NSG 310/NSG310 Exam 4 V2 | Introduction
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Which task is most
appropriate to delegate?
A. Evaluating a patient’s response to pain medication
B. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer
C. Assisting a stable patient with a bed bath
D. Assessing a patient’s surgical incision for signs of infection
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The RN is responsible for assessment, teaching, and clinical
judgment, which cannot be delegated. Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) like a
bed bath is within the scope of practice for a UAP. The nurse must ensure the patient is
stable before delegating this task to ensure safety.
,2. Which nursing leadership style is characterized by the leader making all the decisions
without input from the staff?
A. Democratic
B. Laissez-faire
C. Autocratic
D. Transformational
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making where
the leader maintains full control over the group. This style is often effective in emergency
situations where quick decisions are required. However, it can lead to low staff morale if
used exclusively in non-urgent settings.
3. The nurse is practicing the ethical principle of beneficence by doing which of the following?
A. Providing the same quality of care to all patients regardless of status
B. Administering pain medication to a patient in post-operative distress
C. Respecting a patient’s decision to refuse a life-saving blood transfusion
D. Ensuring the patient’s health information remains confidential
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Beneficence is the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the
patient. Administering pain medication directly aims to alleviate suffering and promote
well-being. This principle often requires the nurse to balance the benefits of treatment
against potential risks.
, 4. A nurse is involved in a root cause analysis (RCA). What is the primary purpose of this
process?
A. To determine the systemic factors that led to a sentinel event
B. To identify the individual responsible for a clinical error
C. To document disciplinary action against nursing staff
D. To satisfy legal requirements for hospital accreditation only
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Root cause analysis is a structured process used to identify the
underlying causes of adverse events. It focuses on system failures rather than individual
blame to prevent future occurrences. By understanding ‘why’ an event happened, the
facility can implement effective safety improvements.
5. Which component of the SBAR communication tool involves the nurse stating the patient’s
current vital signs and mental status?
A. Situation
B. Assessment
C. Background
D. Recommendation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Assessment portion of SBAR involves reporting the nurse’s
clinical findings and the patient’s current status. This includes vital signs, physical exam
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Which task is most
appropriate to delegate?
A. Evaluating a patient’s response to pain medication
B. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer
C. Assisting a stable patient with a bed bath
D. Assessing a patient’s surgical incision for signs of infection
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The RN is responsible for assessment, teaching, and clinical
judgment, which cannot be delegated. Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) like a
bed bath is within the scope of practice for a UAP. The nurse must ensure the patient is
stable before delegating this task to ensure safety.
,2. Which nursing leadership style is characterized by the leader making all the decisions
without input from the staff?
A. Democratic
B. Laissez-faire
C. Autocratic
D. Transformational
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making where
the leader maintains full control over the group. This style is often effective in emergency
situations where quick decisions are required. However, it can lead to low staff morale if
used exclusively in non-urgent settings.
3. The nurse is practicing the ethical principle of beneficence by doing which of the following?
A. Providing the same quality of care to all patients regardless of status
B. Administering pain medication to a patient in post-operative distress
C. Respecting a patient’s decision to refuse a life-saving blood transfusion
D. Ensuring the patient’s health information remains confidential
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Beneficence is the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the
patient. Administering pain medication directly aims to alleviate suffering and promote
well-being. This principle often requires the nurse to balance the benefits of treatment
against potential risks.
, 4. A nurse is involved in a root cause analysis (RCA). What is the primary purpose of this
process?
A. To determine the systemic factors that led to a sentinel event
B. To identify the individual responsible for a clinical error
C. To document disciplinary action against nursing staff
D. To satisfy legal requirements for hospital accreditation only
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Root cause analysis is a structured process used to identify the
underlying causes of adverse events. It focuses on system failures rather than individual
blame to prevent future occurrences. By understanding ‘why’ an event happened, the
facility can implement effective safety improvements.
5. Which component of the SBAR communication tool involves the nurse stating the patient’s
current vital signs and mental status?
A. Situation
B. Assessment
C. Background
D. Recommendation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Assessment portion of SBAR involves reporting the nurse’s
clinical findings and the patient’s current status. This includes vital signs, physical exam
