WGU Nursing Leadership and Management
Assessment PRACTICE TEST 2026 | QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS & DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
STUDY GUIDE LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,WGU Nursing Leadership and Management Practice Assessment
1. A nurse manager is implementing a new evidence-based practice (EBP) protocol for catheter-associated urinary tract
infections (CAUTIs). Which of the following actions should the manager take first?
A. Post the new protocol in the staff break room.
B. Conduct a survey to assess staff knowledge of CAUTI prevention.
C. Order new catheter insertion kits.
D. Email the protocol to all staff members.
Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in implementing change is to assess the current state, including the knowledge and readiness of
the staff. This is a key principle of the nursing process (Assessment) and change theory (Unfreezing).
2. A staff nurse consistently arrives late for shifts and has received two verbal warnings. According to progressive
discipline, what is the next step the nurse manager should take?
A. Terminate the nurse's employment.
B. Issue a written warning.
C. Suspend the nurse for one week.
D. Ignore the behavior to avoid conflict.
,Answer: B
Rationale: Progressive discipline follows a sequence: verbal warning, written warning, suspension, and termination. The
next step after verbal warnings is a formal written warning.
3. Which leadership style involves the leader making decisions unilaterally and expecting immediate compliance?
A. Democratic
B. Laissez-faire
C. Autocratic
D. Transformational
Answer: C
Rationale: An autocratic leader retains all power and decision-making authority. This style can be effective in emergencies
but often leads to low morale.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a prescribed blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. The nurse should:
A. Administer the transfusion anyway as it is a life-saving measure.
B. Ask the patient's family to convince them to accept the transfusion.
C. Respect the patient's right to refuse and document the refusal.
D. Tell the patient they will be discharged if they refuse.
, Answer: C
Rationale: Patient autonomy and the right to refuse treatment are fundamental ethical and legal principles. The nurse
must respect the patient's decision and document it thoroughly.
5. The nurse manager is calculating the unit's budget. Which of the following is considered an indirect cost?
A. Salaries of the nursing staff.
B. The cost of patient medications.
C. Electricity and heating for the unit.
D. The cost of disposable syringes.
Answer: C
Rationale: Indirect costs are expenses necessary for the operation of the facility but not directly tied to patient care, such
as utilities, maintenance, and administrative salaries. Direct costs include salaries of staff providing direct care and
medical supplies.
6. A nurse is assigned to a team of patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient requesting pain medication for a headache.
B. A patient who is 2 days post-op and needs a dressing change.
C. A patient with a new onset of confusion and a heart rate of 120.
D. A patient who is scheduled for discharge and needs paperwork.
Assessment PRACTICE TEST 2026 | QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS & DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
STUDY GUIDE LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,WGU Nursing Leadership and Management Practice Assessment
1. A nurse manager is implementing a new evidence-based practice (EBP) protocol for catheter-associated urinary tract
infections (CAUTIs). Which of the following actions should the manager take first?
A. Post the new protocol in the staff break room.
B. Conduct a survey to assess staff knowledge of CAUTI prevention.
C. Order new catheter insertion kits.
D. Email the protocol to all staff members.
Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in implementing change is to assess the current state, including the knowledge and readiness of
the staff. This is a key principle of the nursing process (Assessment) and change theory (Unfreezing).
2. A staff nurse consistently arrives late for shifts and has received two verbal warnings. According to progressive
discipline, what is the next step the nurse manager should take?
A. Terminate the nurse's employment.
B. Issue a written warning.
C. Suspend the nurse for one week.
D. Ignore the behavior to avoid conflict.
,Answer: B
Rationale: Progressive discipline follows a sequence: verbal warning, written warning, suspension, and termination. The
next step after verbal warnings is a formal written warning.
3. Which leadership style involves the leader making decisions unilaterally and expecting immediate compliance?
A. Democratic
B. Laissez-faire
C. Autocratic
D. Transformational
Answer: C
Rationale: An autocratic leader retains all power and decision-making authority. This style can be effective in emergencies
but often leads to low morale.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a prescribed blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. The nurse should:
A. Administer the transfusion anyway as it is a life-saving measure.
B. Ask the patient's family to convince them to accept the transfusion.
C. Respect the patient's right to refuse and document the refusal.
D. Tell the patient they will be discharged if they refuse.
, Answer: C
Rationale: Patient autonomy and the right to refuse treatment are fundamental ethical and legal principles. The nurse
must respect the patient's decision and document it thoroughly.
5. The nurse manager is calculating the unit's budget. Which of the following is considered an indirect cost?
A. Salaries of the nursing staff.
B. The cost of patient medications.
C. Electricity and heating for the unit.
D. The cost of disposable syringes.
Answer: C
Rationale: Indirect costs are expenses necessary for the operation of the facility but not directly tied to patient care, such
as utilities, maintenance, and administrative salaries. Direct costs include salaries of staff providing direct care and
medical supplies.
6. A nurse is assigned to a team of patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient requesting pain medication for a headache.
B. A patient who is 2 days post-op and needs a dressing change.
C. A patient with a new onset of confusion and a heart rate of 120.
D. A patient who is scheduled for discharge and needs paperwork.
