NEW YORK PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR LPNS PRACTICE EXAM - STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS & ACTUAL TESTBANK | 150 PRACTICE QUESTIONS & 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027
Table of Contents: New York LPN Scope of Practice; Direction and Supervision;
Delegation and Assignment; Professional Judgment and Competency; Nursing Law and
Regulations; Licensure and Registration; Professional Misconduct and Discipline; Ethics
and Patient Rights; Documentation and Confidentiality; Medication and Treatment
Orders; Communication and Care Coordination; Infection Prevention and Control;
Mandatory Reporting; Emergency and High-Risk Situations; Workplace and Professional
Accountability; Applied Professional-Practice Scenarios.
INTRODUCTION
This practice examination focuses on professional practice requirements relevant to
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) practicing in New York State. It emphasizes scope of
practice, required direction, delegation, professional accountability, documentation,
patient rights, confidentiality, ethical decision-making, infection prevention, reporting
obligations, competency, and regulatory compliance. New York LPN practice is
performed within a defined legal framework and under the direction of an authorized
directing practitioner; therefore, questions emphasize distinguishing permissible LPN
functions from responsibilities reserved to RNs or other authorized professionals. The
questions are intentionally challenging and scenario-based, requiring interpretation of
professional standards and application of judgment rather than simple memorization.
Current New York requirements should always be verified against the governing law
and regulations.
QUESTIONS 1–150
Question 1
A New York LPN is asked by a facility administrator to independently determine the
nursing diagnosis for a newly admitted patient because the RN is temporarily
unavailable. What is the most appropriate response?
A. Determine the diagnosis if the patient's vital signs are stable.
B. Determine the diagnosis and document that the RN was unavailable.
C. Collect and report relevant clinical observations to the RN or directing practitioner.
D. Determine the diagnosis if the physician has already provided a medical diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An LPN may observe, collect, document, and report patient data but
may not independently determine nursing diagnoses in New York.
,Question 2
An LPN is assigned a patient whose condition has deteriorated substantially since the
previous shift. The LPN believes the assignment exceeds the level of direction and
competency available. Which action is best?
A. Accept the assignment and attempt all prescribed interventions.
B. Refuse all patient care until another nurse arrives.
C. Immediately communicate the concern and seek appropriate direction while
providing care within competence.
D. Ask an unlicensed assistive worker to assume the assignment.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Professional accountability requires the LPN to recognize limitations,
communicate concerns, and obtain appropriate direction while continuing
competent care.
Question 3
Which activity most clearly exceeds the New York LPN scope of practice?
A. Measuring and reporting a patient's blood pressure.
B. Administering medication pursuant to an authorized medical regimen.
C. Performing a urinary catheterization for which the LPN is competent.
D. Independently changing the patient's nursing care plan.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: New York guidance specifically distinguishes LPN supportive and
restorative practice from responsibilities such as developing or changing nursing
care plans.
Question 4
A physician asks an LPN to perform a procedure that the LPN has never been trained
to perform. The physician states, "I am directing you, so you are covered." What is the
best response?
A. Perform it because the physician assumes responsibility.
B. Perform it if another nurse observes.
C. Decline the procedure until appropriate education and competency are established.
D. Perform only the first portion of the procedure.
, Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Direction does not eliminate the LPN's personal obligation to practice
within competence.
Question 5
A New York LPN is working under an RN who is physically present. Which statement
best describes the LPN's legal position?
A. The LPN becomes an independent practitioner.
B. The LPN remains accountable for practicing within the LPN scope and competence.
C. The RN assumes all responsibility for the LPN's actions.
D. The LPN may perform any nursing task requested by the RN.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Direction by an RN does not expand the LPN's statutory scope or
eliminate the LPN's individual professional accountability.
Question 6
An LPN observes a new neurological deficit in a patient. The RN asks the LPN to
"figure out the diagnosis before calling me." What should the LPN do?
A. Formally diagnose the neurological condition.
B. Determine whether the patient has suffered a stroke.
C. Assess and report objective findings promptly within the LPN's role.
D. Wait until the next scheduled assessment.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The LPN should identify, measure, observe, document, and report
relevant findings rather than independently establish a nursing diagnosis.
Question 7
Which circumstance most strongly supports remote direction of an LPN in New York?
A. The directing practitioner is unavailable by telephone.
B. The patient population routinely requires immediate practitioner intervention.
C. The LPN is competent, patients are unlikely to require personal intervention, and
the directing practitioner can intervene promptly.
D. The facility wants to reduce staffing costs.
, Correct Answer: C
Explanation: New York guidance permits circumstances in which direction is
provided remotely when competency, patient stability, communication availability,
and timely intervention requirements are satisfied.
Question 8
When remote direction is permitted, the directing practitioner must be able to
personally intervene within approximately:
A. 5 minutes.
B. 15 minutes.
C. 30 minutes.
D. 60 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: New York's practice guidance identifies the ability of the directing
practitioner to personally intervene within 15 minutes as a key condition for certain
remote-direction situations.
Question 9
An LPN receives a clinical instruction from a pharmacist. What is the primary concern?
A. Pharmacists may never communicate with nurses.
B. The pharmacist automatically becomes the LPN's directing practitioner.
C. LPNs execute medical regimens from legally authorized prescribers, not simply any
licensed professional.
D. Pharmacists can direct LPNs only during night shifts.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: New York identifies specific professionals who may direct nursing
practice; licensure in another profession does not automatically confer authority to
direct an LPN.
Question 10
An LPN receives a treatment order from an authorized practitioner but believes the
order is unsafe for the patient. What is the best professional response?
QUESTIONS & ACTUAL TESTBANK | 150 PRACTICE QUESTIONS & 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027
Table of Contents: New York LPN Scope of Practice; Direction and Supervision;
Delegation and Assignment; Professional Judgment and Competency; Nursing Law and
Regulations; Licensure and Registration; Professional Misconduct and Discipline; Ethics
and Patient Rights; Documentation and Confidentiality; Medication and Treatment
Orders; Communication and Care Coordination; Infection Prevention and Control;
Mandatory Reporting; Emergency and High-Risk Situations; Workplace and Professional
Accountability; Applied Professional-Practice Scenarios.
INTRODUCTION
This practice examination focuses on professional practice requirements relevant to
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) practicing in New York State. It emphasizes scope of
practice, required direction, delegation, professional accountability, documentation,
patient rights, confidentiality, ethical decision-making, infection prevention, reporting
obligations, competency, and regulatory compliance. New York LPN practice is
performed within a defined legal framework and under the direction of an authorized
directing practitioner; therefore, questions emphasize distinguishing permissible LPN
functions from responsibilities reserved to RNs or other authorized professionals. The
questions are intentionally challenging and scenario-based, requiring interpretation of
professional standards and application of judgment rather than simple memorization.
Current New York requirements should always be verified against the governing law
and regulations.
QUESTIONS 1–150
Question 1
A New York LPN is asked by a facility administrator to independently determine the
nursing diagnosis for a newly admitted patient because the RN is temporarily
unavailable. What is the most appropriate response?
A. Determine the diagnosis if the patient's vital signs are stable.
B. Determine the diagnosis and document that the RN was unavailable.
C. Collect and report relevant clinical observations to the RN or directing practitioner.
D. Determine the diagnosis if the physician has already provided a medical diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An LPN may observe, collect, document, and report patient data but
may not independently determine nursing diagnoses in New York.
,Question 2
An LPN is assigned a patient whose condition has deteriorated substantially since the
previous shift. The LPN believes the assignment exceeds the level of direction and
competency available. Which action is best?
A. Accept the assignment and attempt all prescribed interventions.
B. Refuse all patient care until another nurse arrives.
C. Immediately communicate the concern and seek appropriate direction while
providing care within competence.
D. Ask an unlicensed assistive worker to assume the assignment.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Professional accountability requires the LPN to recognize limitations,
communicate concerns, and obtain appropriate direction while continuing
competent care.
Question 3
Which activity most clearly exceeds the New York LPN scope of practice?
A. Measuring and reporting a patient's blood pressure.
B. Administering medication pursuant to an authorized medical regimen.
C. Performing a urinary catheterization for which the LPN is competent.
D. Independently changing the patient's nursing care plan.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: New York guidance specifically distinguishes LPN supportive and
restorative practice from responsibilities such as developing or changing nursing
care plans.
Question 4
A physician asks an LPN to perform a procedure that the LPN has never been trained
to perform. The physician states, "I am directing you, so you are covered." What is the
best response?
A. Perform it because the physician assumes responsibility.
B. Perform it if another nurse observes.
C. Decline the procedure until appropriate education and competency are established.
D. Perform only the first portion of the procedure.
, Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Direction does not eliminate the LPN's personal obligation to practice
within competence.
Question 5
A New York LPN is working under an RN who is physically present. Which statement
best describes the LPN's legal position?
A. The LPN becomes an independent practitioner.
B. The LPN remains accountable for practicing within the LPN scope and competence.
C. The RN assumes all responsibility for the LPN's actions.
D. The LPN may perform any nursing task requested by the RN.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Direction by an RN does not expand the LPN's statutory scope or
eliminate the LPN's individual professional accountability.
Question 6
An LPN observes a new neurological deficit in a patient. The RN asks the LPN to
"figure out the diagnosis before calling me." What should the LPN do?
A. Formally diagnose the neurological condition.
B. Determine whether the patient has suffered a stroke.
C. Assess and report objective findings promptly within the LPN's role.
D. Wait until the next scheduled assessment.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The LPN should identify, measure, observe, document, and report
relevant findings rather than independently establish a nursing diagnosis.
Question 7
Which circumstance most strongly supports remote direction of an LPN in New York?
A. The directing practitioner is unavailable by telephone.
B. The patient population routinely requires immediate practitioner intervention.
C. The LPN is competent, patients are unlikely to require personal intervention, and
the directing practitioner can intervene promptly.
D. The facility wants to reduce staffing costs.
, Correct Answer: C
Explanation: New York guidance permits circumstances in which direction is
provided remotely when competency, patient stability, communication availability,
and timely intervention requirements are satisfied.
Question 8
When remote direction is permitted, the directing practitioner must be able to
personally intervene within approximately:
A. 5 minutes.
B. 15 minutes.
C. 30 minutes.
D. 60 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: New York's practice guidance identifies the ability of the directing
practitioner to personally intervene within 15 minutes as a key condition for certain
remote-direction situations.
Question 9
An LPN receives a clinical instruction from a pharmacist. What is the primary concern?
A. Pharmacists may never communicate with nurses.
B. The pharmacist automatically becomes the LPN's directing practitioner.
C. LPNs execute medical regimens from legally authorized prescribers, not simply any
licensed professional.
D. Pharmacists can direct LPNs only during night shifts.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: New York identifies specific professionals who may direct nursing
practice; licensure in another profession does not automatically confer authority to
direct an LPN.
Question 10
An LPN receives a treatment order from an authorized practitioner but believes the
order is unsafe for the patient. What is the best professional response?
