Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Professional Standards & Competencies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the AG-PCNP scope of practice, which clinical activity is appropriate without a collaborative agreement in a full-practice-authority state?
- Independently diagnosing, treating, and prescribing without physician oversight (Correct answer)
- Performing surgical procedures within the outpatient setting
- Admitting patients to inpatient facilities without attending physician review
- Ordering experimental treatments outside FDA approval
Correct answer: Independently diagnosing, treating, and prescribing without physician oversight
In full-practice-authority states, AG-PCNPs can independently diagnose, treat, and prescribe based solely on their NP license.
Question 2: A 78-year-old patient with multiple comorbidities has conflicting goals between family members and the healthcare team. Which competency domain guides the AG-PCNP's response?
- Technology and Information Literacy
- Ethics and Patient Advocacy (Correct answer)
- Health Delivery System Competency
- Quality Competency
Correct answer: Ethics and Patient Advocacy
The ethics and patient advocacy domain guides NPs in navigating conflicts while prioritizing patient autonomy and values.
Question 3: The AG-PCNP is reviewing quality metrics showing below-average colorectal cancer screening rates in their panel. This activity BEST reflects which NP competency?
- Scientific Foundation
- Leadership
- Quality (Correct answer)
- Technology and Information Literacy
Correct answer: Quality
Analyzing and improving population-level screening rates is a core function of the Quality competency domain in NP practice.
Question 4: Which scenario represents an appropriate use of telehealth by an AG-PCNP in compliance with professional standards?
- Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth without any prior in-person evaluation as required by DEA rules
- Conducting a follow-up visit for a stable hypertension patient using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform (Correct answer)
- Using personal email to conduct video visits to save time
- Providing telehealth to patients in states where the NP is not licensed
Correct answer: Conducting a follow-up visit for a stable hypertension patient using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform
Telehealth is appropriate for stable follow-up when conducted on a HIPAA-compliant platform and within licensed states.
Question 5: An AG-PCNP is treating a 65-year-old veteran who discloses military sexual trauma. Which professional standard guides the NP's response?
- Referring immediately without any initial discussion to avoid re-traumatization
- Applying trauma-informed care principles while conducting a sensitive, patient-centered assessment (Correct answer)
- Documenting the disclosure and continuing with the planned visit agenda
- Contacting the VA without patient consent to coordinate care
Correct answer: Applying trauma-informed care principles while conducting a sensitive, patient-centered assessment
Trauma-informed care principles require a sensitive, patient-centered approach that acknowledges trauma without re-traumatizing the patient.
Question 6: Which action by an AG-PCNP BEST demonstrates leadership within a healthcare system?
- Following established protocols without questioning their effectiveness
- Advocating for policy changes to improve care delivery based on evidence and clinical experience (Correct answer)
- Limiting involvement to direct patient care activities only
- Delegating all administrative responsibilities to support staff
Correct answer: Advocating for policy changes to improve care delivery based on evidence and clinical experience
NP leadership includes systems-level advocacy for evidence-based policy changes that improve patient outcomes and care delivery.
Question 7: A hospitalized patient is transitioning to the AG-PCNP's outpatient practice. Which professional competency is MOST important in this situation?
- Prescribing competency for new medications initiated in hospital
- Care coordination competency to ensure safe care transition (Correct answer)
- Health promotion competency to educate about disease prevention
- Scientific foundation competency to interpret hospital lab values
Correct answer: Care coordination competency to ensure safe care transition
Care coordination competency is central to managing safe transitions from inpatient to outpatient settings to prevent adverse outcomes.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Professional Standards & Competencies 3
Under the AG-PCNP scope of practice, which clinical activity is appropriate without a collaborative agreement in a full-practice-authority state?