NUR155/NUR 155 Exam 4 V3 | Critical
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task is most
appropriate to delegate?
A. Updating the care plan for a patient with new-onset diabetes.
B. Educating a patient on the side effects of antihypertensive medication.
C. Assisting a stable patient with a bed bath and oral hygiene.
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication administered 30 minutes ago.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The UAP is trained to provide basic hygiene and activities of daily living for
stable patients. Tasks such as patient education, care plan updates, and clinical evaluations
require the specialized knowledge and judgment of a licensed nurse. Proper delegation
allows the nurse to focus on more complex clinical responsibilities while ensuring the
patient’s basic needs are met.
2. Which leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes all decisions independently
without seeking input from the team?
A. Democratic leadership
B. Situational leadership
,C. Laissez-faire leadership
D. Autocratic leadership
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making where the leader
maintains total control and gives orders to subordinates. This style can be highly effective
in emergency situations where rapid decisions are necessary for patient safety. However, it
may limit staff morale and creativity in non-emergent, collaborative environments.
3. A nurse is prioritizing care for four patients. Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
framework, which patient should the nurse see first?
A. A patient reporting a pain level of 8 out of 10 following abdominal surgery.
B. A patient with a fractured radius awaiting an X-ray.
C. A patient with an obstructed airway who is exhibiting stridor.
D. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has a pulse oximetry
of 91%.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stridor indicates an acute upper airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening
emergency requiring immediate intervention. According to the ABC priority framework,
airway management always takes precedence over breathing and circulation concerns.
Timely assessment and action in this scenario are vital to prevent respiratory arrest and
ensure patient survival.
, 4. The nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse chemotherapy despite the family’s wishes.
Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions
regarding their healthcare and treatment plans. The nurse acts as an advocate by
supporting the patient’s choice even when it conflicts with others’ opinions. Upholding
autonomy is a fundamental component of patient-centered care and ethical nursing
practice.
5. A nurse is providing care for a patient who is unconscious and requires emergency surgery.
No family members are present. What type of consent allows the surgery to proceed?
A. Implied consent
B. Informed consent
C. Expressed consent
D. Written consent
Correct Answer: A
Thinking for the Practical Nurse Q&A with
Rationale | Hondros College of Nursing
1. A nurse is delegating tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task is most
appropriate to delegate?
A. Updating the care plan for a patient with new-onset diabetes.
B. Educating a patient on the side effects of antihypertensive medication.
C. Assisting a stable patient with a bed bath and oral hygiene.
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication administered 30 minutes ago.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The UAP is trained to provide basic hygiene and activities of daily living for
stable patients. Tasks such as patient education, care plan updates, and clinical evaluations
require the specialized knowledge and judgment of a licensed nurse. Proper delegation
allows the nurse to focus on more complex clinical responsibilities while ensuring the
patient’s basic needs are met.
2. Which leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes all decisions independently
without seeking input from the team?
A. Democratic leadership
B. Situational leadership
,C. Laissez-faire leadership
D. Autocratic leadership
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making where the leader
maintains total control and gives orders to subordinates. This style can be highly effective
in emergency situations where rapid decisions are necessary for patient safety. However, it
may limit staff morale and creativity in non-emergent, collaborative environments.
3. A nurse is prioritizing care for four patients. Using the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
framework, which patient should the nurse see first?
A. A patient reporting a pain level of 8 out of 10 following abdominal surgery.
B. A patient with a fractured radius awaiting an X-ray.
C. A patient with an obstructed airway who is exhibiting stridor.
D. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has a pulse oximetry
of 91%.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stridor indicates an acute upper airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening
emergency requiring immediate intervention. According to the ABC priority framework,
airway management always takes precedence over breathing and circulation concerns.
Timely assessment and action in this scenario are vital to prevent respiratory arrest and
ensure patient survival.
, 4. The nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse chemotherapy despite the family’s wishes.
Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own decisions
regarding their healthcare and treatment plans. The nurse acts as an advocate by
supporting the patient’s choice even when it conflicts with others’ opinions. Upholding
autonomy is a fundamental component of patient-centered care and ethical nursing
practice.
5. A nurse is providing care for a patient who is unconscious and requires emergency surgery.
No family members are present. What type of consent allows the surgery to proceed?
A. Implied consent
B. Informed consent
C. Expressed consent
D. Written consent
Correct Answer: A
