NSG 310/NSG310 Exam 3 V3 | Introduction
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who decides to stop chemotherapy treatments despite the
provider’s recommendation. The nurse supports the client’s decision. Which ethical principle
is being applied?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions
about their healthcare. By supporting the client’s choice to refuse treatment, the nurse is
honoring the client’s self-determination. This principle requires that the nurse ensures the
client is fully informed before making such a significant decision.
2. Which element is necessary to prove nursing malpractice in a court of law?
A. Breach of the standard of care
B. Intentional harm to the patient
C. A verbal disagreement with a physician
,D. The patient’s dissatisfaction with care
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: To prove malpractice, there must be a duty of care, a breach of that
duty, causation, and actual injury or damage. Breach of the standard of care means the
nurse failed to act as a reasonably prudent nurse would in a similar situation. This is a
critical legal concept covered extensively in professional nursing education at Grand
Canyon University.
3. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a physician. What does the ‘R’ in SBAR
stand for?
A. Response
B. Recommendation
C. Reason
D. Review
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and
Recommendation. The Recommendation phase is where the nurse suggests a specific
action or asks for an order. Using this structured communication tool improves patient
safety by ensuring all relevant information is shared concisely.
, 4. A nurse documents that a patient fell but fails to mention that the floor was wet. This is an
example of which type of error?
A. Error of commission
B. Error of omission
C. Intentional tort
D. Sentinel event
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: An error of omission occurs when a nurse fails to perform an action
or record necessary information. In this case, omitting the detail about the wet floor hides a
significant contributing factor to the incident. Accurate documentation is essential for
quality improvement and legal protection in nursing practice.
5. Which document outlines the professional duties and expectations for all nurses in the
United States?
A. The Hospital Policy Manual
B. The Patient Bill of Rights
C. The HIPAA Regulations
D. The ANA Code of Ethics
Correct Answer: D
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who decides to stop chemotherapy treatments despite the
provider’s recommendation. The nurse supports the client’s decision. Which ethical principle
is being applied?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions
about their healthcare. By supporting the client’s choice to refuse treatment, the nurse is
honoring the client’s self-determination. This principle requires that the nurse ensures the
client is fully informed before making such a significant decision.
2. Which element is necessary to prove nursing malpractice in a court of law?
A. Breach of the standard of care
B. Intentional harm to the patient
C. A verbal disagreement with a physician
,D. The patient’s dissatisfaction with care
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: To prove malpractice, there must be a duty of care, a breach of that
duty, causation, and actual injury or damage. Breach of the standard of care means the
nurse failed to act as a reasonably prudent nurse would in a similar situation. This is a
critical legal concept covered extensively in professional nursing education at Grand
Canyon University.
3. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a physician. What does the ‘R’ in SBAR
stand for?
A. Response
B. Recommendation
C. Reason
D. Review
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and
Recommendation. The Recommendation phase is where the nurse suggests a specific
action or asks for an order. Using this structured communication tool improves patient
safety by ensuring all relevant information is shared concisely.
, 4. A nurse documents that a patient fell but fails to mention that the floor was wet. This is an
example of which type of error?
A. Error of commission
B. Error of omission
C. Intentional tort
D. Sentinel event
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: An error of omission occurs when a nurse fails to perform an action
or record necessary information. In this case, omitting the detail about the wet floor hides a
significant contributing factor to the incident. Accurate documentation is essential for
quality improvement and legal protection in nursing practice.
5. Which document outlines the professional duties and expectations for all nurses in the
United States?
A. The Hospital Policy Manual
B. The Patient Bill of Rights
C. The HIPAA Regulations
D. The ANA Code of Ethics
Correct Answer: D
