RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027..
*Core Domains*
*Prioritization and Triage Principles*
*Delegation and Supervision*
*Legal and Ethical Nursing Practice*
*Interdisciplinary Collaboration*
*Safety and Infection Control*
*Resource Management*
*Introduction*
*The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the clinical judgment of nursing professionals regarding priority setting and safe delegat
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with type 1 diabetes who reports a blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL.
B. A client with a new onset of sudden confusion and slurred speech.
C. A client requesting pain medication for chronic lower back pain.
D. A client with a stable surgical wound dressing that needs changing.
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: The client exhibiting new onset confusion and slurred speech is showing signs of a potential stroke (CVA), which is a
time-sensitive neurological emergency requiring immediate assessment.
Which task is appropriate for the registered nurse (RN) to delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
A. Measuring the intake and output of a client with congestive heart failure.
B. Educating a client on how to use an incentive spirometer.
C. Assessing the surgical site for signs of infection.
D. Administering oral medications to a stable client.
,🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Measuring and recording intake and output are within the scope of practice for a UAP. The other tasks require nursing
assessment, clinical judgment, or education, which cannot be delegated.
The charge nurse observes an LPN/LVN preparing to administer an IV push medication. What is the most appropriate action for the
charge nurse?
A. Assist the LPN/LVN with the medication administration.
B. Allow the LPN/LVN to proceed as delegated.
C. Stop the LPN/LVN and clarify the facility policy regarding IV push medications.
D. Report the LPN/LVN to the supervisor for unsafe practice.
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Scope of practice for LPNs/LVNs regarding IV push medications varies by state and facility policy. The charge nurse
must ensure compliance with specific institutional regulations before allowing the action.
A nurse is caring for a client with an acute myocardial infarction. Which action should be prioritized?
A. Updating the client's family on the prognosis.
B. Administering the prescribed nitroglycerin.
C. Assisting the client with oral hygiene.
D. Documenting the nursing assessment in the chart.
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: In an acute MI, addressing the ischemia and relieving pain via prescribed medication is a priority intervention to
prevent further cardiac muscle damage.
A nurse is caring for a client who is being discharged. Which task must be performed by the RN?
A. Providing discharge teaching regarding medication side effects.
B. Transporting the client to the vehicle.
C. Gathering the client’s belongings from the bedside.
D. Assisting the client in dressing.
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Discharge teaching involves assessing the client's understanding and providing complex medical information, which
is a core responsibility of the RN and cannot be delegated.
A client in the emergency department reports a sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Auscultating bowel sounds.
B. Checking pedal pulses.
C. Obtaining vital signs and oxygen saturation.
, D. Assessing for peripheral edema.
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Vital signs and oxygen saturation provide critical data regarding the client's hemodynamic stability and respiratory
status in a patient presenting with symptoms of cardiovascular distress.
Which action by the UAP requires immediate intervention by the RN?
A. Providing a bed bath to a client who is resting.
B. Placing a client with a history of aspiration in a supine position during feeding.
C. Reporting a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg to the nurse.
D. Emptying a Foley catheter bag and recording the amount.
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: A client at risk for aspiration should be placed in a high-Fowler’s position during feeding. Placing them supine is
dangerous and requires immediate correction.
A nurse is working on a medical-surgical unit. Which client requires the most frequent monitoring?
A. A client who is two days post-appendectomy.
B. A client with a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L.
C. A client scheduled for a physical therapy session.
D. A client who is postoperative after a routine biopsy.
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias,
requiring priority monitoring.
An RN is supervising an LPN/LVN. Which assignment is appropriate for the LPN/LVN?
A. Caring for a client with a new, complex tracheostomy.
B. Providing wound care for a client with a stable pressure ulcer.
C. Formulating the initial nursing care plan for a new admission.
D. Evaluating the effectiveness of a newly administered blood transfusion.
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Wound care for stable clients falls within the scope of practice for an LPN/LVN. Assessing new admissions, managing
complex equipment, and evaluating blood transfusions require RN-level assessment.
A client with a history of seizures begins to shake while in bed. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Restrain the client to prevent injury.
B. Place a tongue blade in the client’s mouth.
C. Turn the client to their side and protect the head.