Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales
Based on Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 441 & Administrative
Code Chapters N 1-7
Section 1: Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act (Questions 1–25)
1. What is the primary purpose of the Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act?
A. To regulate nursing education programs
B. To protect the public by defining standards for safe nursing practice
C. To establish salaries for nurses in Wisconsin
D. To license all healthcare professionals in Wisconsin
Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of the Nursing Practice Act is to safeguard public health,
safety, and welfare by establishing clear standards for nursing practice. It outlines the legal
scope of nursing and disciplinary actions for violations .
2. Which Wisconsin statute specifically defines the scope of practice for a registered
professional nurse?
A. Wis. Stat. Chapter 146 (Health Records)
B. Wis. Stat. Chapter 252 (Public Health)
C. Wis. Stat. Chapter 441 (Nursing)
D. Wis. Stat. Chapter 51 (Mental Health)
Answer: C
Rationale: Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 441, known as the Nurse Practice Act, establishes
the legal framework for nursing practice in Wisconsin, including definitions, scope of
practice, licensure requirements, and disciplinary grounds .
3. Who is responsible for issuing and renewing nursing licenses in Wisconsin?
,A. Wisconsin Board of Medicine
B. Wisconsin Department of Health Services
C. Wisconsin Board of Nursing
D. Wisconsin Nurses Association
Answer: C
Rationale: The Wisconsin Board of Nursing is the official regulatory body responsible for
licensing registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and advanced practice
nurses, including issuing and renewing licenses .
4. How often must a registered nurse in Wisconsin renew their license?
A. Every year
B. Every 2 years
C. Every 3 years
D. Every 5 years
Answer: B
Rationale: In Wisconsin, RN licenses must be renewed biennially (every 2 years). The
renewal cycle helps ensure nurses maintain current knowledge and competence throughout
their careers .
5. According to Wisconsin law, what is the minimum number of continuing education
contact hours required for a registered nurse to renew an active license?
A. 10 hours every 2 years
B. 15 hours every 2 years
C. 20 hours every 2 years
D. 30 hours every 2 years
Answer: C
*Rationale: Wisconsin Administrative Code N 6.03 requires registered nurses and licensed
practical nurses to complete a minimum of 20 contact hours of board-approved continuing
education during each biennial renewal period .*
,6. Unless licensed under ch. 441, Stats., or granted a privilege under s. 441.51, Stats.,
no person may do which of the following?
A. Work in a healthcare facility
B. Practice professional or practical nursing for compensation
C. Administer first aid
D. Complete nursing education courses
Answer: B
Rationale: Wisconsin law prohibits the practice of professional or practical nursing for
compensation without a valid nursing license or a privilege under the Nurse Licensure
Compact .
7. Chapter N 6 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code establishes standards of
practice for:
A. Physicians and physician assistants
B. Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
C. Nurse aides and unlicensed assistive personnel
D. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
Answer: B
Rationale: Chapter N 6 sets forth the minimum practice standards for registered nurses
and licensed practical nurses and clarifies their scope of practice .
8. The Wisconsin Board of Nursing has the authority to do which of the following?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Deny an initial nursing license
B. Suspend or revoke a nursing license
C. Reprimand a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse
D. Determine the salaries of nurses employed in Wisconsin
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: The board may deny an initial license or revoke, limit, suspend, or deny renewal
of a license of a registered nurse, nurse-midwife, or licensed practical nurse, or reprimand a
licensee .
, 9. The Wisconsin Nurses Association plays what role regarding nursing regulation?
A. It is the official licensing board for nurses
B. It serves as a professional membership organization and advocate for nurses
C. It determines the scope of practice for all nurses
D. It enforces disciplinary actions against nurses
Answer: B
Rationale: The Wisconsin Nurses Association (WNA) is a professional membership
organization that advocates for the nursing profession and nurses, but it is not the
regulatory body (the Board of Nursing holds that authority) .
10. Under Chapter 441, Stats., "compensation" for nursing services includes:
A. Only direct monetary payment
B. Direct compensation, indirect compensation, and the expectation of compensation
C. Only salary paid by a healthcare facility
D. Only payment from patients
Answer: B
Rationale: According to Wisconsin Statutes, "compensation" includes indirect
compensation, direct compensation, and the expectation of compensation, whether actually
received or not .
11. To practice nursing in Wisconsin for compensation, a person must:
A. Be enrolled in a nursing education program
B. Hold a valid nursing license or have a privilege to practice under the Nurse Licensure
Compact
C. Pass the NCLEX examination every two years
D. Complete 100 hours of continuing education annually
Answer: B
Rationale: Wisconsin law requires a valid nursing license or a privilege under the Nurse
Licensure Compact to practice nursing for compensation .