NCNZ Professional Accountability 2

Question 1

A nurse practitioner (NP) in NZ is authorised to perform which activities not available to a registered nurse?

Accepted Answer

Prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and diagnose conditions within their scope of practice

Answer

Nurse practitioners have an extended scope authorised by the Nursing Council, including prescribing authority (within their prescribing scope), ordering investigations, and diagnosing and managing conditions — activities not available to RNs.

Question 2

Which of the following actions could result in a nurse's APC being suspended or cancelled by the NCNZ?

Accepted Answer

Conviction for a relevant criminal offence or a finding of serious professional misconduct

Answer

The NCNZ can suspend or cancel registration for: criminal convictions relevant to fitness to practise, serious professional misconduct, health conditions affecting safe practice, or a finding by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

Question 3

A nurse is asked by their manager to work in an unfamiliar specialty due to short staffing. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Communicate their level of competence honestly, accept only if adequate supervision can be provided, and document the situation

Answer

Nurses must practise within their competence. If required to work outside their usual area, honest communication, seeking appropriate supervision, and documenting the circumstances are required. Pretending to be competent when not is unsafe and a breach of professional standards.

Question 4

What is the role of a 'preceptor' in NZ nursing?

Accepted Answer

An experienced nurse who provides structured guidance, support, and feedback to a newly registered nurse or new staff member

Answer

Preceptorship is a structured support programme where an experienced nurse provides mentoring, role modelling, and feedback to a new graduate or new staff nurse, supporting the transition to competent independent practice.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios represents a breach of professional boundaries in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Accepting expensive gifts from a patient and developing a personal friendship outside the clinical relationship

Answer

Professional boundaries define the therapeutic relationship. Accepting expensive gifts, developing personal relationships with patients outside clinical care, or engaging in dual relationships (nurse and friend/business partner) constitutes a breach and compromises objectivity and patient safety.

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Professional Accountability 2