REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES OF CANADA EXAMINATION
RPNCE ULTIMATE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
SOLUTIONS, ALREADY PASSED!! QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Therapeutic Relationships and Therapeutic Use of Self
Body of Knowledge and Application
Collaborative Practice
Advocacy
Quality Care and Client Safety
Health Promotion
Ethical, Professional, and Legal Responsibilities
Introduction
This examination assesses the entry-level competence and safety to
practice of candidates seeking registration as Registered Psychiatric
Nurses in Canada. It evaluates therapeutic communication,
psychiatric nursing theory, psychopharmacology, crisis intervention,
ethical decision-making, and client-centered care. The computer-
based, multiple-choice format emphasizes clinical judgment,
cultural safety, and evidence-informed practice across the lifespan.
Questions are supported by authoritative references and require
application and critical thinking rather than rote recall. Successful
performance demonstrates readiness for safe, ethical, and
,compassionate psychiatric nursing practice in diverse Canadian
mental health settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A registered psychiatric nurse is caring for Mr. Lopes, 39,
recently transferred to inpatient mental health after a serious
suicide attempt. The RPN is unfamiliar with the type of dressing
required for his daily dressing change. What is the RPN's best
next step?
A. Request education from the unit nurse-in-charge
B. Ask a colleague to perform the dressing change
C. Search types of dressings and techniques online
D. Consult with the wound care specialist
🟢 D. Consult with the wound care specialist
🔴 RATIONALE: Consulting with the wound care specialist is the
best resource when the RPN is unfamiliar with a specific dressing
type. This ensures safe, evidence-based care for a complex wound
while allowing the RPN to learn the appropriate technique .
2. The RPN refuses to provide care to Mr. Lopes due to feeling
negatively about his suicide attempt. The RPN cannot
understand how he could cut his throat in front of his child.
What might the RPN be experiencing?
A. Moral distress
B. Moral uncertainty
C. Moral dissonance
,D. Moral fatigue
🟢 A. Moral distress
🔴 RATIONALE: Moral distress occurs when a nurse knows the
ethically appropriate action but feels constrained from taking it
due to personal values or institutional barriers. The RPN's refusal
based on personal moral judgment exemplifies moral distress .
3. The RPN observes slight swelling, redness, warmth, and
tenderness to the touch when Mr. Lopes' calf is palpated. What
should the RPN suspect?
A. Muscle spasm
B. Cellulitis
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Peripheral artery disease
🟢 C. Deep vein thrombosis
🔴 RATIONALE: Unilateral calf swelling, redness, warmth, and
tenderness are classic signs of DVT. This is a common
complication after prolonged immobility following a serious
medical event .
4. Lily, 4 years old, was apprehended from her mother and
diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder and severe
malnutrition. During the initial assessment, what presentation
should the RPN most likely expect from Lily?
A. Excitable, highly energized, and giving hugs to all the staff
B. Expresses her needs and does well regulating her emotions
, C. Irritated, sad, and withdrawn from adults that engage with her
D. Crying, inconsolable and asking for her mother
🟢 C. Irritated, sad, and withdrawn from adults that engage with
her
🔴 RATIONALE: Irritability, sadness, depression, and withdrawal
are DSM criteria for reactive attachment disorder. Children with
RAD often show inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior
toward caregivers .
5. Lily is malnourished. What is she most at risk for upon
reinitiating nutritional support?
A. Refeeding syndrome
B. Bulimia
C. Developmental delay
D. Stunted growth
🟢 A. Refeeding syndrome
🔴 RATIONALE: Refeeding syndrome is a risk when reinitiating
nutritional support after a period of underfeeding. It involves
dangerous electrolyte shifts, particularly hypophosphatemia .
6. Lily's mom discloses a new incident of abuse to the
psychologist, who tells the RPN it does not need to be reported
as social services is already involved. What is the best action?
A. Chart the discussion
B. Phone social services
RPNCE ULTIMATE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
SOLUTIONS, ALREADY PASSED!! QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Therapeutic Relationships and Therapeutic Use of Self
Body of Knowledge and Application
Collaborative Practice
Advocacy
Quality Care and Client Safety
Health Promotion
Ethical, Professional, and Legal Responsibilities
Introduction
This examination assesses the entry-level competence and safety to
practice of candidates seeking registration as Registered Psychiatric
Nurses in Canada. It evaluates therapeutic communication,
psychiatric nursing theory, psychopharmacology, crisis intervention,
ethical decision-making, and client-centered care. The computer-
based, multiple-choice format emphasizes clinical judgment,
cultural safety, and evidence-informed practice across the lifespan.
Questions are supported by authoritative references and require
application and critical thinking rather than rote recall. Successful
performance demonstrates readiness for safe, ethical, and
,compassionate psychiatric nursing practice in diverse Canadian
mental health settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A registered psychiatric nurse is caring for Mr. Lopes, 39,
recently transferred to inpatient mental health after a serious
suicide attempt. The RPN is unfamiliar with the type of dressing
required for his daily dressing change. What is the RPN's best
next step?
A. Request education from the unit nurse-in-charge
B. Ask a colleague to perform the dressing change
C. Search types of dressings and techniques online
D. Consult with the wound care specialist
🟢 D. Consult with the wound care specialist
🔴 RATIONALE: Consulting with the wound care specialist is the
best resource when the RPN is unfamiliar with a specific dressing
type. This ensures safe, evidence-based care for a complex wound
while allowing the RPN to learn the appropriate technique .
2. The RPN refuses to provide care to Mr. Lopes due to feeling
negatively about his suicide attempt. The RPN cannot
understand how he could cut his throat in front of his child.
What might the RPN be experiencing?
A. Moral distress
B. Moral uncertainty
C. Moral dissonance
,D. Moral fatigue
🟢 A. Moral distress
🔴 RATIONALE: Moral distress occurs when a nurse knows the
ethically appropriate action but feels constrained from taking it
due to personal values or institutional barriers. The RPN's refusal
based on personal moral judgment exemplifies moral distress .
3. The RPN observes slight swelling, redness, warmth, and
tenderness to the touch when Mr. Lopes' calf is palpated. What
should the RPN suspect?
A. Muscle spasm
B. Cellulitis
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Peripheral artery disease
🟢 C. Deep vein thrombosis
🔴 RATIONALE: Unilateral calf swelling, redness, warmth, and
tenderness are classic signs of DVT. This is a common
complication after prolonged immobility following a serious
medical event .
4. Lily, 4 years old, was apprehended from her mother and
diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder and severe
malnutrition. During the initial assessment, what presentation
should the RPN most likely expect from Lily?
A. Excitable, highly energized, and giving hugs to all the staff
B. Expresses her needs and does well regulating her emotions
, C. Irritated, sad, and withdrawn from adults that engage with her
D. Crying, inconsolable and asking for her mother
🟢 C. Irritated, sad, and withdrawn from adults that engage with
her
🔴 RATIONALE: Irritability, sadness, depression, and withdrawal
are DSM criteria for reactive attachment disorder. Children with
RAD often show inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior
toward caregivers .
5. Lily is malnourished. What is she most at risk for upon
reinitiating nutritional support?
A. Refeeding syndrome
B. Bulimia
C. Developmental delay
D. Stunted growth
🟢 A. Refeeding syndrome
🔴 RATIONALE: Refeeding syndrome is a risk when reinitiating
nutritional support after a period of underfeeding. It involves
dangerous electrolyte shifts, particularly hypophosphatemia .
6. Lily's mom discloses a new incident of abuse to the
psychologist, who tells the RPN it does not need to be reported
as social services is already involved. What is the best action?
A. Chart the discussion
B. Phone social services
