NURS 497 | NURS497 Exam 1: Nursing Capstone -
WCU Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is delegating tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks is
appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Evaluating a client’s progress toward goal achievement
B. Providing discharge instructions to a client
C. Assessing the breath sounds of a client with pneumonia
D. Performing post-mortem care on a deceased client
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delegation requires the nurse to assign tasks that do not involve the nursing
process or clinical judgment. Post-mortem care is a routine, standardized procedure that is
within the scope of an assistive personnel. Assessment, evaluation, and teaching are tasks
that must be performed by a registered nurse. By delegating correctly, the nurse ensures
the safety and efficiency of client care. This reflects the application of the five rights of
delegation in clinical practice.
2. In the PICO framework for developing a research question, what does the ‘I’ represent?
A. Intervention of interest
B. Implementation of care
C. Individual patient needs
D. Institutional protocol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The PICO model is a standardized method used to formulate clinical questions
for evidence-based practice. The ‘I’ specifically stands for the intervention, which might
include a treatment, diagnostic test, or prognostic factor. Understanding each component of
PICO helps the nurse conduct a focused literature search. Other components include
population, comparison, and outcome. Utilizing this structured approach leads to more
accurate and applicable research findings for patient care.
3. A nurse manager is discussing the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) with the
staff. Which of the following is the primary goal of EBP?
A. Reducing the cost of healthcare services
B. Improving patient outcomes through validated research
C. Standardizing nursing procedures across all facilities
,D. Meeting the requirements of accrediting bodies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ultimate aim of evidence-based practice is to provide the highest quality of
care to improve patient outcomes. It involves integrating the best available research with
clinical expertise and patient preferences. While cost reduction and standardization may
occur, they are secondary benefits rather than the primary goal. EBP ensures that nursing
actions are supported by scientific data rather than just tradition. This commitment to
evidence-based care is fundamental to professional nursing excellence.
4. A nurse is faced with an ethical dilemma where a client refuses life-saving treatment.
Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by respecting the client’s decision?
A. Justice
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about
their healthcare. Even if the nurse disagrees with the decision, the principle of autonomy
must be respected if the client is competent. This principle serves as the foundation for
informed consent and self-determination in medical ethics. Justice and fidelity are
important but do not directly address the right to refuse treatment. Protecting a client’s
right to choose is a central component of advocacy in nursing.
5. Which of the following actions should a nurse take first when participating in the Quality
Improvement (QI) process on a unit?
A. Implement a new protocol based on recent research
B. Identify the specific problem or area for improvement
C. Evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions
D. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to set goals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in any quality improvement process is to identify the problem or
the area that requires change. Without a clear problem identification, the subsequent steps
of data collection and planning cannot be focused. Once the problem is identified, the nurse
can then proceed to analyze data and develop strategies. This logical progression ensures
that resources are used effectively to enhance patient safety. Identifying gaps in care is the
catalyst for meaningful organizational change.
, 6. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a physician. Which information should
the nurse include in the ‘B’ section?
A. The client’s current vital signs and mental status
B. The client’s medical history and admitting diagnosis
C. A specific request for a medication change
D. The nurse’s assessment of the current clinical situation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation, and
is used to provide structured communication. The ‘B’ or Background section includes
relevant history such as the admitting diagnosis and pertinent past medical history. This
provides context for the current clinical situation being reported. Vital signs belong in the
Situation or Assessment sections depending on the facility’s protocol. Effective use of SBAR
reduces communication errors and improves the safety of patient handoffs.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following
represents a violation of the ‘rights’ of medication administration?
A. Checking the medication label against the MAR three times
B. Asking the client to state their name and date of birth
C. Verifying the expiration date on the medication packaging
D. Documenting the medication administration before giving it
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Documenting medication administration before it is actually performed is a
significant error and a violation of professional standards. Documentation must always
reflect what has already occurred to ensure an accurate legal record. The other actions
listed are essential safety steps to prevent medication errors. Accurate documentation is
vital for the continuity of care and the safety of the patient. Nurses must adhere to the six
rights of medication administration to maintain professional integrity.
8. Which leadership style is characterized by a leader who motivates the team by creating a
shared vision and encouraging personal growth?
A. Transformational leadership
B. Autocratic leadership
C. Transactional leadership
D. Laissez-faire leadership
Correct Answer: A
WCU Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is delegating tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks is
appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Evaluating a client’s progress toward goal achievement
B. Providing discharge instructions to a client
C. Assessing the breath sounds of a client with pneumonia
D. Performing post-mortem care on a deceased client
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delegation requires the nurse to assign tasks that do not involve the nursing
process or clinical judgment. Post-mortem care is a routine, standardized procedure that is
within the scope of an assistive personnel. Assessment, evaluation, and teaching are tasks
that must be performed by a registered nurse. By delegating correctly, the nurse ensures
the safety and efficiency of client care. This reflects the application of the five rights of
delegation in clinical practice.
2. In the PICO framework for developing a research question, what does the ‘I’ represent?
A. Intervention of interest
B. Implementation of care
C. Individual patient needs
D. Institutional protocol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The PICO model is a standardized method used to formulate clinical questions
for evidence-based practice. The ‘I’ specifically stands for the intervention, which might
include a treatment, diagnostic test, or prognostic factor. Understanding each component of
PICO helps the nurse conduct a focused literature search. Other components include
population, comparison, and outcome. Utilizing this structured approach leads to more
accurate and applicable research findings for patient care.
3. A nurse manager is discussing the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) with the
staff. Which of the following is the primary goal of EBP?
A. Reducing the cost of healthcare services
B. Improving patient outcomes through validated research
C. Standardizing nursing procedures across all facilities
,D. Meeting the requirements of accrediting bodies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ultimate aim of evidence-based practice is to provide the highest quality of
care to improve patient outcomes. It involves integrating the best available research with
clinical expertise and patient preferences. While cost reduction and standardization may
occur, they are secondary benefits rather than the primary goal. EBP ensures that nursing
actions are supported by scientific data rather than just tradition. This commitment to
evidence-based care is fundamental to professional nursing excellence.
4. A nurse is faced with an ethical dilemma where a client refuses life-saving treatment.
Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by respecting the client’s decision?
A. Justice
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about
their healthcare. Even if the nurse disagrees with the decision, the principle of autonomy
must be respected if the client is competent. This principle serves as the foundation for
informed consent and self-determination in medical ethics. Justice and fidelity are
important but do not directly address the right to refuse treatment. Protecting a client’s
right to choose is a central component of advocacy in nursing.
5. Which of the following actions should a nurse take first when participating in the Quality
Improvement (QI) process on a unit?
A. Implement a new protocol based on recent research
B. Identify the specific problem or area for improvement
C. Evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions
D. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to set goals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in any quality improvement process is to identify the problem or
the area that requires change. Without a clear problem identification, the subsequent steps
of data collection and planning cannot be focused. Once the problem is identified, the nurse
can then proceed to analyze data and develop strategies. This logical progression ensures
that resources are used effectively to enhance patient safety. Identifying gaps in care is the
catalyst for meaningful organizational change.
, 6. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to communicate with a physician. Which information should
the nurse include in the ‘B’ section?
A. The client’s current vital signs and mental status
B. The client’s medical history and admitting diagnosis
C. A specific request for a medication change
D. The nurse’s assessment of the current clinical situation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation, and
is used to provide structured communication. The ‘B’ or Background section includes
relevant history such as the admitting diagnosis and pertinent past medical history. This
provides context for the current clinical situation being reported. Vital signs belong in the
Situation or Assessment sections depending on the facility’s protocol. Effective use of SBAR
reduces communication errors and improves the safety of patient handoffs.
7. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following
represents a violation of the ‘rights’ of medication administration?
A. Checking the medication label against the MAR three times
B. Asking the client to state their name and date of birth
C. Verifying the expiration date on the medication packaging
D. Documenting the medication administration before giving it
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Documenting medication administration before it is actually performed is a
significant error and a violation of professional standards. Documentation must always
reflect what has already occurred to ensure an accurate legal record. The other actions
listed are essential safety steps to prevent medication errors. Accurate documentation is
vital for the continuity of care and the safety of the patient. Nurses must adhere to the six
rights of medication administration to maintain professional integrity.
8. Which leadership style is characterized by a leader who motivates the team by creating a
shared vision and encouraging personal growth?
A. Transformational leadership
B. Autocratic leadership
C. Transactional leadership
D. Laissez-faire leadership
Correct Answer: A
