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Nursing Process and Clinical Judgment Questions 1, 7-9

Total questions: 63

Worksheet time: 32mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

A newly admitted patient is confused about their medications. Which step of the nursing process should the nurse perform first?

a)

Develop expected outcomes

b)

Assess medication knowledge and current medication list

c)

Implement medication teaching

d)

Evaluate the patient’s understanding after teaching

2.

A patient has uncontrolled pain despite PRN analgesics. After reassessing, the nurse revises the care plan and contacts the provider for a new analgesic order. This action best exemplifies which nursing process principle?

a)

Static planning

b)

Dynamic planning and implementation

c)

Initial assessment only

d)

Documentation only

3.

A nurse prioritizes interventions after completing a full assessment and identifying three nursing diagnoses. Which activity demonstrates correct use of the nursing process?

a)

Implement interventions for the least severe problem first

b)

Order interventions by patient safety and immediacy of need

c)

Follow unit routine order of tasks

d)

Delegate all interventions to assistive personnel

4.

A patient’s serum potassium falls to 2.9 mEq/L and the nurse recognizes the need for urgent intervention. Choosing and initiating an appropriate intervention without delay is an example of:

a)

Routine documentation

b)

Clinical judgment

c)

Passive observation

d)

policy adherence

5.

During a rapid deterioration, a nurse integrates subtle assessment cues and decides to initiate a rapid response. This demonstrates which element of clinical judgment?

a)

Knowledge of hospital codes only

b)

Interpretation of clustered data to make a clinical decision

c)

Waiting for physician orders before acting

d)

Routine assessment without interpretation

6.

A nurse implements a protocol based on a recent systematic review that showed reduced catheter-associated infections. Which practice best reflects evidence-based practice?

a)

Using the review plus clinical expertise and patient values to change practice

b)

Following only tradition and prior habit

c)

Changing practice without reviewing evidence quality

d)

Using only textbook recommendations from 20 years ago

7.

A unit introduces a new fall-prevention bundle based on high-quality randomized trials. The nurse participating in the change should prioritize which action to support EBP implementation?

a)

Refuse the change until personally convinced

b)

Collect unit-level outcome data and provide feedback to staff

c)

Implement inconsistently based on preference

d)

Ignore patient preferences when applying the bundle

8.

A nurse writes a care plan with the goal: “Patient will ambulate 3 times daily by discharge.” This is best classified as which element of care planning?

a)

Goal with measurable outcome

b)

Nursing diagnosis

c)

Intervention without evaluation

d)

General aspiration without timeline

9.

A patient with congestive heart failure has shortness of breath. Which intervention should be prioritized in the individualized care plan?

a)

Teach foot care only

b)

Monitor respiratory status and administer prescribed diuretics promptly

c)

Schedule routine lab tests only next week

d)

Refer to social work without addressing breathing

10.

When updating a patient’s care plan after a postoperative complication, the best nursing action is to:

a)

Reassess, revise diagnoses and update interventions immediately

b)

Wait until the end of shift to document changes

c)

Continue with the original plan unchanged

d)

Delegate revision to the unit clerk

11.

A nurse finds a conflict between a patient’s request and the ANA Code of Ethics. The nurse should first:

a)

Refuse the patient’s request immediately

b)

Consult the Code of Ethics and collaborate with the patient to find an ethical solution

c)

Follow only physician orders regardless of ethics

d)

Ignore ethical considerations to expedite care

12.

A patient requests information about a controversial treatment. According to the ANA Code of Ethics, the nurse’s priority is to:

a)

Provide unbiased information and support the patient’s informed decision

b)

Advise the patient to accept the most commonly used option

c)

Refuse to discuss without physician present

d)

Discourage patient involvement in decision-making

13.

A hospital updates its nursing practice model. Which statement aligns with the ANA Scope & Standards of Nursing Practice?

a)

The standards define the minimal acceptable nursing care and professional responsibilities

b)

The standards are suggestions only and need not be followed

c)

The standards replace clinical judgment

d)

The standards apply only to advanced practice nurses

14.

A nurse is unsure if a newly proposed delegated task fits within their scope. The best action is to:

a)

Review the ANA Scope and Standards and facility policy before accepting delegation

b)

Accept and perform the task to avoid conflict

c)

Delegate it immediately to nursing assistive personnel without guidance

d)

Ignore scope concerns and proceed

15.

During triage, a nurse notices that patients from a particular cultural group receive longer wait times. Addressing this disparity is primarily an example of which concept?

a)

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative

b)

Individual clinical assessment only

c)

Bed management

d)

Routine scheduling

16.

A community clinic gives flu shots at a workplace to reach healthy adults. This is an example of which level of prevention?

a)

Primary prevention

b)

Secondary prevention

c)

Tertiary prevention

d)

Quaternary prevention

17.

A clinic holds blood pressure screening events to identify undiagnosed hypertension. Classify this activity:

a)

Primary prevention

b)

Secondary prevention

c)

Tertiary prevention

d)

Environmental prevention

18.

A city health department sets a Healthy People 2030 objective to increase vaccination rates in older adults. This aligns with which overarching HP2030 goal?

a)

Improve health equity and well-being across the lifespan

b)

Limit preventive care to pediatrics

c)

Privatize public health services

d)

Reduce community engagement

19.

A clinic implements a program aligned with Healthy People 2030 to reduce fall-related hospitalizations in seniors. Which metric best reflects success?

a)

Increase in paperwork completed

b)

Increase in staff meeting attendance

c)

Number of social media posts about falls

d)

Decrease in fall-related ED visits and hospitalizations among older adults

20.

A patient cannot afford healthy food and reports unstable housing. Which social determinant of health is most directly implicated?

a)

Economic stability

b)

Genetic predisposition

c)

Age-related physiological change

d)

Clinical skill level of the nurse

21.

A patient reports that the nearest pharmacy is two bus transfers away and their neighborhood is unsafe to walk at night. Which social determinant best describes this barrier?

a)

Health care access and quality

b)

Personal preferences

c)

Biological factors

d)

Hospital staffing

22.

A rural community lacks specialty services and telehealth is implemented to reduce disparities. This measure primarily addresses which issue?

a)

Health equity for underserved populations

b)

Individual patient noncompliance

c)

Increased hospital profits

d)

Staff scheduling convenience

23.

A nurse organizes mobile clinics in under-resourced neighborhoods to provide screenings and education. This action best supports:

a)

Reducing barriers for underserved populations and promoting equity

b)

Limiting services to urban centers only

c)

Increasing administrative workload without benefit

d)

Decreasing community engagement

24.

A nurse asks a patient about religious dietary restrictions before planning a discharge diet. This behavior exemplifies:

a)

Culturally competent practice through individualized assessment

b)

Cultural stereotyping

c)

Avoidance of cultural topics

d)

Enforcing unit dietary policy regardless of beliefs

25.

When educating a patient who primarily speaks another language, the nurse uses a professional interpreter and culturally appropriate materials. This practice demonstrates:

a)

Culturally competent communication

b)

Ignoring cultural preferences

c)

Using family members as interpreters as best practice

d)

Providing only written English materials

26.

A nurse uses the teach-back method to confirm understanding of new medications. This addresses which aspect of patient education?

a)

Health literacy assessment and confirmation

b)

Documentation only

c)

Speed of teaching

d)

Reducing patient autonomy

27.

A nurse is developing a diabetes education plan and begins by assessing the patient’s current knowledge, motivation, and readiness to learn. Which step of ADPIE is this?

a)

Assessment

b)

Planning

c)

Implementation

d)

Evaluation

28.

An effective health education strategy for patients with low literacy includes:

a)

Using simple language, large fonts, diagrams, and teach-back

b)

Providing only dense, text-heavy pamphlets

c)

Speaking quickly to cover all topics

d)

Assuming comprehension after one explanation

29.

A patient says, “I’ll start exercising next month.” According to the Transtheoretical Model, the nurse documents this as which stage?

a)

Contemplation

b)

Preparation

c)

Action

d)

Maintenance

30.

A patient who has been abstinent from tobacco for eight months and reports little temptation is in which Transtheoretical stage?

a)

Preparation

b)

Action

c)

Maintenance

d)

Termination

31.

A nurse communicates with a home health aide and the primary care provider to coordinate wound care. This interprofessional communication demonstrates:

a)

Collaborative patient-centered care across disciplines

b)

Working in isolation on nursing tasks

c)

Sharing confidential information broadly

d)

following unit routines

32.

During shift handoff, a nurse uses SBAR to structure communication about a patient with acute chest pain. Which benefit is most consistent with SBAR use?

a)

Clear, concise transfer of critical information to reduce errors

b)

Lengthening handoff with unnecessary details

c)

Eliminating the need for documentation

d)

Replacing the need for provider notification

33.

A patient expresses fear about an upcoming procedure. Which nurse response best exemplifies therapeutic communication?

a)

“I can see this frightens you; tell me what worries you most.”

b)

“You shouldn’t be afraid; it’s routine.”

c)

“Don’t bring this up again.”

d)

“You’ll be fine because we’re professionals.”

34.

A nurse assesses an adolescent using open-ended questions and reflective statements. This approach is most appropriate because it:

a)

Encourages expression and builds rapport with the developmental stage

b)

Shortens assessment time

c)

Limits the adolescent’s options

d)

Avoids emotional topics entirely

35.

When communicating with a toddler during assessment, which technique is best?

a)

Perform assessment rapidly

b)

Ask the parent to leave the room

c)

Use simple language, and allow parental presence as appropriate

d)

Use complex medical terminology to teach the parent

36.

During an individual health assessment, which finding requires immediate prioritization?

a)

New onset dyspnea with SpO₂ 88% on room air

b)

Chronic joint stiffness reported for months

c)

Family history of hypertension with normal current BP

d)

Small, stable skin lesion noted last year

37.

A nurse conducting a focused assessment for a patient presenting with abdominal pain should include which targeted component?

a)

PQRST for pain characteristics and recent changes in bowel habits

b)

A complete neurologic examination unrelated to complaint

c)

Only medication reconciliation without symptom details

d)

Skip ROS, as it's not a helpful tool in this scenario

38.

In a community health assessment for an underserved neighborhood, which data source best helps identify local health needs?

a)

Community surveys, local health data, and stakeholder interviews

b)

Only internal hospital records

c)

National statistics without local context

d)

Random internet searches only

39.

A patient with chronic illness reports feeling isolated and anxious. Addressing which domain is most consistent with holistic care?

a)

Psychosocial and emotional support

b)

Only disease-specific pharmacologic treatment

c)

Strict dietary compliance without counseling

d)

Scheduling more diagnostic tests

40.

A patient requests acupuncture and music therapy in addition to medical management for chronic pain. This request best illustrates:

a)

Integrative healthcare combining conventional and complementary therapies

b)

Rejection of evidence-based medicine

c)

Noncompliance with medical treatment

d)

A requirement to refuse alternative therapies

41.

A 56-year-old with poorly controlled diabetes and smoking history needs targeted risk reduction. Which vulnerability is modifiable?

a)

Smoking tobacco use

b)

Age

c)

Genetic predisposition to diabetes

d)

Childhood health history

42.

In discharge planning, which action addresses social vulnerability to readmission?

a)

Assessing home supports, medication affordability, and transportation resources

b)

Providing standard paperwork without follow-up

c)

Assuming the patient will manage independently

d)

Scheduling an appointment months later without support plan

43.

A nurse uses motivational interviewing to identify a patient’s existing coping skills and supports. This is most consistent with which care approach?

a)

Strengths-based nursing care

b)

Deficit-focused problem listing only

c)

Punitive patient education

d)

Ignoring patient resources

44.

An older adult who appears lonely benefits most from which nurse-led intervention?

a)

Facilitating reminiscence sessions to support social connection and emotional well-being

b)

Limiting social interaction to preserve routine

c)

Focusing only on medication management

d)

Reducing visits to promote independence

45.

A trauma-informed approach requires staff to prioritize which initial action when a patient reveals a history of trauma?

a)

Ensure physical and psychological safety and avoid re-traumatization

b)

Immediately confront the traumatic events in detail

c)

Ignore trauma history to prevent discomfort

d)

Punish maladaptive behaviors without support

46.

A nurse assumes an older patient cannot learn new technology and refuses to offer telehealth. This behavior is best described as:

a)

Ageism

b)

Cultural humility

c)

Strengths-based practice

d)

Trauma-informed care

47.

A primary caregiver reports insomnia, irritability, and weight loss over several months of caring for a frail parent. These symptoms are most indicative of:

a)

Caregiver strain and burnout

b)

Normal adjustment to caregiving only

c)

Improved resilience

d)

Short-term stress unrelated to caregiving

48.

In teaching an older adult with visual impairment, which strategy is most appropriate?

a)

Provide large-print materials, high-contrast diagrams, and verbal reinforcement with teach-back

b)

Provide standard small-print handouts only

c)

Speak rapidly without checking understanding

d)

Skip written materials entirely

49.

Which vaccine is recommended for all adults 65 years and older?

a)

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

b)

Measles-mumps-rubella only

c)

HPV vaccine routinely at age 80

d)

No vaccines recommended at age 65+

e)

Every seasonal vaccine

50.

An 68-year-old asks whether they should receive Shingrix even though they had shingles 3 years ago. The best action is to:

a)

Recommend Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) because it reduces recurrence and complications

b)

Tell them vaccines are unnecessary after one episode

c)

Advise that shingles never recurs so vaccine is useless

d)

Refer to pediatric immunization schedule as it's a good foundational outline

51.

Which change is a normal age-related physiologic change that can affect older adults’ pharmacokinetics?

a)

Decreased renal clearance leading to prolonged drug half-life

b)

Increased liver metabolism leading to faster drug elimination

c)

Increased bone density

d)

Improved visual acuity

52.

An older adult reports diminished appetite and weight loss. Which age-related change may contribute?

a)

Decreased sense of taste and smell and changes in gastrointestinal motility

b)

Increased metabolic demand requiring more calories

c)

Improved appetite regulation

d)

Enhanced nutrient absorption

53.

When performing a comprehensive assessment on an older adult, which modification is most appropriate?

a)

Allow extra time, verify use of sensory aids, review medications and function in ADLs/IADLs

b)

Rush through the exam to reduce fatigue

c)

Use standard adult assessment without adaptations

d)

Omit medication reconciliation

54.

A home health visit reveals clutter, poor lighting, and the patient has difficulty rising from a chair. Which assessment consideration is highest priority to prevent harm?

a)

Evaluate mobility, fall risk, and recommend home safety interventions immediately

b)

Focus only on lab results

55.

A nurse asks an older patient, "What matters most to you regarding your care?" This question aligns with which component of the 4Ms?

a)

What Matters

b)

Medication

c)

Mentation

d)

Mobility

56.

A hospitalized older adult has delirium risk factors. Which 4Ms intervention is most appropriate to address mentation?

a)

Reorient frequently, promote sleep hygiene, ensure hydration and treat underlying causes

b)

Ignore cognitive changes as normal aging

c)

Sedate immediately without assessment

d)

Avoid family involvement

57.

A frail older adult is prescribed multiple medications including a benzodiazepine causing sedation and falls. Applying the 4Ms, the nurse should first:

a)

Review medications for deprescribing opportunities that affect mobility and mentation

b)

Add more medications to counter side effects

c)

Continue current regimen without review

d)

Advise strict bedrest to prevent falls

58.

During care planning, which mobility-focused intervention best supports preserving function in older adults?

a)

Implement individualized mobility plan with daily ambulation

b)

Restrict activity to bed rest to minimize fall risk

c)

Use restraints to prevent wandering

d)

Avoid physical therapy to reduce fatigue

59.

A nurse assesses a patient’s readiness to learn and finds low literacy and limited English proficiency. Which educational approach is most appropriate?

a)

Use plain language and pictorial aids

b)

Provide high-level written materials only

c)

Speak faster to cover more material

d)

Use medical jargon to be precise

e)

Wait for them to initiate the conversation by asking a question

60.

A patient presents with acute chest pain. Using Maslow and ABC prioritization, which action is the immediate nursing priority?

a)

Assess and secure airway, breathing, and circulation and call for rapid response if unstable

b)

Begin detailed psychosocial interview followed by a drug history

c)

Teach about cholesterol management

d)

Schedule a discharge plan meeting

e)

Perform a STAT EKG and chest X-ray

61.

A nurse is planning care for a patient with multiple chronic conditions. Which action best demonstrates prioritization in the nursing process?

a)

Completing tasks in alphabetical order

b)

Delaying interventions until all diagnoses are resolved

c)

Focusing only on the patient's preferences

d)

Addressing the most life-threatening issue first

62.

A community health nurse develops an outreach program to improve access to preventive screenings in low-income neighborhoods. This initiative primarily supports which Healthy People 2030 objective?

a)

Focus only on acute care services

b)

Increase administrative workload

c)

Limit screenings to insured individuals

d)

Promote health equity and reduce disparities

63.

A nurse collaborates with a social worker and physical therapist to create a discharge plan for a patient with mobility challenges. This approach exemplifies:

a)

Independent nursing practice without consultation

b)

Interprofessional teamwork for patient-centered care

c)

Ignoring input from other disciplines

d)

Delegating all planning to the physician