NUR 2790 Exam 2: Professional Nursing III - Rasmussen
University Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who decides to stop all medical treatments for terminal cancer. Which
ethical principle is the nurse supporting by respecting this decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
By honoring the patient’s choice to stop treatment, the nurse acknowledges the patient’s self-
determination. This principle requires that the patient is fully informed and competent to make such a
choice. The nurse’s role is to support the patient’s decision even if it conflicts with their personal beliefs.
Respecting autonomy is a fundamental aspect of professional nursing practice and legal patient rights.
2. When performing a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) after a medication error, what is the primary goal of the
interdisciplinary team?
A. To identify which individual staff member is responsible for the error
B. To update the hospital’s legal defense strategy
C. To identify system-level factors that contributed to the event
D. To discipline the nurse involved in the medication administration
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Root Cause Analysis focuses on identifying underlying system failures rather than individual
blame. This process is essential for creating long-term solutions to prevent future errors. The
interdisciplinary team examines every step of the process to see where the breakdown occurred. By
understanding these factors, the facility can implement safer protocols and improve patient outcomes.
RCA is a reactive quality improvement strategy used after a significant adverse event.
3. A nurse is concerned about a patient’s ability to afford their new prescriptions upon discharge. Which
member of the interdisciplinary team should the nurse contact?
A. Case Manager
B. Occupational Therapist
C. Physical Therapist
D. Speech-Language Pathologist
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Case managers play a vital role in coordinating care and managing resources for patients
during and after hospitalization. They assist with discharge planning and identify financial assistance
programs for medications. Their goal is to ensure the patient has what they need to maintain health in
the community setting. Nurses collaborate with case managers to bridge the gap between hospital care
and home recovery. Effective case management reduces readmission rates by addressing social
determinants of health.
4. A nurse witnesses a co-worker documenting a procedure that was never actually performed. Which legal
and ethical concept is most directly violated?
A. Fidelity
B. Confidentiality
,C. Justice
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Veracity is the ethical principle of truth-telling and honesty in professional interactions.
Documenting services that were not provided is a fraudulent act and a breach of this principle. This
behavior undermines the trust between the healthcare team and the patient. Legally, inaccurate
documentation can lead to charges of professional misconduct or license suspension. Nurses have a duty
to report such unethical behavior to protect patient safety and institutional integrity.
5. In the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle of quality improvement, what happens during the ‘Study’ phase?
A. The team implements the change on a small scale
B. The data is analyzed to determine if the change resulted in improvement
C. The team identifies the problem and plans a solution
D. The change is permanently implemented across the entire unit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ‘Study’ phase involves analyzing the results of the small-scale test implemented in the
‘Do’ phase. Data is compared against the original predictions to see if the goals were met. This step is
crucial for determining if the proposed change is effective or needs adjustment. The team looks for
unintended consequences or additional insights during this period. Successful analysis guides the team
toward the next steps in the quality improvement process.
6. A patient is scheduled for surgery, and the nurse notices the patient does not understand the risks
explained by the surgeon. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility?
A. Explain the surgical risks to the patient in detail
, B. Notify the surgeon that the patient needs further clarification
C. Ask the patient to sign the form regardless of their understanding
D. Document that the patient was hesitant but signed anyway
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While the nurse often witnesses the patient’s signature, the surgeon is responsible for
providing the informed consent information. If the nurse identifies a lack of understanding, they must
advocate for the patient by calling the surgeon back. The nurse should not attempt to provide the detailed
medical risks as it is outside their scope for this specific legal requirement. Ensuring the patient is fully
informed is vital for legal and ethical practice. Consent is not valid if the patient does not comprehend the
procedure and its associated risks.
7. Which of the following is a key component of the SBAR communication tool used during interdisciplinary
handoffs?
A. A recommendation for the next steps in care
B. The patient’s insurance information
C. A list of all visitors the patient had during the shift
D. The nurse’s personal opinion on the patient’s personality
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. The
recommendation phase allows the nurse to suggest specific actions or request interventions from the
provider. This structured communication reduces the risk of errors during transitions of care. It ensures
that all critical information is conveyed clearly and concisely to the interdisciplinary team. Using SBAR
promotes professional collaboration and improves the safety of patient handoffs.
University Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who decides to stop all medical treatments for terminal cancer. Which
ethical principle is the nurse supporting by respecting this decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
By honoring the patient’s choice to stop treatment, the nurse acknowledges the patient’s self-
determination. This principle requires that the patient is fully informed and competent to make such a
choice. The nurse’s role is to support the patient’s decision even if it conflicts with their personal beliefs.
Respecting autonomy is a fundamental aspect of professional nursing practice and legal patient rights.
2. When performing a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) after a medication error, what is the primary goal of the
interdisciplinary team?
A. To identify which individual staff member is responsible for the error
B. To update the hospital’s legal defense strategy
C. To identify system-level factors that contributed to the event
D. To discipline the nurse involved in the medication administration
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Root Cause Analysis focuses on identifying underlying system failures rather than individual
blame. This process is essential for creating long-term solutions to prevent future errors. The
interdisciplinary team examines every step of the process to see where the breakdown occurred. By
understanding these factors, the facility can implement safer protocols and improve patient outcomes.
RCA is a reactive quality improvement strategy used after a significant adverse event.
3. A nurse is concerned about a patient’s ability to afford their new prescriptions upon discharge. Which
member of the interdisciplinary team should the nurse contact?
A. Case Manager
B. Occupational Therapist
C. Physical Therapist
D. Speech-Language Pathologist
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Case managers play a vital role in coordinating care and managing resources for patients
during and after hospitalization. They assist with discharge planning and identify financial assistance
programs for medications. Their goal is to ensure the patient has what they need to maintain health in
the community setting. Nurses collaborate with case managers to bridge the gap between hospital care
and home recovery. Effective case management reduces readmission rates by addressing social
determinants of health.
4. A nurse witnesses a co-worker documenting a procedure that was never actually performed. Which legal
and ethical concept is most directly violated?
A. Fidelity
B. Confidentiality
,C. Justice
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Veracity is the ethical principle of truth-telling and honesty in professional interactions.
Documenting services that were not provided is a fraudulent act and a breach of this principle. This
behavior undermines the trust between the healthcare team and the patient. Legally, inaccurate
documentation can lead to charges of professional misconduct or license suspension. Nurses have a duty
to report such unethical behavior to protect patient safety and institutional integrity.
5. In the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle of quality improvement, what happens during the ‘Study’ phase?
A. The team implements the change on a small scale
B. The data is analyzed to determine if the change resulted in improvement
C. The team identifies the problem and plans a solution
D. The change is permanently implemented across the entire unit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ‘Study’ phase involves analyzing the results of the small-scale test implemented in the
‘Do’ phase. Data is compared against the original predictions to see if the goals were met. This step is
crucial for determining if the proposed change is effective or needs adjustment. The team looks for
unintended consequences or additional insights during this period. Successful analysis guides the team
toward the next steps in the quality improvement process.
6. A patient is scheduled for surgery, and the nurse notices the patient does not understand the risks
explained by the surgeon. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility?
A. Explain the surgical risks to the patient in detail
, B. Notify the surgeon that the patient needs further clarification
C. Ask the patient to sign the form regardless of their understanding
D. Document that the patient was hesitant but signed anyway
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While the nurse often witnesses the patient’s signature, the surgeon is responsible for
providing the informed consent information. If the nurse identifies a lack of understanding, they must
advocate for the patient by calling the surgeon back. The nurse should not attempt to provide the detailed
medical risks as it is outside their scope for this specific legal requirement. Ensuring the patient is fully
informed is vital for legal and ethical practice. Consent is not valid if the patient does not comprehend the
procedure and its associated risks.
7. Which of the following is a key component of the SBAR communication tool used during interdisciplinary
handoffs?
A. A recommendation for the next steps in care
B. The patient’s insurance information
C. A list of all visitors the patient had during the shift
D. The nurse’s personal opinion on the patient’s personality
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. The
recommendation phase allows the nurse to suggest specific actions or request interventions from the
provider. This structured communication reduces the risk of errors during transitions of care. It ensures
that all critical information is conveyed clearly and concisely to the interdisciplinary team. Using SBAR
promotes professional collaboration and improves the safety of patient handoffs.
