CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario Scope of Practice Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the CNO Scope of Practice standard, which of the following is the primary basis for a nurse's authority to practice?

Accepted Answer

Provincial legislation, including the Nursing Act, 1991 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991.

Answer

The policies and procedures of the employing healthcare facility.

Answer

The orders provided by a physician or nurse practitioner.

Answer

The nurse's individual competence and years of clinical experience.

Question 2

A Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) working in a community clinic is asked by a physician to administer a substance by injection, a controlled act. The RPN has not performed this specific type of injection before. What is the most appropriate initial action for the RPN to take?

Accepted Answer

Reflect on their individual competence and inform the physician they lack the knowledge, skill, and judgment to perform the act safely.

Answer

Administer the injection as ordered, as it is a controlled act authorized to nursing.

Answer

Decline to perform the procedure and report the physician for inappropriate delegation.

Answer

Ask a Registered Nurse (RN) colleague to perform the injection for them.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about an employer's role in a nurse's scope of practice is correct?

Accepted Answer

Employers can limit a nurse's scope of practice but cannot expand it beyond what legislation permits.

Answer

Employers can expand a nurse's legislated scope of practice by creating advanced-practice policies.

Answer

Employer policies take precedence over CNO standards of practice if there is a conflict.

Answer

Employers are solely responsible for determining a nurse's competence to perform procedures.

Question 4

A Registered Nurse (RN) delegates the task of performing a simple dressing change, which is below the dermis, to an Unregulated Care Provider (UCP) for a stable client. Who is ultimately accountable for the decision to delegate this controlled act?

Accepted Answer

The RN who delegated the task.

Answer

The UCP, as they are the one performing the task.

Answer

The client, as they consented to the care.

Answer

The healthcare facility, as it has policies on task assignment.

Question 5

An RN in a public hospital independently decides to insert a finger beyond the anal verge to assess for fecal impaction, which is a controlled act. In this setting, the nurse requires which of the following to perform this act?

Accepted Answer

A direct order from a physician or Nurse Practitioner.

Answer

Confirmation of their own competence and the client's consent.

Answer

A personal liability insurance policy.

Answer

Verbal permission from the charge nurse.

Question 6

To determine if performing a specific activity is within their scope of practice, a nurse must consider three essential components. These are:

Accepted Answer

Authority, Context, and Competence.

Answer

Orders, Experience, and Facility Policy.

Answer

Client Preference, Team Consensus, and Time Availability.

Answer

Risk Assessment, Documentation, and Peer Review.