NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection Latest 2026/2027 Update - Complete Solutions
NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and
Reflection
Latest 2026/2027 Update — Complete Solutions
University of Phoenix — Graduate Nursing — 90 Questions with Verified Answers and Rationales
Examination Overview: This practice exam contains 90 multiple-choice questions covering the NRP 571
Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection assignment at the University of Phoenix. Questions are distributed across
eight content domains aligned with current 2026/2027 graduate nursing documentation standards and the Craig
Harris case study: SOAP note fundamentals; subjective data collection; objective data collection; assessment
and differential diagnosis; plan development; reflection in advanced practice nursing; documentation standards
and coding (ICD-10/CPT/billing); and the Craig Harris case application. Each question presents four options
(A–D) with one correct answer identified by [CORRECT] and is followed by a detailed rationale explaining
the correct response and identifying common pitfalls in each distractor.
Cognitive Level Distribution: Approximately 25% of questions target recall of documentation standards and
clinical concepts, 55% require application of SOAP note principles to clinical scenarios (history-taking, exam
documentation, diagnosis coding, plan development, and reflection frameworks), and 20% demand analysis
integrating multiple concepts (e.g., differential diagnosis prioritization, E/M level selection, and clinical
reasoning evaluation). Approximately 70% of items are scenario-based; 30% are direct recall. Distractors
reflect common advanced practice nursing documentation errors including confusing subjective and objective
data, missing key HPI elements, incorrect ICD-10 coding, incomplete plan development, misapplying
reflection frameworks, and violating documentation standards.
Craig Harris Case Context (used in Sections 2-5, 7, 9): Craig Harris is a 52-year-old male presenting for an
episodic visit with a 3-week history of progressively worsening fatigue, intermittent lightheadedness, and
dyspnea on exertion. PMH includes hypertension (on lisinopril) and type 2 diabetes (on metformin). On exam:
BP 138/86, HR 92, RR 18, Temp 98.6°F, SpO2 97%, with pallor in conjunctivae and nail beds. Labs: Hgb 9.2
g/dL, MCV 76 fL (microcytic), ferritin 12 ng/mL, HbA1c 7.8%. Primary diagnosis: iron deficiency anemia
(ICD-10 D50.9), with comorbid hypertension (I10) and type 2 diabetes (E11.9).
Section 1: SOAP Note Fundamentals
Structure, Purpose, & Documentation Standards (Q1-Q10)
Q1: In the SOAP note format taught in NRP 571, what does the acronym SOAP represent?
A. Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan [CORRECT]
B. Symptoms, Observations, Analysis, Prescription
C. Subjective, Objective, Analysis, Procedure
University of Phoenix - NRP 571 Graduate Nursing Page 1
,NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection Latest 2026/2027 Update - Complete Solutions
D. Signs, Observations, Assessment, Plan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The SOAP acronym stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, a structure introduced by
Larry Weed and adopted widely in advanced practice nursing documentation. Subjective captures the patient’s
reported symptoms and history, Objective records measurable findings, Assessment synthesizes the clinical picture,
and Plan outlines diagnostic and therapeutic steps. Options B, C, and D substitute incorrect terms such as
Symptoms, Analysis, or Signs that do not reflect the established framework. The correct answer is A.
Q2: Craig Harris, a 42-year-old male, presents for an episodic visit. The nurse practitioner uses a
SOAP note to document the encounter. What is the primary purpose of the SOAP format in
advanced practice nursing documentation?
A. To replace the electronic health record with a free-text narrative
B. To structure clinical reasoning and facilitate clear, organized communication among providers
[CORRECT]
C. To bill insurers using only diagnostic codes without narrative support
D. To limit documentation to objective data only, excluding patient-reported symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SOAP format’s primary purpose is to organize clinical reasoning and promote clear, consistent
communication among members of the interprofessional team. It captures subjective reports, objective data, the
provider’s assessment, and the plan in a predictable sequence that supports continuity of care and safe handoffs.
Options A, C, and D are incorrect because the SOAP note supplements rather than replaces the EHR, requires
narrative in addition to codes for billing, and explicitly includes subjective data. The correct answer is B.
Q3: A nurse practitioner is precepting an NRP 571 student who asks how a SOAPIE note differs
from a standard SOAP note. Which response is most accurate?
A. SOAPIE is identical to SOAP and offers no additional sections.
B. SOAPIE adds Intervention and Evaluation sections, making it useful when documenting
ongoing nursing care and the patient’s response to treatment over time. [CORRECT]
C. SOAPIE removes the Assessment section to shorten documentation.
D. SOAPIE is used only for billing purposes and excludes the Plan.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SOAPIE expands on SOAP by adding Intervention (the actions performed) and Evaluation (the patient’s
response to those interventions), which is especially valuable in nursing-driven care and when tracking outcomes
over time. This format supports documenting not only what was planned but what was actually done and whether it
worked. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because SOAPIE is not identical to SOAP, does not remove Assessment,
and is not limited to billing. The correct answer is B.
Q4: In a fast-paced emergency setting, a provider documents the Assessment first, followed by
Subjective, Objective, and Plan. This approach is best described as which note format?
A. SOAP
B. SOAPIE
C. APSO [CORRECT]
D. Narrative-only
Correct Answer: C
University of Phoenix - NRP 571 Graduate Nursing Page 2
,NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection Latest 2026/2027 Update - Complete Solutions
Rationale: APSO reorders the traditional SOAP components by placing the Assessment first so that consulting
providers can rapidly identify the clinical impression before reviewing supporting data, which is beneficial in urgent
or high-acuity settings. This format preserves the same content as SOAP but prioritizes the conclusion for
efficiency. Options A and B place Subjective first, and option D abandons structure entirely. The correct answer is
C.
Q5: Which documentation format is most appropriate for Craig Harris’s episodic visit for a new
acute complaint versus a chronic, complex follow-up with multiple comorbidities?
A. SOAP for both visits, as it is the only approved format.
B. SOAP for the acute episodic visit; APSO or a comprehensive format with detailed assessment
for the chronic complex visit. [CORRECT]
C. APSO for the acute visit; SOAP for the chronic visit because it excludes assessment.
D. SOAPIE for the acute visit; no documentation is needed for chronic visits.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The acute episodic visit is well suited to the straightforward SOAP format because it captures a focused
encounter, whereas a chronic, complex follow-up benefits from a more comprehensive approach that may
emphasize assessment and longitudinal planning, such as APSO or an expanded format. Matching format to visit
complexity improves clarity and usefulness. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because format choice should reflect
visit complexity, SOAP does include assessment, and documentation is always required. The correct answer is B.
Q6: While documenting Craig Harris’s visit, the nurse practitioner realizes a measured blood
pressure of 148/92 mm Hg was mistakenly recorded as 128/82 mm Hg. What is the most
appropriate documentation action?
A. Leave the incorrect value to avoid altering the record.
B. Use a single-line strike-through, correct the value, and initial and date the change per
organizational policy. [CORRECT]
C. Delete the incorrect entry and retype the note without any trace of the error.
D. Wait until the next visit to mention the correction.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Accuracy in documentation requires that errors be corrected transparently using a strike-through that
preserves the original entry, with the correction, initials, date, and time added according to facility policy. This
maintains the legal integrity of the record and demonstrates accountability. Options A, C, and D are incorrect
because leaving errors uncorrected compromises care, deleting entries destroys the audit trail, and delaying
correction is inappropriate. The correct answer is B.
Q7: At the end of a busy clinic day, the nurse practitioner has not yet completed Craig Harris’s
SOAP note from the morning. Which documentation standard is most at risk if the note is
deferred until the next day?
A. Legibility only
B. Timeliness, because notes should be completed contemporaneously or as soon as feasible after
the encounter [CORRECT]
C. Accuracy, because memory improves over time
D. Confidentiality, because notes expire after 24 hours
Correct Answer: B
University of Phoenix - NRP 571 Graduate Nursing Page 3
, NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection Latest 2026/2027 Update - Complete Solutions
Rationale: Timeliness requires that documentation be completed during or as soon as possible after the encounter
to ensure accuracy and support continuity of care, with many organizations expecting notes within ≈ 24 hours.
Delaying documentation risks omitting details and creating gaps in the record that compromise patient safety.
Options A, C, and D are incorrect because legibility is a separate standard, memory does not improve over time, and
notes do not expire. The correct answer is B.
Q8: Which statement best reflects the legal principle regarding documentation taught in NRP
571?
A. If care is not documented, it is presumed not to have been done (often summarized as the rule
that if it wasn’t documented, it wasn’t done). [CORRECT]
B. Documentation is optional and does not affect legal proceedings.
C. Only objective data are admissible in legal cases.
D. Electronic notes cannot be used as evidence.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The long-standing legal principle in nursing and medicine is that undocumented care is presumed not to
have occurred, making thorough documentation essential for defending the quality of care in audits and litigation.
The medical record serves as the legal business record and evidence of clinical decision-making. Options B, C, and
D are incorrect because documentation is legally significant, both subjective and objective data are relevant, and
electronic records are fully admissible. The correct answer is A.
Q9: During a telehealth visit with Craig Harris, the nurse practitioner must document additional
elements beyond a standard in-person SOAP note. Which of the following should be included?
A. The patient’s clothing style and shoe size
B. The modality used, patient location during the visit, patient consent to telehealth, and
verification of patient identity [CORRECT]
C. The provider’s home address and personal phone number
D. Only the diagnosis code, with no narrative
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Telehealth documentation requires specifying the communication modality, the patient’s physical
location at the time of service, informed consent for telehealth, and verification of identity, in addition to standard
SOAP elements. These components support billing, licensure, and medico-legal compliance across state lines.
Options A, C, and D are irrelevant or incomplete and do not meet telehealth documentation standards. The correct
answer is B.
Q10: When documenting an interprofessional referral for Craig Harris, which entry best
demonstrates professional tone and collaborative communication?
A. Cardiology consult requested because the previous provider missed the murmur.
B. Cardiology consult requested for evaluation of new systolic murmur; appreciate cardiology’s
assessment and recommendations. [CORRECT]
C. Sent to cardiology — hopefully they figure it out.
D. Cardiology will handle this; not my problem anymore.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Professional documentation uses respectful, objective, collaborative language that facilitates
interprofessional communication and avoids blaming or dismissive remarks. Option B clearly states the reason for
referral and invites collaboration, which supports teamwork and continuity of care. Options A, C, and D use
University of Phoenix - NRP 571 Graduate Nursing Page 4
NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and
Reflection
Latest 2026/2027 Update — Complete Solutions
University of Phoenix — Graduate Nursing — 90 Questions with Verified Answers and Rationales
Examination Overview: This practice exam contains 90 multiple-choice questions covering the NRP 571
Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection assignment at the University of Phoenix. Questions are distributed across
eight content domains aligned with current 2026/2027 graduate nursing documentation standards and the Craig
Harris case study: SOAP note fundamentals; subjective data collection; objective data collection; assessment
and differential diagnosis; plan development; reflection in advanced practice nursing; documentation standards
and coding (ICD-10/CPT/billing); and the Craig Harris case application. Each question presents four options
(A–D) with one correct answer identified by [CORRECT] and is followed by a detailed rationale explaining
the correct response and identifying common pitfalls in each distractor.
Cognitive Level Distribution: Approximately 25% of questions target recall of documentation standards and
clinical concepts, 55% require application of SOAP note principles to clinical scenarios (history-taking, exam
documentation, diagnosis coding, plan development, and reflection frameworks), and 20% demand analysis
integrating multiple concepts (e.g., differential diagnosis prioritization, E/M level selection, and clinical
reasoning evaluation). Approximately 70% of items are scenario-based; 30% are direct recall. Distractors
reflect common advanced practice nursing documentation errors including confusing subjective and objective
data, missing key HPI elements, incorrect ICD-10 coding, incomplete plan development, misapplying
reflection frameworks, and violating documentation standards.
Craig Harris Case Context (used in Sections 2-5, 7, 9): Craig Harris is a 52-year-old male presenting for an
episodic visit with a 3-week history of progressively worsening fatigue, intermittent lightheadedness, and
dyspnea on exertion. PMH includes hypertension (on lisinopril) and type 2 diabetes (on metformin). On exam:
BP 138/86, HR 92, RR 18, Temp 98.6°F, SpO2 97%, with pallor in conjunctivae and nail beds. Labs: Hgb 9.2
g/dL, MCV 76 fL (microcytic), ferritin 12 ng/mL, HbA1c 7.8%. Primary diagnosis: iron deficiency anemia
(ICD-10 D50.9), with comorbid hypertension (I10) and type 2 diabetes (E11.9).
Section 1: SOAP Note Fundamentals
Structure, Purpose, & Documentation Standards (Q1-Q10)
Q1: In the SOAP note format taught in NRP 571, what does the acronym SOAP represent?
A. Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan [CORRECT]
B. Symptoms, Observations, Analysis, Prescription
C. Subjective, Objective, Analysis, Procedure
University of Phoenix - NRP 571 Graduate Nursing Page 1
,NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection Latest 2026/2027 Update - Complete Solutions
D. Signs, Observations, Assessment, Plan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The SOAP acronym stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, a structure introduced by
Larry Weed and adopted widely in advanced practice nursing documentation. Subjective captures the patient’s
reported symptoms and history, Objective records measurable findings, Assessment synthesizes the clinical picture,
and Plan outlines diagnostic and therapeutic steps. Options B, C, and D substitute incorrect terms such as
Symptoms, Analysis, or Signs that do not reflect the established framework. The correct answer is A.
Q2: Craig Harris, a 42-year-old male, presents for an episodic visit. The nurse practitioner uses a
SOAP note to document the encounter. What is the primary purpose of the SOAP format in
advanced practice nursing documentation?
A. To replace the electronic health record with a free-text narrative
B. To structure clinical reasoning and facilitate clear, organized communication among providers
[CORRECT]
C. To bill insurers using only diagnostic codes without narrative support
D. To limit documentation to objective data only, excluding patient-reported symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SOAP format’s primary purpose is to organize clinical reasoning and promote clear, consistent
communication among members of the interprofessional team. It captures subjective reports, objective data, the
provider’s assessment, and the plan in a predictable sequence that supports continuity of care and safe handoffs.
Options A, C, and D are incorrect because the SOAP note supplements rather than replaces the EHR, requires
narrative in addition to codes for billing, and explicitly includes subjective data. The correct answer is B.
Q3: A nurse practitioner is precepting an NRP 571 student who asks how a SOAPIE note differs
from a standard SOAP note. Which response is most accurate?
A. SOAPIE is identical to SOAP and offers no additional sections.
B. SOAPIE adds Intervention and Evaluation sections, making it useful when documenting
ongoing nursing care and the patient’s response to treatment over time. [CORRECT]
C. SOAPIE removes the Assessment section to shorten documentation.
D. SOAPIE is used only for billing purposes and excludes the Plan.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SOAPIE expands on SOAP by adding Intervention (the actions performed) and Evaluation (the patient’s
response to those interventions), which is especially valuable in nursing-driven care and when tracking outcomes
over time. This format supports documenting not only what was planned but what was actually done and whether it
worked. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because SOAPIE is not identical to SOAP, does not remove Assessment,
and is not limited to billing. The correct answer is B.
Q4: In a fast-paced emergency setting, a provider documents the Assessment first, followed by
Subjective, Objective, and Plan. This approach is best described as which note format?
A. SOAP
B. SOAPIE
C. APSO [CORRECT]
D. Narrative-only
Correct Answer: C
University of Phoenix - NRP 571 Graduate Nursing Page 2
,NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection Latest 2026/2027 Update - Complete Solutions
Rationale: APSO reorders the traditional SOAP components by placing the Assessment first so that consulting
providers can rapidly identify the clinical impression before reviewing supporting data, which is beneficial in urgent
or high-acuity settings. This format preserves the same content as SOAP but prioritizes the conclusion for
efficiency. Options A and B place Subjective first, and option D abandons structure entirely. The correct answer is
C.
Q5: Which documentation format is most appropriate for Craig Harris’s episodic visit for a new
acute complaint versus a chronic, complex follow-up with multiple comorbidities?
A. SOAP for both visits, as it is the only approved format.
B. SOAP for the acute episodic visit; APSO or a comprehensive format with detailed assessment
for the chronic complex visit. [CORRECT]
C. APSO for the acute visit; SOAP for the chronic visit because it excludes assessment.
D. SOAPIE for the acute visit; no documentation is needed for chronic visits.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The acute episodic visit is well suited to the straightforward SOAP format because it captures a focused
encounter, whereas a chronic, complex follow-up benefits from a more comprehensive approach that may
emphasize assessment and longitudinal planning, such as APSO or an expanded format. Matching format to visit
complexity improves clarity and usefulness. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because format choice should reflect
visit complexity, SOAP does include assessment, and documentation is always required. The correct answer is B.
Q6: While documenting Craig Harris’s visit, the nurse practitioner realizes a measured blood
pressure of 148/92 mm Hg was mistakenly recorded as 128/82 mm Hg. What is the most
appropriate documentation action?
A. Leave the incorrect value to avoid altering the record.
B. Use a single-line strike-through, correct the value, and initial and date the change per
organizational policy. [CORRECT]
C. Delete the incorrect entry and retype the note without any trace of the error.
D. Wait until the next visit to mention the correction.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Accuracy in documentation requires that errors be corrected transparently using a strike-through that
preserves the original entry, with the correction, initials, date, and time added according to facility policy. This
maintains the legal integrity of the record and demonstrates accountability. Options A, C, and D are incorrect
because leaving errors uncorrected compromises care, deleting entries destroys the audit trail, and delaying
correction is inappropriate. The correct answer is B.
Q7: At the end of a busy clinic day, the nurse practitioner has not yet completed Craig Harris’s
SOAP note from the morning. Which documentation standard is most at risk if the note is
deferred until the next day?
A. Legibility only
B. Timeliness, because notes should be completed contemporaneously or as soon as feasible after
the encounter [CORRECT]
C. Accuracy, because memory improves over time
D. Confidentiality, because notes expire after 24 hours
Correct Answer: B
University of Phoenix - NRP 571 Graduate Nursing Page 3
, NRP 571 Craig Harris Episodic SOAP Note and Reflection Latest 2026/2027 Update - Complete Solutions
Rationale: Timeliness requires that documentation be completed during or as soon as possible after the encounter
to ensure accuracy and support continuity of care, with many organizations expecting notes within ≈ 24 hours.
Delaying documentation risks omitting details and creating gaps in the record that compromise patient safety.
Options A, C, and D are incorrect because legibility is a separate standard, memory does not improve over time, and
notes do not expire. The correct answer is B.
Q8: Which statement best reflects the legal principle regarding documentation taught in NRP
571?
A. If care is not documented, it is presumed not to have been done (often summarized as the rule
that if it wasn’t documented, it wasn’t done). [CORRECT]
B. Documentation is optional and does not affect legal proceedings.
C. Only objective data are admissible in legal cases.
D. Electronic notes cannot be used as evidence.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The long-standing legal principle in nursing and medicine is that undocumented care is presumed not to
have occurred, making thorough documentation essential for defending the quality of care in audits and litigation.
The medical record serves as the legal business record and evidence of clinical decision-making. Options B, C, and
D are incorrect because documentation is legally significant, both subjective and objective data are relevant, and
electronic records are fully admissible. The correct answer is A.
Q9: During a telehealth visit with Craig Harris, the nurse practitioner must document additional
elements beyond a standard in-person SOAP note. Which of the following should be included?
A. The patient’s clothing style and shoe size
B. The modality used, patient location during the visit, patient consent to telehealth, and
verification of patient identity [CORRECT]
C. The provider’s home address and personal phone number
D. Only the diagnosis code, with no narrative
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Telehealth documentation requires specifying the communication modality, the patient’s physical
location at the time of service, informed consent for telehealth, and verification of identity, in addition to standard
SOAP elements. These components support billing, licensure, and medico-legal compliance across state lines.
Options A, C, and D are irrelevant or incomplete and do not meet telehealth documentation standards. The correct
answer is B.
Q10: When documenting an interprofessional referral for Craig Harris, which entry best
demonstrates professional tone and collaborative communication?
A. Cardiology consult requested because the previous provider missed the murmur.
B. Cardiology consult requested for evaluation of new systolic murmur; appreciate cardiology’s
assessment and recommendations. [CORRECT]
C. Sent to cardiology — hopefully they figure it out.
D. Cardiology will handle this; not my problem anymore.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Professional documentation uses respectful, objective, collaborative language that facilitates
interprofessional communication and avoids blaming or dismissive remarks. Option B clearly states the reason for
referral and invites collaboration, which supports teamwork and continuity of care. Options A, C, and D use
University of Phoenix - NRP 571 Graduate Nursing Page 4
