NSG 310/NSG310 Exam 2 V3 | Introduction
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a scheduled blood transfusion for religious
reasons. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by respecting this decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Autonomy
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions
about their medical care without their healthcare provider trying to influence the decision.
By respecting the patient’s refusal based on religious beliefs, the nurse acknowledges the
patient’s self-determination. This is a foundational element of professional nursing ethics
that prioritizes the individual’s values over clinical recommendations.
2. When a nurse ensures that a patient receives pain medication as promised, which ethical
principle is being demonstrated?
A. Confidentiality
B. Veracity
,C. Fidelity
D. Altruism
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Fidelity involves keeping promises and being faithful to the
commitments made to patients. When a nurse follows through on a commitment to provide
pain relief, they are building a relationship of trust. This principle is essential for
maintaining the integrity of the nurse-patient relationship and ensuring reliable care
delivery.
3. A nurse documents that a patient is ‘uncooperative’ without providing specific behavioral
examples. This is an example of a failure in which phase of the nursing process?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Diagnosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Assessment requires the collection of objective and subjective data
rather than personal opinions or labels. Labeling a patient as ‘uncooperative’ is an
interpretation or inference rather than a factual observation of behavior. Proper
documentation should include specific actions, such as ‘patient refused to take medication’
or ‘patient turned away during physical exam,’ to provide an accurate clinical picture.
,4. What is the primary purpose of the State Nurse Practice Act?
A. To provide a salary scale for registered nurses
B. To protect the public from unsafe practitioners
C. To define the curriculum for nursing schools
D. To protect the nurse from legal prosecution
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The State Nurse Practice Act is a set of laws that defines the scope of
practice and responsibilities for nurses within that state. Its primary goal is to ensure
public safety by establishing minimum requirements for licensure and standards for
practice. By regulating the profession, the act prevents unqualified individuals from
practicing and holds nurses accountable for their professional conduct.
5. Which nursing theorist is known for the ‘Theory of Human Caring,’ emphasizing the
transpersonal relationship?
A. Jean Watson
B. Florence Nightingale
C. Dorothea Orem
D. Sister Callista Roy
Correct Answer: A
, Expert Explanation: Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring focuses on the holistic aspect
of nursing and the deep connection between the nurse and the patient. She emphasizes that
caring is central to nursing practice and promotes health better than a simple medical cure.
Her framework includes 10 caritas processes that guide nurses in creating a healing
environment for the patient’s mind, body, and soul.
6. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a physician. What does the ‘B’ in SBAR
stand for?
A. Beliefs
B. Background
C. Behavior
D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In the SBAR communication tool, ‘B’ stands for Background, which
provides the clinical context of the patient’s situation. This includes relevant history,
admitting diagnosis, and any medications or treatments already administered. Using this
structured approach ensures that critical information is communicated clearly and
concisely between healthcare professionals to improve patient safety.
7. Which action by a nurse constitutes ‘Battery’ in a legal context?
A. Threatening to insert a catheter if the patient does not void
B. Telling a patient they cannot leave the hospital
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a scheduled blood transfusion for religious
reasons. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by respecting this decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Autonomy
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions
about their medical care without their healthcare provider trying to influence the decision.
By respecting the patient’s refusal based on religious beliefs, the nurse acknowledges the
patient’s self-determination. This is a foundational element of professional nursing ethics
that prioritizes the individual’s values over clinical recommendations.
2. When a nurse ensures that a patient receives pain medication as promised, which ethical
principle is being demonstrated?
A. Confidentiality
B. Veracity
,C. Fidelity
D. Altruism
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Fidelity involves keeping promises and being faithful to the
commitments made to patients. When a nurse follows through on a commitment to provide
pain relief, they are building a relationship of trust. This principle is essential for
maintaining the integrity of the nurse-patient relationship and ensuring reliable care
delivery.
3. A nurse documents that a patient is ‘uncooperative’ without providing specific behavioral
examples. This is an example of a failure in which phase of the nursing process?
A. Assessment
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Diagnosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Assessment requires the collection of objective and subjective data
rather than personal opinions or labels. Labeling a patient as ‘uncooperative’ is an
interpretation or inference rather than a factual observation of behavior. Proper
documentation should include specific actions, such as ‘patient refused to take medication’
or ‘patient turned away during physical exam,’ to provide an accurate clinical picture.
,4. What is the primary purpose of the State Nurse Practice Act?
A. To provide a salary scale for registered nurses
B. To protect the public from unsafe practitioners
C. To define the curriculum for nursing schools
D. To protect the nurse from legal prosecution
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The State Nurse Practice Act is a set of laws that defines the scope of
practice and responsibilities for nurses within that state. Its primary goal is to ensure
public safety by establishing minimum requirements for licensure and standards for
practice. By regulating the profession, the act prevents unqualified individuals from
practicing and holds nurses accountable for their professional conduct.
5. Which nursing theorist is known for the ‘Theory of Human Caring,’ emphasizing the
transpersonal relationship?
A. Jean Watson
B. Florence Nightingale
C. Dorothea Orem
D. Sister Callista Roy
Correct Answer: A
, Expert Explanation: Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring focuses on the holistic aspect
of nursing and the deep connection between the nurse and the patient. She emphasizes that
caring is central to nursing practice and promotes health better than a simple medical cure.
Her framework includes 10 caritas processes that guide nurses in creating a healing
environment for the patient’s mind, body, and soul.
6. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a physician. What does the ‘B’ in SBAR
stand for?
A. Beliefs
B. Background
C. Behavior
D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In the SBAR communication tool, ‘B’ stands for Background, which
provides the clinical context of the patient’s situation. This includes relevant history,
admitting diagnosis, and any medications or treatments already administered. Using this
structured approach ensures that critical information is communicated clearly and
concisely between healthcare professionals to improve patient safety.
7. Which action by a nurse constitutes ‘Battery’ in a legal context?
A. Threatening to insert a catheter if the patient does not void
B. Telling a patient they cannot leave the hospital
