Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Practice Exam Verified Questions, Correct Answers,
and Detailed Explanations for Students||Already
Graded A+
1. A CNS is leading an initiative to reduce 30-day readmissions for
heart failure. Which competency is MOST aligned with this activity?
A. Direct care
B. Coaching
C. Systems leadership
D. Consultation
Answer: C
Systems leadership involves designing, implementing, and evaluating
system-level changes to improve outcomes.
2. The CNS evaluates a patient’s response to IV furosemide and
adjusts care accordingly. This exemplifies which sphere of
influence?
A. Nursing
B. Organizational
C. Patient/client
D. Policy
Answer: C
The patient sphere centers on direct care, assessment, and clinical
judgment for individuals or populations.
3. Which action by a CNS BEST demonstrates evidence-based
practice?
,A. Following unit tradition
B. Relying on expert opinion
C. Using outdated protocols
D. Integrating current research into practice change
Answer: D
EBP requires applying current research evidence, expertise, and
patient preference.
4. A CNS must address a rise in catheter-associated UTIs. What is
the first step?
A. Educate staff
B. Implement a new protocol
C. Assess current practice and baseline data
D. Discipline noncompliant staff
Answer: C
Assessment is the first step in problem-solving and quality
improvement.
5. A nurse asks a CNS for help managing a complex COPD patient.
The CNS performs a bedside assessment and develops a plan. This
is an example of:
A. Leadership
B. Research
C. Consultation
D. Policy
Answer: C
Consultation involves expert guidance to nurses and interprofessional
staff.
,6. A hospital is implementing new sepsis pathways. The CNS
educates staff and evaluates skills. This reflects which CNS role?
A. Researcher
B. Educator
C. Administrator
D. Case manager
Answer: B
The educator role focuses on staff training and competency.
7. A CNS leads a root-cause analysis after a medication error. This
activity is part of:
A. Coaching
B. Direct care
C. Quality improvement
D. Research
Answer: C
QI addresses system failures and safety.
8. Which patient is MOST appropriate for CNS-led management?
A. New diagnosis of hypertension
B. Complex multi-comorbidity requiring advanced clinical judgment
C. Stable COPD
D. Routine postoperative follow-up
Answer: B
CNS expertise targets complex, high-risk, or unstable conditions.
9. A CNS updates pressure injury guidelines using new evidence.
This is:
, A. Leadership
B. Policy and protocol development
C. Consultation
D. Coaching
Answer: B
CNSs update clinical standards based on evidence.
10. A CNS designing a fall-prevention program should FIRST:
A. Educate staff
B. Buy equipment
C. Conduct a needs assessment
D. Revise policies
Answer: C
Needs assessment identifies gaps and priorities.
11. The CNS role in medication reconciliation primarily affects
which outcome?
A. Financial growth
B. Patient satisfaction only
C. Staff workload
D. Patient safety
Answer: D
Medication reconciliation prevents errors and adverse events.
12. A CNS notices variations in nurse adherence to wound care
protocols. Which action is BEST?
A. Blame noncompliant nurses
B. Ignore it
C. Conduct an audit and provide feedback
Practice Exam Verified Questions, Correct Answers,
and Detailed Explanations for Students||Already
Graded A+
1. A CNS is leading an initiative to reduce 30-day readmissions for
heart failure. Which competency is MOST aligned with this activity?
A. Direct care
B. Coaching
C. Systems leadership
D. Consultation
Answer: C
Systems leadership involves designing, implementing, and evaluating
system-level changes to improve outcomes.
2. The CNS evaluates a patient’s response to IV furosemide and
adjusts care accordingly. This exemplifies which sphere of
influence?
A. Nursing
B. Organizational
C. Patient/client
D. Policy
Answer: C
The patient sphere centers on direct care, assessment, and clinical
judgment for individuals or populations.
3. Which action by a CNS BEST demonstrates evidence-based
practice?
,A. Following unit tradition
B. Relying on expert opinion
C. Using outdated protocols
D. Integrating current research into practice change
Answer: D
EBP requires applying current research evidence, expertise, and
patient preference.
4. A CNS must address a rise in catheter-associated UTIs. What is
the first step?
A. Educate staff
B. Implement a new protocol
C. Assess current practice and baseline data
D. Discipline noncompliant staff
Answer: C
Assessment is the first step in problem-solving and quality
improvement.
5. A nurse asks a CNS for help managing a complex COPD patient.
The CNS performs a bedside assessment and develops a plan. This
is an example of:
A. Leadership
B. Research
C. Consultation
D. Policy
Answer: C
Consultation involves expert guidance to nurses and interprofessional
staff.
,6. A hospital is implementing new sepsis pathways. The CNS
educates staff and evaluates skills. This reflects which CNS role?
A. Researcher
B. Educator
C. Administrator
D. Case manager
Answer: B
The educator role focuses on staff training and competency.
7. A CNS leads a root-cause analysis after a medication error. This
activity is part of:
A. Coaching
B. Direct care
C. Quality improvement
D. Research
Answer: C
QI addresses system failures and safety.
8. Which patient is MOST appropriate for CNS-led management?
A. New diagnosis of hypertension
B. Complex multi-comorbidity requiring advanced clinical judgment
C. Stable COPD
D. Routine postoperative follow-up
Answer: B
CNS expertise targets complex, high-risk, or unstable conditions.
9. A CNS updates pressure injury guidelines using new evidence.
This is:
, A. Leadership
B. Policy and protocol development
C. Consultation
D. Coaching
Answer: B
CNSs update clinical standards based on evidence.
10. A CNS designing a fall-prevention program should FIRST:
A. Educate staff
B. Buy equipment
C. Conduct a needs assessment
D. Revise policies
Answer: C
Needs assessment identifies gaps and priorities.
11. The CNS role in medication reconciliation primarily affects
which outcome?
A. Financial growth
B. Patient satisfaction only
C. Staff workload
D. Patient safety
Answer: D
Medication reconciliation prevents errors and adverse events.
12. A CNS notices variations in nurse adherence to wound care
protocols. Which action is BEST?
A. Blame noncompliant nurses
B. Ignore it
C. Conduct an audit and provide feedback
