NUR155/NUR 155 Exam 3 V1 | Critical
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client expresses concern
about the procedure and states, ‘I am not sure if I should go through with this.’ Which
response by the nurse demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication?
A. You should trust your surgeon; he is the best in the state.
B. I will call the doctor and tell him you want to cancel.
C. Don’t worry, everyone feels a little nervous before surgery.
D. Tell me more about what is making you feel uncertain.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Open-ended questions allow the client to express their feelings and concerns
more deeply. By asking the client to ‘tell me more,’ the nurse fosters a therapeutic
environment that respects the client’s autonomy. This approach avoids giving false
reassurance or unsolicited advice, which are barriers to effective communication.
2. Which task is most appropriate for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to delegate to an
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)?
A. Performing an initial post-operative skin assessment.
B. Providing discharge instructions to a client going home.
,C. Administering a scheduled intravenous antibiotic.
D. Assisting a stable client with range-of-motion exercises.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assisting with range-of-motion exercises is a routine task that falls within the
scope of a UAP for stable clients. Assessments, teaching, and complex medication
administration require the professional judgment of a licensed nurse. The LPN remains
responsible for ensuring the UAP performs the task safely and correctly.
3. A nurse is reviewing the principles of ethics. Which action by the nurse represents the
principle of beneficence?
A. Ensuring the client’s privacy is maintained during a bath.
B. Administering pain medication to a client in distress.
C. Obtaining informed consent before a surgical procedure.
D. Providing the same level of care to all clients regardless of status.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the
client. Administering pain medication directly addresses the client’s suffering and
promotes their well-being. This is distinct from justice, which involves fairness, or
autonomy, which involves the client’s right to choose.
, 4. The nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a healthcare provider. Which
information should the nurse include in the ‘B’ (Background) section?
A. The client’s current blood pressure and heart rate.
B. A brief history of the client’s admission and medical history.
C. The nurse’s recommendation for a change in medication.
D. The immediate reason the nurse is calling the provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Background portion of SBAR provides the context of the situation,
including relevant medical history and the clinical course leading up to the current issue.
The Situation ‘S’ describes the immediate problem, while ‘A’ involves the assessment of
findings. Providing a clear background ensures the provider has all necessary facts to make
an informed decision.
5. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with a history of heart failure complaining of peripheral edema.
B. A client with pneumonia who has developed sudden shortness of breath.
C. A client who had an appendectomy 2 days ago and wants to walk.
D. A client with diabetes whose blood glucose was 150 mg/dL this morning.
Correct Answer: B
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client expresses concern
about the procedure and states, ‘I am not sure if I should go through with this.’ Which
response by the nurse demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication?
A. You should trust your surgeon; he is the best in the state.
B. I will call the doctor and tell him you want to cancel.
C. Don’t worry, everyone feels a little nervous before surgery.
D. Tell me more about what is making you feel uncertain.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Open-ended questions allow the client to express their feelings and concerns
more deeply. By asking the client to ‘tell me more,’ the nurse fosters a therapeutic
environment that respects the client’s autonomy. This approach avoids giving false
reassurance or unsolicited advice, which are barriers to effective communication.
2. Which task is most appropriate for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to delegate to an
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)?
A. Performing an initial post-operative skin assessment.
B. Providing discharge instructions to a client going home.
,C. Administering a scheduled intravenous antibiotic.
D. Assisting a stable client with range-of-motion exercises.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assisting with range-of-motion exercises is a routine task that falls within the
scope of a UAP for stable clients. Assessments, teaching, and complex medication
administration require the professional judgment of a licensed nurse. The LPN remains
responsible for ensuring the UAP performs the task safely and correctly.
3. A nurse is reviewing the principles of ethics. Which action by the nurse represents the
principle of beneficence?
A. Ensuring the client’s privacy is maintained during a bath.
B. Administering pain medication to a client in distress.
C. Obtaining informed consent before a surgical procedure.
D. Providing the same level of care to all clients regardless of status.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the
client. Administering pain medication directly addresses the client’s suffering and
promotes their well-being. This is distinct from justice, which involves fairness, or
autonomy, which involves the client’s right to choose.
, 4. The nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a healthcare provider. Which
information should the nurse include in the ‘B’ (Background) section?
A. The client’s current blood pressure and heart rate.
B. A brief history of the client’s admission and medical history.
C. The nurse’s recommendation for a change in medication.
D. The immediate reason the nurse is calling the provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Background portion of SBAR provides the context of the situation,
including relevant medical history and the clinical course leading up to the current issue.
The Situation ‘S’ describes the immediate problem, while ‘A’ involves the assessment of
findings. Providing a clear background ensures the provider has all necessary facts to make
an informed decision.
5. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with a history of heart failure complaining of peripheral edema.
B. A client with pneumonia who has developed sudden shortness of breath.
C. A client who had an appendectomy 2 days ago and wants to walk.
D. A client with diabetes whose blood glucose was 150 mg/dL this morning.
Correct Answer: B
