NURS 110 | NURS110 Exam 4: Introduction to
Professional Nursing - WCU Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) on a busy medical-
surgical unit. Which task is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Performing an initial skin assessment on a new admission
B. Administering a scheduled oral pain medication
C. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation to the bathroom
D. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delegating the assistance of a stable patient with ambulation is
appropriate because it is a routine task. UAPs are not permitted to perform initial
assessments, which require the clinical judgment of a nurse. Administering medications is a
licensed responsibility that cannot be delegated to unlicensed staff in this setting.
Education and teaching are strictly nursing functions that involve assessing the learner’s
needs and evaluating understanding. The nurse remains accountable for ensuring the task
is performed correctly by the UAP.
2. A nurse manager involves the staff in developing a new policy for self-scheduling. This
leadership style is best described as:
A. Autocratic
B. Laissez-faire
C. Democratic
D. Bureaucratic
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Democratic leadership is characterized by including staff in decision-
making and encouraging collaboration. This style fosters a sense of ownership and
improves job satisfaction among the nursing team. In contrast, autocratic leadership
involves a single leader making all decisions without staff input. Laissez-faire leadership
provides little to no direction, often leading to confusion in the clinical environment. By
involving the staff in scheduling, the manager demonstrates respect for their professional
autonomy.
3. Which patient should the nurse assess first after receiving the morning shift report?
A. A patient with a history of hypertension requesting a PRN headache medication
B. A patient who is 1 day post-op from a total hip replacement with a stable incision
,C. A patient diagnosed with asthma who is experiencing new-onset wheezing and dyspnea
D. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a baseline O2
saturation of 90%
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The nurse must apply the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
framework to prioritize patient care. New-onset wheezing and dyspnea indicate an
immediate threat to the patient’s respiratory status. While the post-op patient and the
patient with a headache need care, they are currently stable. The COPD patient’s oxygen
saturation is within their expected baseline range for that chronic condition. Prompt
intervention for the asthma patient is necessary to prevent further respiratory
deterioration.
4. A nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse a life-saving blood transfusion due to
religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is being applied?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own healthcare
decisions without coercion. The nurse demonstrates this principle by supporting the
patient’s refusal of treatment despite clinical recommendations. Beneficence would involve
acting in the best interest of the patient’s health, which can sometimes conflict with
autonomy. Nonmaleficence is the commitment to ‘do no harm’ during the course of nursing
care. Upholding autonomy is a fundamental legal and ethical requirement in professional
nursing practice.
5. A nurse fails to raise the side rails for a confused patient, resulting in the patient falling and
sustaining a hip fracture. This is an example of:
A. Assault
B. Negligence
C. Battery
D. Slander
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to perform a duty that a
reasonably prudent nurse would have performed. Failing to implement safety measures
like side rails for a confused patient constitutes a breach of the standard of care. Because
, the patient suffered a physical injury as a direct result, this negligence is classified as
malpractice. Assault involves a threat of harm, while battery involves unauthorized
physical contact. The nurse’s omission of a safety task led directly to the patient’s harm in
this scenario.
6. The nurse is organizing the day’s tasks to improve time management. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Documenting care for all patients at the end of the shift
B. Waiting for the healthcare provider to make rounds before starting care
C. Creating a ‘to-do’ list and prioritizing tasks based on patient needs
D. Performing all low-priority tasks first to get them out of the way
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Effective time management begins with planning and prioritizing
tasks at the start of the shift. Using a ‘to-do’ list helps the nurse organize complex patient
needs and ensures that high-priority items are addressed. Documenting at the end of the
shift is discouraged as it increases the risk of errors and omissions. Low-priority tasks
should never take precedence over critical clinical interventions or assessments.
Continuous reprioritization throughout the shift allows the nurse to adapt to changing
patient conditions.
7. A nurse is pursuing a specialty certification in oncology nursing. This action is an example of
which professional concept?
A. Resilience
B. Case management
C. Professional development
D. Informed consent
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Professional development involves the continuous process of
improving skills and knowledge throughout a nursing career. Obtaining a specialty
certification demonstrates a commitment to high standards of care and clinical excellence.
It reflects the nurse’s dedication to lifelong learning and advancing the profession of
nursing. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from stress, which is different from
academic advancement. Certifications validate the nurse’s expertise in a specific area,
enhancing both career growth and patient safety.
8. Which statement best describes the concept of accountability in nursing?
A. The transfer of responsibility for the performance of a task
B. The legal right to give orders to other healthcare team members
Professional Nursing - WCU Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) on a busy medical-
surgical unit. Which task is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Performing an initial skin assessment on a new admission
B. Administering a scheduled oral pain medication
C. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation to the bathroom
D. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Delegating the assistance of a stable patient with ambulation is
appropriate because it is a routine task. UAPs are not permitted to perform initial
assessments, which require the clinical judgment of a nurse. Administering medications is a
licensed responsibility that cannot be delegated to unlicensed staff in this setting.
Education and teaching are strictly nursing functions that involve assessing the learner’s
needs and evaluating understanding. The nurse remains accountable for ensuring the task
is performed correctly by the UAP.
2. A nurse manager involves the staff in developing a new policy for self-scheduling. This
leadership style is best described as:
A. Autocratic
B. Laissez-faire
C. Democratic
D. Bureaucratic
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Democratic leadership is characterized by including staff in decision-
making and encouraging collaboration. This style fosters a sense of ownership and
improves job satisfaction among the nursing team. In contrast, autocratic leadership
involves a single leader making all decisions without staff input. Laissez-faire leadership
provides little to no direction, often leading to confusion in the clinical environment. By
involving the staff in scheduling, the manager demonstrates respect for their professional
autonomy.
3. Which patient should the nurse assess first after receiving the morning shift report?
A. A patient with a history of hypertension requesting a PRN headache medication
B. A patient who is 1 day post-op from a total hip replacement with a stable incision
,C. A patient diagnosed with asthma who is experiencing new-onset wheezing and dyspnea
D. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a baseline O2
saturation of 90%
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The nurse must apply the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
framework to prioritize patient care. New-onset wheezing and dyspnea indicate an
immediate threat to the patient’s respiratory status. While the post-op patient and the
patient with a headache need care, they are currently stable. The COPD patient’s oxygen
saturation is within their expected baseline range for that chronic condition. Prompt
intervention for the asthma patient is necessary to prevent further respiratory
deterioration.
4. A nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse a life-saving blood transfusion due to
religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is being applied?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own healthcare
decisions without coercion. The nurse demonstrates this principle by supporting the
patient’s refusal of treatment despite clinical recommendations. Beneficence would involve
acting in the best interest of the patient’s health, which can sometimes conflict with
autonomy. Nonmaleficence is the commitment to ‘do no harm’ during the course of nursing
care. Upholding autonomy is a fundamental legal and ethical requirement in professional
nursing practice.
5. A nurse fails to raise the side rails for a confused patient, resulting in the patient falling and
sustaining a hip fracture. This is an example of:
A. Assault
B. Negligence
C. Battery
D. Slander
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to perform a duty that a
reasonably prudent nurse would have performed. Failing to implement safety measures
like side rails for a confused patient constitutes a breach of the standard of care. Because
, the patient suffered a physical injury as a direct result, this negligence is classified as
malpractice. Assault involves a threat of harm, while battery involves unauthorized
physical contact. The nurse’s omission of a safety task led directly to the patient’s harm in
this scenario.
6. The nurse is organizing the day’s tasks to improve time management. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Documenting care for all patients at the end of the shift
B. Waiting for the healthcare provider to make rounds before starting care
C. Creating a ‘to-do’ list and prioritizing tasks based on patient needs
D. Performing all low-priority tasks first to get them out of the way
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Effective time management begins with planning and prioritizing
tasks at the start of the shift. Using a ‘to-do’ list helps the nurse organize complex patient
needs and ensures that high-priority items are addressed. Documenting at the end of the
shift is discouraged as it increases the risk of errors and omissions. Low-priority tasks
should never take precedence over critical clinical interventions or assessments.
Continuous reprioritization throughout the shift allows the nurse to adapt to changing
patient conditions.
7. A nurse is pursuing a specialty certification in oncology nursing. This action is an example of
which professional concept?
A. Resilience
B. Case management
C. Professional development
D. Informed consent
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Professional development involves the continuous process of
improving skills and knowledge throughout a nursing career. Obtaining a specialty
certification demonstrates a commitment to high standards of care and clinical excellence.
It reflects the nurse’s dedication to lifelong learning and advancing the profession of
nursing. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from stress, which is different from
academic advancement. Certifications validate the nurse’s expertise in a specific area,
enhancing both career growth and patient safety.
8. Which statement best describes the concept of accountability in nursing?
A. The transfer of responsibility for the performance of a task
B. The legal right to give orders to other healthcare team members
