NFDN 2003 Midterm Exam Actual Exam
2026/2027 | NorQuest College
Fundamentals of Nursing Units 1-5 |
Questions with Complete Solutions | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
UNIT 1: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & SCOPE OF PRACTICE (12 Questions)
Q1: According to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), which statement best describes the
principle of accountability in nursing practice?
A. Following physician orders without question
B. Taking responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and professional judgment
C. Delegating all complex tasks to unregulated care providers
D. Avoiding situations that may lead to errors or complications
Correct Answer: B [CORRECT] Rationale: The CNO Practice Standard on Accountability
defines accountability as taking responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and professional
judgments. Nurses must be able to explain and justify their decisions, including the rationale for
actions taken or not taken. Accountability cannot be delegated; while tasks may be delegated, the
registered nurse remains accountable for the decision to delegate and for appropriate supervision.
Q2: A newly registered practical nurse (RPN) in Ontario is reviewing their entry-to-practice
competencies. Which competency is foundational to all nursing practice?
A. Administration of intravenous medications
B. Professional responsibility and accountability
C. Wound care management exclusively
D. Operating specialized medical equipment
Correct Answer: B [CORRECT] Rationale: The CNO Entry-to-Practice Competencies for
Registered Practical Nurses identifies professional responsibility and accountability as the
foundational competency that underpins all aspects of nursing practice. This includes practicing
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within the scope, maintaining competence, using critical thinking, and collaborating within the
healthcare team. The other options represent specific skills that may be within scope but are not
foundational competencies.
Q3: A nurse is asked to perform a procedure they have not been trained to do. According to CNO
standards, what is the most appropriate action?
A. Perform the task carefully and ask questions as needed
B. Refuse to perform the task and explain the rationale
C. Ask a colleague to demonstrate once, then proceed
D. Perform the task under the assumption that training will follow
Correct Answer: B [CORRECT] Rationale: CNO standards require nurses to practice only
within their individual level of competence, which includes education, knowledge, skill, and
judgment. Nurses must refuse to perform procedures for which they lack competence and should
explain their rationale professionally. The nurse should then seek appropriate education or
supervision before performing the procedure independently.
Q4: Which situation represents appropriate delegation by a registered nurse?
A. Delegating assessment of a stable post-operative client to an unregulated care provider (UCP)
B. Assigning medication administration to a nursing student working independently
C. Delegating routine vital signs on a stable client to a UCP with appropriate supervision
D. Asking a family member to perform wound dressing changes without training
Correct Answer: C [CORRECT] Rationale: Delegation is appropriate when the task is within
the delegatee's role description, the client is stable and predictable outcomes are expected, the
delegatee has demonstrated competence, and appropriate supervision is available. Routine vital
signs on stable clients may be delegated to UCPs. Assessment, teaching, and evaluation of care
cannot be delegated. Nursing students require supervision; they cannot work independently.
Q5: A nurse notices a colleague documenting care that was not provided. According to CNO
standards, what is the nurse's professional obligation?
A. Ignore it unless patient harm occurs
B. Report the concern through appropriate channels
C. Confront the colleague publicly to ensure accountability
D. Document the observation in the patient's chart
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Correct Answer: B [CORRECT] Rationale: The CNO Practice Standard on Ethics requires
nurses to address unsafe, unethical, or incompetent practice. Falsifying documentation is
professional misconduct. Nurses have an obligation to report such concerns through appropriate
channels (speaking with the colleague directly if appropriate, then reporting to the supervisor,
manager, or regulatory body if necessary). Public confrontation and charting observations about
colleagues are not appropriate responses.
Q6: Which activity is part of the CNO's Quality Assurance Program for nurses in Ontario?
A. Mandatory annual physical examination
B. Self-assessment and development of a learning plan
C. Peer review of all patient charts
D. Annual re-examination for licensure renewal
Correct Answer: B [CORRECT] Rationale: The CNO Quality Assurance Program requires
nurses to engage in continuing competence activities including self-assessment, development of
a learning plan based on practice reflection, and implementation of learning activities. Nurses
must maintain records of their QA activities and may be selected for peer review or practice
assessment, but annual physical exams, universal chart review, and re-examination are not QA
requirements.
Q7: A nurse is reflecting on a challenging client interaction and considers how their personal
values may have influenced their response. This represents which component of reflective
practice?
A. Technical competence
B. Self-awareness
C. Delegation skills
D. Scope expansion
Correct Answer: B [CORRECT] Rationale: Reflective practice involves critical examination of
one's actions, decisions, and the influencing factors. Self-awareness—recognizing how personal
values, beliefs, emotions, and biases affect professional practice—is essential to reflective
practice. The CNO encourages reflective practice as a component of continuing competence and
quality improvement, helping nurses learn from experience and enhance future practice.
SATA Question - CNO Standards:
Q8: Which elements are included in the CNO's Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Registered
Practical Nurses? Select all that apply.