Orthopaedic Nurse Test Professional Standards & Competencies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nurse uses evidence from a recent randomized controlled trial to update the protocol for DVT prevention after total knee replacement. This reflects which professional standard?
- Standard 12: Education
- Standard 13: Evidence-Based Practice and Research (Correct answer)
- Standard 9: Communication
- Standard 11: Leadership
Correct answer: Standard 13: Evidence-Based Practice and Research
Integrating current research evidence into practice protocols directly reflects the Evidence-Based Practice and Research standard.
Question 2: An orthopaedic nurse notices a post-operative patient is confused and pulling at the IV line. Before applying a physical restraint, the nurse should first:
- Apply restraints immediately to prevent fall risk
- Explore and address reversible causes of the confusion (pain, hypoxia, bladder distension) (Correct answer)
- Obtain a written restraint order before assessing the patient
- Notify security personnel
Correct answer: Explore and address reversible causes of the confusion (pain, hypoxia, bladder distension)
Professional and ethical standards require assessing and treating reversible causes of agitation before resorting to restraints, which carry their own risks.
Question 3: Which strategy best supports cultural competency when caring for an orthopaedic patient who speaks limited English?
- Ask the patient's bilingual family member to translate all clinical information
- Use a qualified medical interpreter service for all clinical conversations (Correct answer)
- Speak louder and more slowly to aid understanding
- Document that language was a barrier and proceed without further action
Correct answer: Use a qualified medical interpreter service for all clinical conversations
Qualified medical interpreters ensure accuracy and confidentiality, meeting professional and legal standards for patients with limited English proficiency.
Question 4: The NAON Standards of Practice are primarily based on which foundational document?
- The American Medical Association's Code of Ethics
- The ANA Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (Correct answer)
- The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals
- The Magnet Recognition Program standards
Correct answer: The ANA Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice
NAON's standards are built upon and aligned with the ANA's Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice as the foundational framework for all specialty nursing practice.
Question 5: A nurse is asked to witness a patient's signature on a surgical consent form. By witnessing, the nurse is attesting to:
- That the surgeon explained all risks and benefits
- That the patient signed voluntarily and appears competent to sign (Correct answer)
- That the patient has no questions remaining
- That the procedure is medically necessary
Correct answer: That the patient signed voluntarily and appears competent to sign
As a witness to consent, the nurse attests only to the patient's voluntary signature and apparent decision-making capacity, not the content of the informed consent discussion.
Question 6: An orthopaedic nurse participates in morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences. This activity supports which professional standard?
- Standard 6: Evaluation
- Standard 14: Quality of Practice (Correct answer)
- Standard 10: Collaboration
- Standard 8: Culturally Congruent Practice
Correct answer: Standard 14: Quality of Practice
Participation in M&M conferences directly supports Quality of Practice by contributing to systematic review and improvement of clinical outcomes.
Question 7: A nurse refuses to perform a procedure because it conflicts with personal moral beliefs. According to professional standards, the nurse should:
- Refuse without explanation and leave the unit
- Inform the supervisor, ensure patient care is transferred, and document appropriately (Correct answer)
- Perform the procedure despite moral objections to avoid conflict
- Ask the patient to request a different procedure
Correct answer: Inform the supervisor, ensure patient care is transferred, and document appropriately
Conscientious objection is a recognized professional right, but requires notifying supervisors and ensuring uninterrupted, safe patient care through a care transfer.
Orthopaedic Nurse Test Professional Standards & Competencies 5
A nurse uses evidence from a recent randomized controlled trial to update the protocol for DVT prevention after total knee replacement.
This reflects which professional standard?