BSN 465 Exam 3 V3 | BSN 465 Decision-
making in Nursing | Q&A with Rationale
(BSN465 Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse manager is resolving a conflict between two staff nurses using the collaborating
strategy. Which action should the manager take?
A. Ask one nurse to sacrifice their perspective for the other.
B. Encourage both nurses to find a new solution that satisfies both of their goals.
C. Direct the nurses to reach a quick middle-ground agreement.
D. Tell the nurses to ignore the problem until they are less emotional.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Collaboration involves a win-win approach where both parties work together to
find a mutually satisfying solution. This strategy requires high levels of assertiveness and
cooperation to address the underlying concerns of everyone involved. It is considered the
most effective conflict resolution method for long-term professional relationships.
2. When applying the principle of justice in clinical decision-making, which action by the nurse
is most appropriate?
A. Providing the same standard of care to a homeless patient and a wealthy executive.
B. Allowing a patient to refuse a life-saving medication.
C. Ensuring that the nurse keeps a promise made to a patient’s family.
,D. Performing a procedure correctly to avoid doing harm to the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The principle of justice refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of
healthcare resources and care. In this scenario, treating patients equally regardless of their
socioeconomic status directly reflects this ethical standard. It ensures that every individual
receives the care they are entitled to without bias.
3. A nurse is delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Which task is
appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Evaluating a patient’s response to pain medication.
B. Assisting a stable patient with a bed bath.
C. Feeding a patient who has a high risk for aspiration.
D. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Delegation to UAPs should be limited to routine tasks that do not require
nursing judgment or assessment. Assisting a stable patient with hygiene is a standard task
within the UAP scope of practice. The nurse remains accountable for ensuring the task is
completed correctly and safely.
4. Which leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes decisions independently
without seeking input from staff?
A. Democratic
, B. Autocratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Transformational
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making where the leader
maintains full control over the group. This style is often efficient in emergency situations
where quick decisions are mandatory. However, it can lead to low staff morale if used
exclusively in non-urgent clinical settings.
5. A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 and oxygen saturation of 88%.
B. A patient scheduled for physical therapy in 30 minutes.
C. A patient with a pain level of 8 out of 10 following surgery.
D. A patient who needs a dressing change before discharge.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority framework, the
patient with respiratory distress must be seen first. Low oxygen saturation and an elevated
respiratory rate indicate a potential life-threatening complication. Prompt assessment and
intervention are required to prevent further clinical deterioration.
making in Nursing | Q&A with Rationale
(BSN465 Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse manager is resolving a conflict between two staff nurses using the collaborating
strategy. Which action should the manager take?
A. Ask one nurse to sacrifice their perspective for the other.
B. Encourage both nurses to find a new solution that satisfies both of their goals.
C. Direct the nurses to reach a quick middle-ground agreement.
D. Tell the nurses to ignore the problem until they are less emotional.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Collaboration involves a win-win approach where both parties work together to
find a mutually satisfying solution. This strategy requires high levels of assertiveness and
cooperation to address the underlying concerns of everyone involved. It is considered the
most effective conflict resolution method for long-term professional relationships.
2. When applying the principle of justice in clinical decision-making, which action by the nurse
is most appropriate?
A. Providing the same standard of care to a homeless patient and a wealthy executive.
B. Allowing a patient to refuse a life-saving medication.
C. Ensuring that the nurse keeps a promise made to a patient’s family.
,D. Performing a procedure correctly to avoid doing harm to the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The principle of justice refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of
healthcare resources and care. In this scenario, treating patients equally regardless of their
socioeconomic status directly reflects this ethical standard. It ensures that every individual
receives the care they are entitled to without bias.
3. A nurse is delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Which task is
appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
A. Evaluating a patient’s response to pain medication.
B. Assisting a stable patient with a bed bath.
C. Feeding a patient who has a high risk for aspiration.
D. Teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Delegation to UAPs should be limited to routine tasks that do not require
nursing judgment or assessment. Assisting a stable patient with hygiene is a standard task
within the UAP scope of practice. The nurse remains accountable for ensuring the task is
completed correctly and safely.
4. Which leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes decisions independently
without seeking input from staff?
A. Democratic
, B. Autocratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Transformational
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making where the leader
maintains full control over the group. This style is often efficient in emergency situations
where quick decisions are mandatory. However, it can lead to low staff morale if used
exclusively in non-urgent clinical settings.
5. A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient with a respiratory rate of 28 and oxygen saturation of 88%.
B. A patient scheduled for physical therapy in 30 minutes.
C. A patient with a pain level of 8 out of 10 following surgery.
D. A patient who needs a dressing change before discharge.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority framework, the
patient with respiratory distress must be seen first. Low oxygen saturation and an elevated
respiratory rate indicate a potential life-threatening complication. Prompt assessment and
intervention are required to prevent further clinical deterioration.
