Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the primary factor influencing a nurse's decision-making regarding a patient's rational choice?

1. Emotional stability

2. Experience level

3. Capacity

4. Patient's past medical history

The correct answer is: Capacity

The primary factor influencing a nurse's decision-making regarding a patient's rational choice is the patient's capacity. Capacity refers to the patient's ability to understand relevant information, appreciate the consequences of their decisions, reason about their options, and communicate a choice. When assessing capacity, nurses must ensure that patients can comprehend their medical situation and the implications of their choices, which is crucial for informed consent and patient autonomy. Considering a patient's emotional stability, experience level, or past medical history provides important context but does not directly determine their current ability to make rational decisions. Emotional stability can affect how decisions are made but is not the primary measure of making rational choices. Similarly, while experience level can guide a nurse’s evaluation process, it is not the core consideration when assessing a patient's decision-making capabilities. Lastly, a patient’s past medical history can inform the treatment options but is not the sole factor that determines their rational capacity at the moment of decision-making. Thus, the focus on capacity is critical in ensuring ethical and responsible nursing care.