Stem: A newly licensed RN asks you how the ANA’s “scope of
nursing practice” statement helps them in day-to-day care.
Which explanation is MOST accurate?
A. It prescribes exact tasks every nurse must perform in each
setting.
B. It outlines who, what, where, when, why, and how nursing
practice occurs.
C. It limits nursing practice to only inpatient hospital settings.
D. It replaces state nursing practice acts as the legal standard.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (Correct): The scope statement describes the “who,
what, where, when, why, and how” of nursing practice and
provides a broad framework for professional roles and
responsibilities. It guides practice across settings without
prescribing every specific task. ANA
Rationale (Incorrect A): The scope statement is descriptive and
guiding, not a prescriptive task list; tasks vary by role, setting,
and regulation.
Rationale (Incorrect C): Nursing practice occurs in any
environment where a healthcare consumer needs care—not
limited to inpatient hospitals.
Rationale (Incorrect D): State nursing practice acts are
legal/regulatory standards; the ANA scope is professional
guidance, not a replacement for law.
,Teaching Point: Scope statements guide practice broadly; laws
determine legal boundaries.
2.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Development and Function of
the Standards; Section: Standards Overview; Title: Standards of
Professional Nursing Practice
Stem: Which statement BEST describes the role of the
Standards of Professional Nursing Practice?
A. They are optional suggestions for advanced practice nurses
only.
B. They define a competent level of nursing behavior and
actions expected of all RNs.
C. They are a checklist for employers to evaluate administrative
tasks.
D. They only apply during declared emergencies.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (Correct): The Standards of Professional Nursing
Practice are authoritative statements describing the actions and
behaviors all registered nurses are expected to competently
perform, reflecting professional responsibilities. ANA
Rationale (Incorrect A): Standards apply to all RNs, not only
APRNs or advanced roles.
Rationale (Incorrect C): While employers may use standards to
evaluate practice, the standards are broader professional
expectations, not solely administrative checklists.
, Rationale (Incorrect D): Standards apply across contexts; they
may be adapted in emergencies but are not limited to them.
Teaching Point: Standards define professional competence for
every RN.
3.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Standards Components;
Section: Standards of Practice vs Standards of Professional
Performance; Title: Two Components of Standards
Stem: The ANA divides the Standards of Professional Nursing
Practice into two components. Which pair is correct?
A. Standards of Education and Standards of Licensing
B. Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional
Performance
C. Standards of Research and Standards of Management
D. Standards of Ethics and Standards of Finance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (Correct): The ANA standards are organized into
Standards of Practice (nursing process actions) and Standards of
Professional Performance (behaviors in the professional role).
ANA
Rationale (Incorrect A): Education and licensing are important
but are not the two components described by the ANA
standards.
Rationale (Incorrect C): Research and management are areas of
practice but not the two core components the ANA uses.