Deck 11: Ethical and Legal Considerations

Question 1

The nurse is providing patient care and pays special attention to meeting the needs of the patient while maintaining the patient's right to privacy, confidentiality, autonomy, and dignity. This nurse is applying what ethical theory?

A) Deontology
B) Utilitarianism
C) Autonomy
D) Accountability

Answer 1

Deontology

Question 2

When providing end-of-life care, the nurse knows it is essential to carry out which action?

A) Tell the patient what he might like to hear to relieve anxiety.
B) Begin making health care decisions for the patient.
C) Provide the patient with the nurse's personal opinions.
D) Offer unconditional support for the patient and family.

Answer 2

Offer unconditional support for the patient and family.

Question 3

The nurse knows practicing nursing without a license is what wrongdoing?

A) Misdemeanor
B) Statute
C) Felony
D) Tort

Answer 3

Felony

Question 4

The nurse frequently cares for patients who are nearing the end of life. The nurse identifies what strategy that is designed to prolong the time of death rather than restoring life?

A) Establishing a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order
B) Adherence to living will requests
C) Removal of extraordinary measures already in place
D) Continuance of futile care

Question 5

The nurse is providing care to a patient experiencing pain. The nurse assesses the pain and promptly administers the ordered analgesics as promised to the patient. This nurse has applied what concept?

A) Autonomy
B) Accountability
C) Confidentiality
D) Fidelity

Question 6

The student nurse learning about ethics expresses good knowledge when making which appropriate statement?

A) "Ethics are internal values developed outside the influence of societal norms."
B) "Ethics are influenced by many variables including family and friends."
C) "Ethics are societal in nature and do not involve personal influences."
D) "Ethics are totally independent from a person's character."

Question 7

The nurse knows which statement indicates an appropriate understanding of ethical practice by the student nurse?

A) "I will be held to the same ethical standards as professional nurses."
B) "I will not be held ethically accountable until I graduate."
C) "My nurse educators are responsible for my ethical standards."
D) "Ethics are not important as a student."

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a patient whose family does not want the patient to be told about the new diagnosis of cancer because of the poor prognosis. Keeping this secret from the patient is in direct conflict with which ethical concepts?

A) Autonomy and veracity
B) Veracity and advocacy
C) Justice and nonmaleficence
D) Confidentiality and justice

Question 9

The nurse recognizes which action by the nursing student would be considered uncivil?

A) Prompt arrival to class
B) Texting during class
C) Attentive listening
D) Active participation in class

Question 10

The nurse identifies that The Code of Ethics for Nurses is defined in which terms?

A) Like the Constitution and not revisable
B) A succinct statement of ethical obligations
C) Required by entry level nurses only
D) A negotiable document dependent on individual conscience

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a patient recently diagnosed with cancer that is being asked to participate in a new chemotherapy trial. How would the nurse respond if working under the ethical principle of utilitarianism?

A) "The patient should be allowed to decide."
B) "As your nurse, I'll support your right to refuse."
C) "You should do this because many could benefit from it."
D) "If this is against your beliefs, you should not do it."

Question 12

A nurse has been asked to care for a patient who is an inmate from a nearby prison. During shift report, the nurse asks, "Why was the man convicted and imprisoned?" Another nurse responds that this is not important since nurses are required to provide compassionate care for all people in all circumstances. The responding nurse has displayed what concept?

A) Beneficence
B) Advocacy
C) Confidentiality
D) Autonomy

Question 13

The nurse realizes that a medication error has been made. The nurse then reports the error and takes responsibility to ensure patient safety despite personal consequences. This nurse has exhibited what ethical concept?

A) Autonomy
B) Accountability
C) Justice
D) Advocacy

Question 14

The nurse recognizes that starting an intravenous (IV) infusion line on a patient against his will may be classified as which wrongdoing?

A) Assault
B) Battery
C) Felony
D) Misdemeanor

Question 15

The nurse understands "First, do no harm" defines what ethical principle?

A) Beneficence
B) Justice
C) Fidelity
D) Nonmaleficence

Question 16

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had many admissions and readmissions. The nurse believes that the patient keeps coming to the hospital because the patient "wants his drugs," and is "non-compliant" at home with diabetic therapy. To reduce the risk of slander against this patient, the nurse should carry out which action?

A) Write opinions in the medical record only.
B) Never share observations.
C) Make judgmental statements in private.
D) Avoid making judgmental statements.

Question 17

After studying legal issues important to nursing, the student shows appropriate understanding with which statement?

A) Laws change often, creating liability issues for nurses.
B) Licensure laws are devised to protect the nurse.
C) The nurse is not responsible for other disciplines' mistakes.
D) Keeping current with changing laws can protect the nurse.

Question 18

The nurse is providing care for a patient who has had a stroke recently and has multiple self-care deficits. The nurse is coordinating care with in-home agencies and arranging for the delivery of needed equipment. Which ethical concept is the nurse applying?

A) Advocacy
B) Confidentiality
C) Autonomy
D) Accountability

Question 19

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been belligerent and is in 4-point "leather" restraints. When the patient continues to be verbally abusive and still tries to kick and punch staff even though he is restrained, the nurse should carry out which action?

A) Do not attempt to meet patient needs until the patient has calmed down.
B) Only provide care while security is in the room.
C) Continue to attempt to meet the patient's needs.
D) Inform the patient the police will be called if the patient's behavior does not stop.

Question 20

Which statement by the nurse indicates comprehension of ethical issues?

A) Ethical issues are rare occurrences but take a great deal of time to resolve.
B) Ethical issues have required The Joint Commission to mandate ethics committees.
C) Ethical issues most frequently lead to legal intervention in patient care matters.
D) Ethical issues lead to ethics committees made up entirely by nurses.

Question 21

In addition to maintaining current professional practice knowledge, competent practice skills, and professional relationships with patients and their families, what additional actions should the nurse take to practice within the law?

A) Maintain confidentiality.
B) Follow legal guidelines for sharing information.
C) Block document once per shift.
D) Change nursing procedures according to latest journal articles.
E) Meet licensure and continuing education requirements.

Question 22

The nurse knows which law protects health care professionals from charges of negligence when providing emergency care at the scene of an accident?

A) Good Samaritan Act
B) HIPPA
C) Licensure
D) Living wills

Question 23

The nurse understands state legislatures give authority to administrative bodies, such as state boards of nursing, to carry out what action?

A) Create statutory laws.
B) Establish regulatory laws.
C) Try case law cases.
D) Create laws based on social mores

Question 24

Health care providers are required to supply patients with written information regarding their rights to make medical decisions and implement advance directives, which consist of three documents. The nurse knows which items are considered "advanced directives"?

A) Living will
B) Durable power of attorney
C) Health care proxy
D) Patient's Bill of Rights
E) The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act

Question 25

The nurse understands who is ultimately responsible for explaining the content of the informed consent?

A) The registered nurse
B) The hospital social worker
C) Educated family members
D) The provider of the procedure

Question 26

The nurse has been involved sexually with a patient. The nurse manages becomes aware of this situation and tells the nurse this behavior is a which type of crime?

A) Malpractice
B) Libel
C) Slander
D) Battery

Question 27

The nurse is providing care for a patient who demands discharge from the hospital against the physician's orders. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A) Have the patient sign an "Against medical advice" form.
B) Follow the guidelines as presented in the code of Academic and Clinical Conduct.
C) Review the ANA's Nursing Code of Ethics for guidance.
D) Permit the patient to leave after an informed consent form is signed.

Question 28

Which nurse has committed a serious documentation error?

A) The nurse who documents all medications for assigned patients prior to administration.
B) The nurse who documents medication administration as the medications are given.
C) The nurse who documents assessments as soon as they are completed.
D) The nurse who documents meal intake as meal trays are picked up.

Question 29

Which statements by the nurse are correct regarding informed consent and someone who requires an interpreter?

A) A professional interpreter is needed.
B) A family member may interpret when convenient.
C) Detailed medical information remains a priority.
D) Professional interpreters are not effective in providing medical information.
E) If necessary, family members can make decisions regarding informed consent.