RHODE ISLAND NURSING JURISPRUDENCE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES 2025 (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
1. Which of the following is required for a nurse to be eligible for licensure in
Rhode Island?
A. High school diploma
B. Graduation from a state-approved nursing program
C. Employment offer from a Rhode Island hospital
D. Certification in CPR
Rationale: The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
requires that applicants graduate from a Board-approved or nationally
accredited nursing program to be eligible for licensure. CPR certification and
employment are not prerequisites for applying.
2. What is the purpose of the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and
Nursing Education?
A. To provide job placements for nurses
B. To protect public health and safety through regulation of nursing practice
,C. To offer continuing education courses
D. To represent nurses in legal disputes
Rationale: The Board exists to regulate the practice of nursing, including
licensure, education, discipline, and standards, to protect the public. It does not
offer job placement or legal representation.
3. How often must a Registered Nurse in Rhode Island renew their license?
A. Every year
B. Every five years
C. Every two years
D. Only once after graduation
Rationale: Rhode Island requires Registered Nurses (RNs) to renew their license
every two years, typically by March 1 of odd-numbered years. This includes
submitting renewal fees and proof of continuing education.
4. Which of the following best describes the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act?
A. A national law regulating nursing
B. A recommendation from the ANA
C. A state law that defines nursing scope, standards, and disciplinary authority
D. A voluntary code of ethics for nurses
Rationale: The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) is a state statute that governs nursing
practice in Rhode Island. It includes definitions of professional roles, scope of
practice, and the Board’s disciplinary authority.
,5. A nurse is found guilty of diverting narcotics. Which action is within the
authority of the Rhode Island Board of Nursing?
A. Imprisonment
B. License suspension or revocation
C. Imposing fines on the nurse's employer
D. Assigning the nurse to a different unit
Rationale: The Board can investigate misconduct and impose sanctions, such as
suspension or revocation of a nursing license. Criminal penalties like
imprisonment fall under law enforcement jurisdiction, not the Board.
6. In Rhode Island, which of the following must be reported to the Board of
Nursing?
A. Change in employment
B. Any criminal conviction or disciplinary action in another state
C. A patient’s refusal of treatment
D. Taking a vacation longer than 30 days
Rationale: Nurses are legally obligated to report criminal convictions and out-of-
state disciplinary actions to the Board, as they may impact licensure eligibility and
public safety.
, 7. A nurse practicing in Rhode Island forgets to complete their 10 contact hours
of continuing education before license renewal. What is the most appropriate
consequence?
A. They must pay an additional renewal fee
B. Their license renewal may be delayed or denied
C. They can file for a permanent exemption
D. No consequence, as CE is optional
Rationale: Nurses in Rhode Island must complete 10 contact hours of continuing
education biennially. Failure to comply can delay or prevent renewal of the
license until requirements are met.
8. What is the correct action if a nurse suspects a colleague is impaired while on
duty?
A. Ignore the behavior unless a patient complains
B. Confront the colleague directly
C. Report the concern to the nurse supervisor or administrator immediately
D. Wait to see if the behavior continues
Rationale: Nurses have a legal and ethical duty to protect patients. Suspected
impairment must be reported to a supervisor or employer per institutional and
state policies.
9. What type of license is required for a nurse moving to Rhode Island from a
non-compact state?
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES 2025 (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
1. Which of the following is required for a nurse to be eligible for licensure in
Rhode Island?
A. High school diploma
B. Graduation from a state-approved nursing program
C. Employment offer from a Rhode Island hospital
D. Certification in CPR
Rationale: The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
requires that applicants graduate from a Board-approved or nationally
accredited nursing program to be eligible for licensure. CPR certification and
employment are not prerequisites for applying.
2. What is the purpose of the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and
Nursing Education?
A. To provide job placements for nurses
B. To protect public health and safety through regulation of nursing practice
,C. To offer continuing education courses
D. To represent nurses in legal disputes
Rationale: The Board exists to regulate the practice of nursing, including
licensure, education, discipline, and standards, to protect the public. It does not
offer job placement or legal representation.
3. How often must a Registered Nurse in Rhode Island renew their license?
A. Every year
B. Every five years
C. Every two years
D. Only once after graduation
Rationale: Rhode Island requires Registered Nurses (RNs) to renew their license
every two years, typically by March 1 of odd-numbered years. This includes
submitting renewal fees and proof of continuing education.
4. Which of the following best describes the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act?
A. A national law regulating nursing
B. A recommendation from the ANA
C. A state law that defines nursing scope, standards, and disciplinary authority
D. A voluntary code of ethics for nurses
Rationale: The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) is a state statute that governs nursing
practice in Rhode Island. It includes definitions of professional roles, scope of
practice, and the Board’s disciplinary authority.
,5. A nurse is found guilty of diverting narcotics. Which action is within the
authority of the Rhode Island Board of Nursing?
A. Imprisonment
B. License suspension or revocation
C. Imposing fines on the nurse's employer
D. Assigning the nurse to a different unit
Rationale: The Board can investigate misconduct and impose sanctions, such as
suspension or revocation of a nursing license. Criminal penalties like
imprisonment fall under law enforcement jurisdiction, not the Board.
6. In Rhode Island, which of the following must be reported to the Board of
Nursing?
A. Change in employment
B. Any criminal conviction or disciplinary action in another state
C. A patient’s refusal of treatment
D. Taking a vacation longer than 30 days
Rationale: Nurses are legally obligated to report criminal convictions and out-of-
state disciplinary actions to the Board, as they may impact licensure eligibility and
public safety.
, 7. A nurse practicing in Rhode Island forgets to complete their 10 contact hours
of continuing education before license renewal. What is the most appropriate
consequence?
A. They must pay an additional renewal fee
B. Their license renewal may be delayed or denied
C. They can file for a permanent exemption
D. No consequence, as CE is optional
Rationale: Nurses in Rhode Island must complete 10 contact hours of continuing
education biennially. Failure to comply can delay or prevent renewal of the
license until requirements are met.
8. What is the correct action if a nurse suspects a colleague is impaired while on
duty?
A. Ignore the behavior unless a patient complains
B. Confront the colleague directly
C. Report the concern to the nurse supervisor or administrator immediately
D. Wait to see if the behavior continues
Rationale: Nurses have a legal and ethical duty to protect patients. Suspected
impairment must be reported to a supervisor or employer per institutional and
state policies.
9. What type of license is required for a nurse moving to Rhode Island from a
non-compact state?
