,3. Which responsibility most clearly distinguishes the advanced practice practitioner from the registered nurse role?
A. Performing comprehensive health assessments
B. Educating patients about disease prevention
C. Prescribing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies
D. Advocating for patient safety
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prescriptive authority and independent clinical decision-making related to diagnosis and treatment are
defining features of advanced practice roles.
4. The practitioner’s legal authority to prescribe medications is primarily regulated by:
A. Federal nursing organizations
B. The employing institution
C. State nurse practice acts
D. National certification bodies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prescriptive authority is granted and limited by individual state nurse practice acts, which define scope of
practice.
5. Which action best demonstrates professional accountability in advanced practice?
A. Following physician recommendations without question
B. Practicing independently of legal constraints
C. Making evidence-based decisions within scope of practice
D. Delegating prescribing decisions to pharmacists
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Accountability requires autonomous, evidence-based practice while remaining within legal and professional
boundaries.
6. When prescribing medications, the practitioner’s primary ethical obligation is to:
A. Minimize organizational costs
B. Follow institutional protocols exclusively
C. Promote patient welfare and avoid harm
D. Ensure patient satisfaction
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Beneficence and nonmaleficence guide ethical prescribing decisions.
7. Which factor most strongly influences clinical decision-making for the advanced practitioner?
A. Patient preference alone
B. Clinical guidelines without modification
C. Integration of evidence, patient values, and clinical judgment
D. Institutional formularies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Advanced practice requires synthesis of scientific evidence, patient values, and professional judgment.
8. A practitioner practicing outside their legal scope is most at risk for:
A. Loss of certification only
B. Increased patient satisfaction
C. Professional negligence claims
D. Reduced autonomy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Practicing beyond scope exposes the practitioner to malpractice and disciplinary action.
9. Which concept best supports autonomous practice for advanced practitioners?
A. Delegated authority
B. Prescriptive supervision
C. Independent clinical judgment
D. Physician oversight
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Autonomy is grounded in independent assessment, diagnosis, and management.
10. The practitioner’s role in health care cost containment is best demonstrated by:
A. Prescribing brand-name medications
B. Limiting diagnostic testing
C. Selecting cost-effective, evidence-based therapies
D. Referring all complex cases
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cost-effective prescribing supports sustainability without compromising quality.