Nursing Practice of Patients in Family
Care Settings Exam Prep —
Comprehensive Review + Practice
MCQs — Walden University 2025/2026
1. An NP is practicing in a state with "full practice authority." What does this designation mean for the NP's
scope of practice?
A. The NP must practice under a supervising physician at all times
B. The NP can evaluate, diagnose, order diagnostic tests, and manage treatment independently
C. The NP can prescribe Schedule II controlled substances only with physician co-signature
D. The NP must have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Full practice authority states allow NPs to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret
diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications, under the exclusive
licensure authority of the state board of nursing .
2. Which of the following best describes the legal doctrine of "standard of care" for a nurse practitioner?
A. The highest level of care available at a tertiary medical center
B. What a reasonably prudent NP with similar training and experience would do in the same or similar
circumstances
C. The minimum documentation required by Medicare
D. The protocols established by the employing hospital
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Standard of care is a legal concept defining the degree of care and skill that a reasonably prudent NP
with similar training would exercise under similar circumstances .
3. A patient requests release of their medical records to an attorney. The NP should:
A. Release the records immediately upon verbal request
B. Require written authorization signed by the patient or legal representative
C. Refuse because attorneys are not covered entities
D. Release only with a court order
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: HIPAA requires written patient authorization for release of protected health information to third
parties, except for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations .
4. Which of the following is a recognized advanced practice nursing role?
A. Registered Nurse First Assistant
B. Clinical Nurse Specialist
C. Licensed Practical Nurse
D. Certified Nursing Assistant
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: The four APRN roles are Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse-Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetist, and Clinical Nurse Specialist .
5. An NP is sued for malpractice. Which of the following elements must be proven for the plaintiff to succeed?
A. Duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages
B. Malice, intent, causation, and injury
C. Negligence, harm, and financial loss
D. Duty, documentation error, and emotional distress
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Malpractice requires four elements: duty (NP-patient relationship), breach of duty (failure to meet
standard of care), causation (breach caused injury), and damages (actual harm) .
6. What is the recommended reading level for patient education materials?
A. 1st grade
B. 5th–6th grade
C. 10th–12th grade
D. College level
Correct Answer: B