Nursing Practice (2026) Q&A
1. A charge nurse seeks input from the team before making a final decision
about staffing assignments. This leadership style is best described as:
A) Autocratic
B) Democratic
C) Laissez-faire
D) Transactional
Correct Answer: Democratic
Rationale: Democratic leadership involves the leader including team members
in the decision-making process, though the leader retains final authority. This
style fosters collaboration, improves morale, and often leads to better-informed
decisions. Autocratic leadership is directive without input, laissez-faire is
hands-off, and transactional focuses on rewards and punishments.
2. A nurse manager observes low staff morale and high turnover rates. Which
action would best address this situation?
A) Implement strict disciplinary policies to improve performance
B) Conduct staff surveys and hold regular meetings to identify and address
concerns
C) Increase patient assignments to keep staff busy
D) Ignore the situation and allow it to resolve naturally
Correct Answer: Conduct staff surveys and hold regular meetings to identify
and address concerns
,Rationale: A transformational leader identifies problems through open
communication and collaborative problem-solving. Conducting surveys and
holding meetings allows the manager to understand root causes of low morale
and high turnover, then implement targeted solutions. Strict policies and
ignoring the problem are counterproductive.
3. Which task can a registered nurse safely delegate to unlicensed assistive
personnel?
A) Assessing a client's pain level
B) Performing a sterile dressing change
C) Measuring and recording vital signs
D) Providing discharge teaching about wound care
Correct Answer: Measuring and recording vital signs
Rationale: UAPs can perform routine, standardized tasks that do not require
clinical judgment, such as measuring vital signs, recording intake and output,
and assisting with activities of daily living. Assessment, sterile procedures, and
teaching are within the RN's scope of practice.
4. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A) A client with COPD who has an oxygen saturation of 92% on 2L nasal
cannula
B) A client with heart failure who has 2+ pitting edema in the lower extremities
C) A client post-cardiac catheterization who reports new back pain and has a
pulsating mass at the groin site
D) A client with diabetes who has a blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
, Correct Answer: A client post-cardiac catheterization who reports new back
pain and has a pulsating mass at the groin site
Rationale: New back pain and a pulsating mass at the catheter insertion site
after cardiac catheterization may indicate retroperitoneal bleeding or a
pseudoaneurysm, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate
intervention. The other findings are concerning but less acute.
5. Which of the following best describes professional accountability in nursing?
A) Following physician orders without question
B) Accepting responsibility for one's actions and decisions
C) Delegating tasks to avoid liability
D) Relying on team members for ethical guidance
Correct Answer: Accepting responsibility for one's actions and decisions
Rationale: Professional accountability means nurses take responsibility for
their own actions, decisions, and outcomes, ensuring safe and ethical practice.
It is a cornerstone of professional nursing practice.
6. A nurse leader who uses transformational leadership is most likely to:
A) Focus solely on task completion
B) Inspire and motivate staff toward shared goals
C) Avoid conflict by ignoring staff concerns
D) Rely on strict rules and discipline
Correct Answer: Inspire and motivate staff toward shared goals