Practical Nursing in Canada, 1st Edition
Authors:
Katherine Poser,Adrianne Dill Linton,Mary
Ann Matteson
TEST BANK.
1. A Practical Nurse (PN) is caring for a postoperative
patient. Which statement best describes the primary
focus of medical-surgical nursing practice for the PN?
A. Ordering diagnostic tests and interpreting results
B. Promoting health and managing responses to
illness through assessment and interventions
C. Developing independent medical treatment plans
D. Prescribing pharmacologic therapy as required
Correct answer: B
, Rationale: The PN’s role emphasizes assessment,
monitoring, nursing interventions, patient teaching,
and collaboration to promote health and manage
responses to acute and chronic conditions—within
scope and under the health care team.
2. Which action demonstrates appropriate delegation by
a PN to unregulated health personnel (UHP) in a
medical-surgical setting?
A. Delegating medication administration to a UHP.
B. Asking a UHP to take and record a patient’s routine
oral temperature and report abnormal findings to the
PN.
C. Instructing a UHP to assess a wound and determine
if it is infected.
D. Assigning a UHP to perform a focused neurological
assessment and document findings.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Delegation must match the UHP’s training
and regulatory allowances; routine vital signs with
reporting are appropriate, while assessment,
medication administration, or clinical decision tasks
remain with licensed staff.
3. The PN is caring for an older adult with hearing
impairment. Which communication technique is most
, appropriate?
A. Speak quickly so the patient doesn’t lose interest.
B. Stand behind the patient while speaking.
C. Use simple sentences, face the patient, and use
visual cues as needed.
D. Avoid using written materials because they may
confuse the patient.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Effective communication uses clear, simple
language, face-to-face orientation, and visual aids to
enhance comprehension—especially important in
medical-surgical settings and patient teaching.
4. Which element is the best example of the PN
practicing within professional scope and
accountability?
A. Independently altering a prescribed IV infusion rate
to hasten recovery.
B. Documenting an objective assessment, reporting
changes to the RN/physician, and implementing
standing orders as authorized.
C. Refusing to follow a delegated task because it is
inconvenient.
D. Providing a family with an independent diagnosis
based on lab values.
, Correct answer: B
Rationale: Staying within scope means performing
authorized tasks, accurately documenting, and
communicating changes—while escalation and
prescriptive changes follow regulatory/organizational
protocols.
5. A patient refuses a recommended procedure. The
PN’s best initial response is to:
A. Inform the patient that refusal will result in
discharge.
B. Document the refusal, explore the patient’s reasons,
provide information about risks/benefits, and notify
the RN/physician.
C. Ignore the refusal and proceed because the
procedure is clearly needed.
D. Tell the patient they must comply for their own
good.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Respect for autonomy requires exploring
reasons, providing clear information to support
informed decision making, documenting refusal, and
notifying the care team.
6. Select all that apply. Which of the following are key
components of a PN’s assessment during admission