Standards of Practice & Standards of Professional
Performance
Stem: A newly licensed RN asks whether “scope of nursing
practice” refers to what tasks any nurse can do everywhere.
Which is the best explanation the charge nurse should give?
A. It lists specific tasks every nurse must perform in all settings.
B. It defines the services a nurse is educated and licensed to
perform; it varies by role, experience, and setting.
C. It is identical to a state's Nurse Practice Act and replaces
institutional policy.
D. It prescribes the exact interventions a nurse must use for
each diagnosis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The scope of nursing practice describes
services nurses are educated and licensed to provide; the
extent depends on education, role, experience, and setting. This
aligns with ANA definitions emphasizing who, what, where,
when, and how of nursing. ANA
Rationale — Incorrect A: The scope is not a fixed task list for
every nurse; it’s a framework rather than a universal checklist.
Rationale — Incorrect C: State Nurse Practice Acts set legal
boundaries, but scope statements and institutional policies
complement—not replace—each other.
Rationale — Incorrect D: The scope does not prescribe exact
,interventions for every diagnosis; clinical judgment and
standards guide individualized care.
Teaching Point: Scope of practice is a flexible framework tied to
education, role, and setting.
2.
Chapter 1 — Section: Scope of Nursing Practice — Title:
Nursing’s Social Contract
Stem: Which statement best reflects the “social contract”
between nursing and society described in ANA materials?
A. Nurses are obligated to follow only employer policies.
B. Society grants the profession authority in exchange for
accountability and safe practice.
C. Nurses must perform any task asked of them regardless of
competency.
D. The social contract exempts nurses from regulation if care is
compassionate.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The social contract implies that society
authorizes nursing practice and expects accountability,
competence, and safe practice in return—central to
professional self-regulation. ANA
Rationale — Incorrect A: Employer policies are important, but
the social contract is broader—between the profession and
society.
, Rationale — Incorrect C: Nurses must only perform tasks within
their competence; doing otherwise violates professional
standards.
Rationale — Incorrect D: Compassion does not exempt nurses
from regulatory and ethical obligations.
Teaching Point: Nursing’s social contract requires competence,
accountability, and public-focused care.
3.
Chapter 1 — Section: Scope of Nursing Practice — Title: Who
& When
Stem: A nurse practitioner and a staff RN are collaborating on a
patient’s plan. According to the scope framework, what
primarily determines which provider performs an advanced
assessment?
A. The patient’s insurance policy.
B. The title, education, licensure, and role of the nurse.
C. A random assignment by the nurse manager.
D. The hospital’s cafeteria hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The scope framework indicates who
performs which activities depends on title, education, licensure,
and role—making advanced assessments appropriate for
clinicians with advanced preparation. ANA
Rationale — Incorrect A: Insurance does not determine clinical