Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice 5th Edition Study & Practice Question Bank

,Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Section:
Foundations of Nursing Practice — Title: Nursing:
Scope and Standards of Practice, 5th Ed.
Stem: An RN is asked to explain to a newly hired assistive
personnel (AP) why certain activities require RN assessment
before delegation. Which statement best reflects the ANA
distinction between scope and standards of practice?
A. The scope defines regulatory law; standards determine which
tasks are illegal.
B. The scope describes the who, what, where, when, why of
nursing practice; standards describe the measurable
expectations for competent care.
C. Scope and standards are interchangeable terms used by
employers to set job descriptions.
D. Standards only apply to advanced practice nurses and not to
staff RNs.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (Correct): B is correct—ANA scope of practice
outlines the boundaries and domain of nursing
(who/what/where/when/why), while standards describe
expectations and measurable professional performance. This
distinction clarifies delegation and supervision responsibilities.
Rationale (Incorrects):
A. Incorrect — Scope is not the same as regulatory law;
regulation varies by state and is separate from ANA standards.
C. Incorrect — They are not interchangeable; scope is

,descriptive and standards are prescriptive/measurable.
D. Incorrect — Standards apply to all registered nurses, not only
advanced practice nurses.
Teaching Point: Scope defines boundaries; standards set
measurable expectations for nursing care.


2.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Section: Foundations of
Nursing Practice — Title: Nursing: Scope and Standards of
Practice, 5th Ed.
Stem: A nurse is performing a comprehensive admission
assessment. Which ANA Standard of Practice is being fulfilled?
A. Implementation
B. Assessment
C. Evaluation
D. Outcomes Identification
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (Correct): B is correct — Assessment is the first ANA
standard of practice and involves systematic collection and
analysis of patient data to identify needs and health status.
Rationale (Incorrects):
A. Incorrect — Implementation refers to carrying out the plan of
care, not initial data collection.
C. Incorrect — Evaluation assesses the effectiveness of
interventions after implementation.
D. Incorrect — Outcomes identification involves establishing

, expected outcomes, which follows assessment.
Teaching Point: Assessment is the foundational standard that
informs diagnosis and planning.


3.
Chapter Reference: Chapter 1 — Section: Foundations of
Nursing Practice — Title: Nursing: Scope and Standards of
Practice, 5th Ed.
Stem: Which action best demonstrates the standard of
“outcomes identification”?
A. Documenting a patient’s vitals every shift.
B. Establishing measurable, patient-centered goals for pain
control.
C. Performing a focused physical assessment.
D. Administering PRN analgesia on request.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (Correct): B is correct — Outcomes identification
requires the RN to establish expected, measurable, patient-
centered outcomes (e.g., pain reduction within a defined
timeframe).
Rationale (Incorrects):
A. Incorrect — Vital signs documentation is part of assessment
and monitoring, not specifically outcomes identification.
C. Incorrect — Focused assessment informs diagnosis and
outcomes but is not itself the act of identifying outcomes.
D. Incorrect — Administering medication is implementation of