Which of the following is NOT one of the five controlled acts that nurses may perform under the Nursing Act, 1991?

• A. Administering a substance by injection or inhalation
• B. Inserting an instrument beyond the external ear canal
• C. Prescribing, dispensing or compounding a drug
• D. Administering a substance by mouth to a patient

Answer: (D)

Under the Nursing Act, 1991, Ontario defines five controlled acts that nurses may perform only with proper authorization. These acts are high‑risk procedures and medication-related tasks that require specific training and regulatory approval. The acts include administering a substance by injection or inhalation, inserting an instrument beyond the external ear canal, prescribing, dispensing or compounding a drug, and administering a substance by mouth.

In your list, each item corresponds to one of those categories, including administering a substance by mouth. So there isn’t a valid option that is not one of the five. If a question asks for what is NOT one of the controlled acts, it might be misworded or intended to test your understanding that all these tasks fall under the five.