Study resources

The resources listed below can help you prepare for your Jurisprudence Examination.

The jurisprudence examination consists of an e-learning module with 50 multiple-choice exam questions. The examination is “open book,” which means you are allowed to access resources while writing the examination. But we strongly encourage you to familiarize yourself with the information in the following documents before starting the examination.

Guide - Navigating the online jurisprudence Examination

  • How to Guide - Jurisprudence Examination is available when you log into the online examination

General Information

Practice Standards

Practice Guidelines

Guides to CNO Processes

Practice Support Resources

Nurse Practitioner Resources


Note: Applicants writing the RN/RPN Jurisprudence Examination are encouraged to review NP Diagnostic and Prescriptive Authority and the Nurse Practitioner practice standards to understand an NP’s scope of practice.

Government Legislation

Sample test questions

The following questions are examples of the types of questions you can expect on the jurisprudence exam. Note that these specific questions will not be on the exam.

1. A father expresses concerns about his son's upcoming surgery and has several questions about the procedure. The nurse listens to the father's concerns, shares information about the procedure, and validates his feelings. Which components of the nurse-client relationship is the nurse demonstrating? (Select all that apply)

  1. Maintaining boundaries
  2. Client-centred care
  3. Protecting the client from abuse
  4. Therapeutic communication

Answer: B and D

Rationales:

  1. This is not the correct component.
  2. The nurse is demonstrating client-centred care by empathizing with the father and providing information about the surgery.
  3. This is not the correct component
  4. The nurse is demonstrating therapeutic communication by listening to the father’s concerns, empathizing with him and providing information about the surgery.

Reference: Professional Boundaries and Nurse-Client Relationships

2. A nurse gives a double dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) to a client who only requires a single dose. What, if anything, must the nurse do?

  1. Ask a colleague to help assess the client
  2. Withhold the client’s next dose of Tylenol
  3. Report the error as soon as possible
  4. Nothing, because this is an over-the-counter medication

Answer: C.

Rationales:

  1. Nurses should be accountable for all errors made.
  2. All errors should be reported so that appropriate action can be taken.
  3. This is according to the standard.
  4. Nurses should be accountable for all errors made.

Reference: Medication Practice Standard 

3. An RPN orders an RPN colleague to insert a urethral catheter into a newly admitted client. What should the RPN colleague do?

  1. Confirm the order with a physician before proceeding with the intervention
  2. Accept the order and proceed with the intervention
  3. Consult with an RN before proceeding with the intervention
  4. Decline to accept the order

Answer: D.

Rationales:

  1. The original order was made by an RPN and a controlled act cannot be ordered by an RPN.
  2. A controlled act cannot be ordered by an RPN.
  3. A controlled act cannot be ordered by an RPN.
  4. An RPN cannot order another nurse to perform a controlled act.

Reference: Scope of Practice Standard


4. A client writes to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) stating that a nurse assaulted him during care. What action may CNO take in this situation?

  1. Report the nurse to the employer
  2. Investigate the allegation
  3. Request that the nurse's employment be terminated
  4. Refer the complaint to local law enforcement 

Answer: B.

Rationales:

  1. The employer may investigate but the legislation requires the allegation be investigated by CNO.
  2. CNO is required under the RHPA to investigate all complaints.
  3. This might be an outcome of the complaint but not at this point.
  4. This is not the obligation of CNO.

Reference: Addressing Complaints at the College of Nurses of Ontario: Process Guide