform sterile procedures such as dressing changes for
patients who are clinically stable. Assessment, teaching, and complex IV medications are typically
reserved for the registered nurse’s scope of practice. The RN must ensure that the delegated task aligns
with institutional policies and the specific state’s nurse practice act. Effective delegation enhances unit
efficiency while maintaining high standards for patient safety and clinical outcomes.
2. A nurse manager is implementing a new bedside shift report protocol. According to Lewin’s Change
Theory, which action represents the ‘Unfreezing’ stage?
A. Providing education sessions to staff regarding the benefits of the new protocol.
B. Gathering data that shows current handoff methods are leading to medication errors.
C. Formalizing the new policy in the hospital’s electronic manual.
D. Rewarding staff members who consistently use the new bedside report format.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The unfreezing stage of change theory involves creating a motivation to change by identifying
a problem or a need for improvement. By gathering data on medication errors, the manager highlights
the necessity for a new system to ensure patient safety. This stage is critical because it helps staff
members let go of old patterns that are no longer effective. Without a clear understanding of the ‘why’
behind the change, staff resistance is much more likely to occur. Once the need is established, the moving
phase can begin to implement the actual intervention strategies.
3. Which leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes all decisions for the unit without seeking
input from the staff?
A. Democratic
B. Laissez-faire
C. Transactional
D. Autocratic
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autocratic leadership is defined by central decision-making where the leader maintains high
control over the group. This style can be very effective in emergency situations where quick, decisive
actions are necessary for survival. However, in routine nursing environments, it may lead to low staff
morale and limited professional growth for subordinates. The autocratic leader dictates tasks and does
not typically encourage collaboration or creative problem-solving from the team. Understanding these
styles allows nurses to adapt their leadership approach based on the specific needs of the clinical
environment.
,4. A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first using the principle of
prioritization?
A. A patient who had a chest tube removed 1 hour ago and is now experiencing shortness of breath.
B. A patient with a pain level of 8/10 requesting oral medication.
C. A patient with a scheduled dose of insulin due in 15 minutes.
D. A patient who needs a dressing change for a chronic pressure ulcer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prioritization in nursing often follows the ABC framework, which stands for Airway,
Breathing, and Circulation. A patient experiencing shortness of breath after a chest tube removal is a
high-risk situation that could indicate a pneumothorax. Immediate assessment and intervention are
required to prevent respiratory failure or further physiological decline. While pain management and
insulin administration are important, they do not take precedence over an acute respiratory compromise.
The nurse must quickly identify life-threatening conditions to ensure the highest level of patient safety.
5. A nurse manager is conducting a root cause analysis (RCA) after a medication error occurred. What is the
primary purpose of an RCA?
A. To identify which individual staff member is at fault for the error.
B. To fulfill the legal requirements for reporting to the Board of Nursing.
C. To determine the underlying system failures that contributed to the error.
D. To provide evidence for terminating the employee involved in the incident.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Root cause analysis is a structured process used to identify the basic factors that result in an
adverse event. It shifts the focus from individual blame to examining system processes and
, environmental factors that allow errors to occur. By understanding the ‘root’ of the problem, healthcare
organizations can implement permanent solutions to prevent recurrence. This approach promotes a ‘just
culture’ where transparency is valued over punitive measures. Ultimately, the goal of RCA is to improve
the overall quality and safety of patient care delivery systems.
6. During an interprofessional team meeting, a nurse suggests using a specific evidence-based intervention
for fall prevention. Which level of evidence is considered the ‘gold standard’ for clinical decision-making?
A. A systematic review or meta-analysis of multiple RCTs.
B. A single randomized controlled trial (RCT).
C. Expert opinion from a senior nurse manager.
D. A descriptive study conducted at a local hospital.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the hierarchy of evidence, systematic reviews and meta-analyses sit at the top as the most
reliable sources. These documents synthesize data from multiple high-quality randomized controlled
trials to provide a comprehensive view of an intervention’s efficacy. Using top-tier evidence ensures that
nursing practice is based on rigorous scientific research rather than tradition or intuition. Clinical
decision-making that incorporates high-level evidence leads to better patient outcomes and more
efficient resource utilization. Nurses must be able to appraise research to provide the best possible care
to their patients.
7. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. The patient states, ‘I’m not really sure why they are doing this
procedure.’ What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery to the patient.
B. Ask the patient to sign the consent form anyway and notify the surgeon later.
