PNR 207/PNR207 Exam 3 V3 | Transition to PN
Practice - Capstone Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A Practical Nurse (PN) is preparing to delegate tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel
(UAP). Which task is most appropriate for the PN to delegate?
A. Assessing the skin integrity of a newly admitted patient.
B. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation to the bathroom.
C. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication administered 30 minutes ago.
D. Providing discharge instructions regarding wound care to a patient.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delegation to UAPs should involve tasks that are routine and do not require
clinical judgment. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation is a standard task within the
UAP’s scope of practice. Assessing, evaluating, and teaching are professional nursing
responsibilities that cannot be delegated to unlicensed staff.
2. The PN is caring for four patients on a medical-surgical unit. Which patient should the
nurse assess first?
A. A patient scheduled for physical therapy in one hour.
B. A patient with a history of COPD reporting a productive cough.
C. A patient who is two hours post-operative and reporting sudden chest pain.
,D. A patient requesting a PRN medication for mild indigestion.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The nurse must prioritize patients based on the ABC (Airway, Breathing,
Circulation) framework. Sudden chest pain in a post-operative patient may indicate a life-
threatening complication such as a pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction. This
patient requires immediate assessment and intervention over stable or routine needs.
3. Which ethical principle is being upheld when the PN respects a patient’s decision to refuse
a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious beliefs?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Beneficence
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of the individual to make their own decisions
regarding their health care. By respecting the refusal of treatment, the nurse acknowledges
the patient’s self-determination. The nurse must support the patient’s informed choice
even if it conflicts with personal or professional opinions.
4. A PN is preparing to enter a room where a patient is under Droplet Precautions. Which
personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for the nurse to wear?
A. Sterile gloves and a gown
, B. An N95 respirator
C. A surgical mask
D. Shoe covers and a hairnet
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Droplet precautions are used for pathogens transmitted by large-particle
droplets, which typically travel 3 to 6 feet. A standard surgical mask is the primary
requirement for entering the room of a patient on droplet precautions. N95 respirators are
reserved for airborne precautions, while gowns and gloves are added for contact
precautions.
5. A PN is observing a student nurse performing a sterile dressing change. Which action by the
student nurse requires immediate intervention?
A. Opening the sterile kit away from the body.
B. Dropping a sterile gauze onto the center of the sterile field.
C. Reaching across the sterile field to pick up a pair of forceps.
D. Donning sterile gloves after opening the sterile supplies.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Reaching across a sterile field contaminates the field because
microorganisms can drop from the nurse’s arm or sleeve. The nurse must maintain a clear
Practice - Capstone Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A Practical Nurse (PN) is preparing to delegate tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel
(UAP). Which task is most appropriate for the PN to delegate?
A. Assessing the skin integrity of a newly admitted patient.
B. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation to the bathroom.
C. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication administered 30 minutes ago.
D. Providing discharge instructions regarding wound care to a patient.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delegation to UAPs should involve tasks that are routine and do not require
clinical judgment. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation is a standard task within the
UAP’s scope of practice. Assessing, evaluating, and teaching are professional nursing
responsibilities that cannot be delegated to unlicensed staff.
2. The PN is caring for four patients on a medical-surgical unit. Which patient should the
nurse assess first?
A. A patient scheduled for physical therapy in one hour.
B. A patient with a history of COPD reporting a productive cough.
C. A patient who is two hours post-operative and reporting sudden chest pain.
,D. A patient requesting a PRN medication for mild indigestion.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The nurse must prioritize patients based on the ABC (Airway, Breathing,
Circulation) framework. Sudden chest pain in a post-operative patient may indicate a life-
threatening complication such as a pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction. This
patient requires immediate assessment and intervention over stable or routine needs.
3. Which ethical principle is being upheld when the PN respects a patient’s decision to refuse
a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious beliefs?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Beneficence
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of the individual to make their own decisions
regarding their health care. By respecting the refusal of treatment, the nurse acknowledges
the patient’s self-determination. The nurse must support the patient’s informed choice
even if it conflicts with personal or professional opinions.
4. A PN is preparing to enter a room where a patient is under Droplet Precautions. Which
personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for the nurse to wear?
A. Sterile gloves and a gown
, B. An N95 respirator
C. A surgical mask
D. Shoe covers and a hairnet
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Droplet precautions are used for pathogens transmitted by large-particle
droplets, which typically travel 3 to 6 feet. A standard surgical mask is the primary
requirement for entering the room of a patient on droplet precautions. N95 respirators are
reserved for airborne precautions, while gowns and gloves are added for contact
precautions.
5. A PN is observing a student nurse performing a sterile dressing change. Which action by the
student nurse requires immediate intervention?
A. Opening the sterile kit away from the body.
B. Dropping a sterile gauze onto the center of the sterile field.
C. Reaching across the sterile field to pick up a pair of forceps.
D. Donning sterile gloves after opening the sterile supplies.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Reaching across a sterile field contaminates the field because
microorganisms can drop from the nurse’s arm or sleeve. The nurse must maintain a clear
