ESSENTIALS OF NURSING LEADERSHIP &
MANAGEMENT
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)SALLY WEISS
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A newly licensed RN is floated to a unit where an experienced
LPN asks the RN to perform an admission assessment the LPN
usually completes. The RN knows the state nursing practice act
allows RNs to perform admission assessments but is uncertain
about delegation expectations. As charge nurse, which action
best demonstrates professional accountability and legal
responsibility?
A. Allow the LPN to continue the usual process and sign the
assessment later to maintain unit flow.
B. Complete the admission assessment personally and
document the findings consistent with RN scope.
,C. Ask the LPN to call the provider for an order so the LPN may
document the assessment.
D. Tell the LPN to observe the RN and document using the LPN’s
charting template.
Correct answer: B
Rationale — Correct (3–4 sentences)
Completing the admission ensures the RN practices within
licensure, accepts accountability for the assessment, and
protects patient safety. It aligns with the profession’s legal
responsibility and scope-of-practice rules described in Chapter
1. Documentation by the RN preserves professional and legal
accountability.
Rationale — Incorrect
A. Signing after someone else performs an assessment falsely
attributes responsibility and risks legal and professional
sanction.
C. Asking the provider for an order to permit LPN charting
misuses provider authority and does not address scope-of-
practice responsibilities.
D. Having the LPN document using an RN template
misrepresents which licensed professional performed the
assessment and jeopardizes professional integrity.
Teaching point (≤20 words)
Nurses must perform and document tasks within their legal
scope and accept professional accountability.
,Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
During orientation a new nurse asks why membership in a
professional nursing organization matters. Which explanation
most closely aligns with the defining characteristics of a
profession?
A. Membership guarantees higher pay and better schedules.
B. Organizations support self-regulation, standards, and
continuing competence.
C. Membership absolves nurses of personal legal responsibility.
D. Organizations provide direct authority to change state
practice acts without lobbying.
Correct answer: B
Rationale — Correct
Professional organizations promote standards, continuing
education, and self-regulation — core characteristics of
professions described in the chapter. They support collective
efforts that sustain competence and public trust. These
, activities align with nursing’s obligation to maintain professional
standards.
Rationale — Incorrect
A. Membership may offer benefits but does not guarantee pay
or schedules — that is not characteristic of a profession.
C. Membership does not remove individual legal responsibility
or accountability.
D. Organizations influence policy through advocacy; they do not
unilaterally alter legal statutes.
Teaching point
Professional organizations strengthen standards, competence,
and public trust.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A staff nurse is asked to perform an advanced intravenous
medication titration that is beyond unit competency and not
covered by current policies. The nurse believes this could harm
the patient. What is the most professionally appropriate
response?
MANAGEMENT
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)SALLY WEISS
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A newly licensed RN is floated to a unit where an experienced
LPN asks the RN to perform an admission assessment the LPN
usually completes. The RN knows the state nursing practice act
allows RNs to perform admission assessments but is uncertain
about delegation expectations. As charge nurse, which action
best demonstrates professional accountability and legal
responsibility?
A. Allow the LPN to continue the usual process and sign the
assessment later to maintain unit flow.
B. Complete the admission assessment personally and
document the findings consistent with RN scope.
,C. Ask the LPN to call the provider for an order so the LPN may
document the assessment.
D. Tell the LPN to observe the RN and document using the LPN’s
charting template.
Correct answer: B
Rationale — Correct (3–4 sentences)
Completing the admission ensures the RN practices within
licensure, accepts accountability for the assessment, and
protects patient safety. It aligns with the profession’s legal
responsibility and scope-of-practice rules described in Chapter
1. Documentation by the RN preserves professional and legal
accountability.
Rationale — Incorrect
A. Signing after someone else performs an assessment falsely
attributes responsibility and risks legal and professional
sanction.
C. Asking the provider for an order to permit LPN charting
misuses provider authority and does not address scope-of-
practice responsibilities.
D. Having the LPN document using an RN template
misrepresents which licensed professional performed the
assessment and jeopardizes professional integrity.
Teaching point (≤20 words)
Nurses must perform and document tasks within their legal
scope and accept professional accountability.
,Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
During orientation a new nurse asks why membership in a
professional nursing organization matters. Which explanation
most closely aligns with the defining characteristics of a
profession?
A. Membership guarantees higher pay and better schedules.
B. Organizations support self-regulation, standards, and
continuing competence.
C. Membership absolves nurses of personal legal responsibility.
D. Organizations provide direct authority to change state
practice acts without lobbying.
Correct answer: B
Rationale — Correct
Professional organizations promote standards, continuing
education, and self-regulation — core characteristics of
professions described in the chapter. They support collective
efforts that sustain competence and public trust. These
, activities align with nursing’s obligation to maintain professional
standards.
Rationale — Incorrect
A. Membership may offer benefits but does not guarantee pay
or schedules — that is not characteristic of a profession.
C. Membership does not remove individual legal responsibility
or accountability.
D. Organizations influence policy through advocacy; they do not
unilaterally alter legal statutes.
Teaching point
Professional organizations strengthen standards, competence,
and public trust.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A staff nurse is asked to perform an advanced intravenous
medication titration that is beyond unit competency and not
covered by current policies. The nurse believes this could harm
the patient. What is the most professionally appropriate
response?
