Alaska RN Jurisprudence Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
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1.
An Alaska RN is asked to perform a procedure that is not specifically listed by
name in the nurse practice statute. The RN has documented education,
demonstrated competence, and institutional authorization to perform the
procedure. Which principle is most appropriate?
A. The procedure is prohibited because it is not expressly named in statute.
B. The RN may perform it only if a physician is physically present.
C. The RN should determine whether the activity falls within authorized nursing
practice, competence, applicable rules, and employer policy.
D. Any procedure not specifically named is automatically within RN scope.
Rationale: Nursing scope is not determined solely by whether a particular
procedure is expressly named in statute. The RN must consider the legal scope of
nursing, competence, standards, applicable regulations, and institutional
requirements.
2.
Which action most clearly demonstrates an Alaska RN's professional
accountability?
,A. Following every physician request without question
B. Delegating all unfamiliar tasks to practical nurses
C. Accepting responsibility for nursing judgments and taking action when an
order appears unsafe
D. Relying exclusively on employer policy
Rationale: Professional accountability requires the RN to exercise independent
nursing judgment and intervene when an order, treatment, or situation presents
an unreasonable risk to the patient.
3.
An RN receives an order that appears inconsistent with the patient's condition.
What is the nurse's best initial action?
A. Carry out the order immediately
B. Ignore the order
C. Clarify the order with the prescriber and communicate the clinical concern
D. Ask another RN to decide
Rationale: Clarification allows the RN to resolve potentially unsafe orders while
preserving appropriate communication and documentation.
4.
Which situation represents the clearest risk of practicing beyond scope?
A. Performing an assessment within RN education
B. Providing patient education
C. Performing a task requiring specialized competence the RN has not acquired
D. Documenting a nursing intervention
Rationale: A nursing license does not automatically establish competence for
every possible clinical activity. Nurses must practice within both legal scope and
individual competence.
5.
,An Alaska RN changes employers but continues practicing under the same Alaska
RN license. Which statement is most accurate?
A. The nurse must obtain a new RN license for each employer.
B. The nurse's license belongs to the employer.
C. The RN license authorizes the nurse to practice subject to Alaska law and
Board requirements, rather than belonging to a particular employer.
D. The nurse may practice without complying with Alaska nursing regulations.
Rationale: Licensure is granted by the state regulatory authority and is distinct
from employment. Employer policies can impose additional requirements, but
they do not replace state law.
6.
Which action would most likely create a professional boundary concern?
A. Providing therapeutic communication
B. Maintaining appropriate clinical distance
C. Entering a personal financial relationship with a vulnerable patient
D. Advocating for a patient's treatment preference
Rationale: Financial or personal relationships with patients can create conflicts
of interest, exploitation risks, and impaired professional boundaries.
7.
An RN discovers that another nurse documented a medication as administered
even though the medication was not given. What is the most appropriate
response?
A. Delete the documentation
B. Ignore it because it was another nurse's charting
C. Follow applicable reporting and documentation procedures and address the
patient-safety issue promptly
D. Post about the incident on social media
, Rationale: Falsified or inaccurate clinical documentation can create serious
patient-safety and regulatory consequences. The RN should use established
reporting channels and preserve accurate records.
8.
Which statement best describes the relationship between Alaska nursing law and
an employer's policy?
A. Employer policy always overrides state law.
B. State law applies only when no employer policy exists.
C. Employer policy may establish additional requirements but cannot authorize
conduct prohibited by law.
D. Employer policy determines the nurse's legal scope.
Rationale: Organizational policies may be more restrictive than state law, but an
employer cannot lawfully authorize conduct outside the nurse's legal authority.
9.
A patient refuses a recommended treatment after receiving adequate
information. Which nursing principle is most relevant?
A. Paternalism
B. Automatic treatment
C. Respect for patient autonomy
D. Mandatory compliance
Rationale: Competent patients generally have the right to make informed
decisions about their healthcare, including refusing recommended treatment.
10.
An RN is uncertain whether a particular activity is legally permitted. What is the
strongest approach?
A. Ask a coworker and proceed
B. Search social media
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
1.
An Alaska RN is asked to perform a procedure that is not specifically listed by
name in the nurse practice statute. The RN has documented education,
demonstrated competence, and institutional authorization to perform the
procedure. Which principle is most appropriate?
A. The procedure is prohibited because it is not expressly named in statute.
B. The RN may perform it only if a physician is physically present.
C. The RN should determine whether the activity falls within authorized nursing
practice, competence, applicable rules, and employer policy.
D. Any procedure not specifically named is automatically within RN scope.
Rationale: Nursing scope is not determined solely by whether a particular
procedure is expressly named in statute. The RN must consider the legal scope of
nursing, competence, standards, applicable regulations, and institutional
requirements.
2.
Which action most clearly demonstrates an Alaska RN's professional
accountability?
,A. Following every physician request without question
B. Delegating all unfamiliar tasks to practical nurses
C. Accepting responsibility for nursing judgments and taking action when an
order appears unsafe
D. Relying exclusively on employer policy
Rationale: Professional accountability requires the RN to exercise independent
nursing judgment and intervene when an order, treatment, or situation presents
an unreasonable risk to the patient.
3.
An RN receives an order that appears inconsistent with the patient's condition.
What is the nurse's best initial action?
A. Carry out the order immediately
B. Ignore the order
C. Clarify the order with the prescriber and communicate the clinical concern
D. Ask another RN to decide
Rationale: Clarification allows the RN to resolve potentially unsafe orders while
preserving appropriate communication and documentation.
4.
Which situation represents the clearest risk of practicing beyond scope?
A. Performing an assessment within RN education
B. Providing patient education
C. Performing a task requiring specialized competence the RN has not acquired
D. Documenting a nursing intervention
Rationale: A nursing license does not automatically establish competence for
every possible clinical activity. Nurses must practice within both legal scope and
individual competence.
5.
,An Alaska RN changes employers but continues practicing under the same Alaska
RN license. Which statement is most accurate?
A. The nurse must obtain a new RN license for each employer.
B. The nurse's license belongs to the employer.
C. The RN license authorizes the nurse to practice subject to Alaska law and
Board requirements, rather than belonging to a particular employer.
D. The nurse may practice without complying with Alaska nursing regulations.
Rationale: Licensure is granted by the state regulatory authority and is distinct
from employment. Employer policies can impose additional requirements, but
they do not replace state law.
6.
Which action would most likely create a professional boundary concern?
A. Providing therapeutic communication
B. Maintaining appropriate clinical distance
C. Entering a personal financial relationship with a vulnerable patient
D. Advocating for a patient's treatment preference
Rationale: Financial or personal relationships with patients can create conflicts
of interest, exploitation risks, and impaired professional boundaries.
7.
An RN discovers that another nurse documented a medication as administered
even though the medication was not given. What is the most appropriate
response?
A. Delete the documentation
B. Ignore it because it was another nurse's charting
C. Follow applicable reporting and documentation procedures and address the
patient-safety issue promptly
D. Post about the incident on social media
, Rationale: Falsified or inaccurate clinical documentation can create serious
patient-safety and regulatory consequences. The RN should use established
reporting channels and preserve accurate records.
8.
Which statement best describes the relationship between Alaska nursing law and
an employer's policy?
A. Employer policy always overrides state law.
B. State law applies only when no employer policy exists.
C. Employer policy may establish additional requirements but cannot authorize
conduct prohibited by law.
D. Employer policy determines the nurse's legal scope.
Rationale: Organizational policies may be more restrictive than state law, but an
employer cannot lawfully authorize conduct outside the nurse's legal authority.
9.
A patient refuses a recommended treatment after receiving adequate
information. Which nursing principle is most relevant?
A. Paternalism
B. Automatic treatment
C. Respect for patient autonomy
D. Mandatory compliance
Rationale: Competent patients generally have the right to make informed
decisions about their healthcare, including refusing recommended treatment.
10.
An RN is uncertain whether a particular activity is legally permitted. What is the
strongest approach?
A. Ask a coworker and proceed
B. Search social media