TENNESSEE NURSING JURISPRUDENCE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) 2025
- What is the primary purpose of the Tennessee Board of Nursing?
- To protect the interests of licensed nurses
- To protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public
- To promote the financial growth of healthcare institutions
- To advocate for nursing salary increases
Rationale:
The Board's mission is to safeguard the public by ensuring that nurses are competent and ethical in their practice. Protecting public welfare takes precedence over professional interests.
- Which of the following is within the scope of practice for a Tennessee
- Independently perform initial assessments and establish care plans
- Collect data and contribute to the nursing assessment 1 / 4
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
- Diagnose patient conditions
- Prescribe medications
Rationale:
LPNs in Tennessee are not authorized to perform comprehensive assessments or prescribe treatments. They support the RN or provider by collecting data and contributing observations.
- How often must a Tennessee RN renew their license?
- Every 1 year
- Every 3 years
- Every 2 years
- Every 5 years
Rationale:
Tennessee requires biennial (every 2 years) renewal of RN licenses. Continuing competency requirements must also be met for renewal.
- What continuing education requirement must a Tennessee RN meet for
- 24 hours of clinical training annually
- Proof of continued competence through one of several Board-approved
- 50 hours of nursing seminars
- No continuing education is required 2 / 4
license renewal?
methods
Rationale:
Tennessee does not mandate a fixed number of CE hours but requires proof of continued competence, which can be demonstrated through methods such as national certification, CE, academic coursework, or employer evaluations.
- A nurse observes another nurse diverting narcotics. What is the appropriate
- Ignore it unless harm occurred
- Report the incident to the supervisor or the Board
- Confront the nurse directly without telling anyone
- Wait to see if it happens again
action under Tennessee law?
Rationale:
Tennessee nurses are legally and ethically obligated to report unsafe or illegal practices to the appropriate authority, such as a supervisor or the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
6. Practicing nursing in Tennessee without a valid license is considered:
- A civil offense only
- A Class B misdemeanor
- A minor administrative infraction
- Permissible with employer approval 3 / 4
Rationale:
It is a Class B misdemeanor to practice without a license in Tennessee. It is a criminal offense, punishable by law.
- Which of the following would likely result in disciplinary action by the
- Receiving a patient compliment
- Taking vacation without employer approval
- Being convicted of a felony related to the practice of nursing
- Delegating a task to a CNA
Tennessee Board of Nursing?
Rationale:
The Board may take disciplinary action for any felony conviction related to nursing or violations of the Nurse Practice Act. Delegating to a CNA is appropriate if it aligns with scope and supervision rules.
- Who has the authority to revoke or suspend a nurse's license in Tennessee?
- The nurse’s employer
- A physician
- The Tennessee Board of Nursing
- The Department of Health and Human Services
Rationale:
Only the Tennessee Board of Nursing has the legal authority to suspend, revoke, or place restrictions on a nursing license following due process.
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