Deck 5: Legal and Ethical Issues

Question 1

Which of the following statements regarding the statute of limitations is correct?

A) It is applicable only in the case of a minor.
B) There is no designated time for a person to file a lawsuit.
C) The designated time is typically calculated from the time the incident occurred.
D) It provides legal immunity to rescuers who provide first aid in the case of an emergency.

Answer 1

The designated time is typically calculated from the time the incident occurred.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is applicable when a competent client wants to leave a hospital or long-term care facility before being discharged by the physician?

A) Physical or chemical restraints are used to detain the client.
B) The nurse applies restraints based on a current medical order.
C) The nurse determines whether the client's safety or the safety of others is at risk.
D) The client signs a form releasing the healthcare facility from its responsibility.

Answer 2

The client signs a form releasing the healthcare facility from its responsibility.

Question 3

Which of the following should the nurse do if a client is being discharged before mastering a complicated dressing change?

A) Advise against home health visits.
B) Advocate for an additional day in the hospital.
C) Restrain the client's hands.
D) Infer consent for discharge.

Answer 3

Advocate for an additional day in the hospital.

Question 4

Which of the following is a true statement with regard to laws?

A) They deal with right and wrong.
B) They guide interactions within a society.
C) They consider beliefs about morals and values.
D) They do not have a formal enforcement system.

Question 5

What is the primary responsibility of a state board of nursing?

A) Review education programs in the state.
B) Protect the public.
C) Issue licenses.
D) Form criteria for granting licensure.

Question 6

While dealing with the issue of declaring death and removing life support, which of the following is now included as a definition of death?

A) Failure of cardiac function
B) Absence of reflexes
C) Failure of respiratory function
D) Erratic reading on electroencephalogram

Question 7

When individuals or groups use utilitarianism to make ethical decisions, which of the following do they consider?

A) The end justifies the means.
B) The greatest good for the greatest number.
C) Consequences are not the only issue.
D) Duty is equally important.

Question 8

Allowing unauthorized people to observe a client during treatment is an example of which of the following?

A) False imprisonment
B) Invasion of privacy
C) Battery
D) Assault

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of statutory law?

A) Permission for care
B) Consent for minor client
C) Nurse practice act
D) Inferring consent

Question 10

Which of the following is a measure taken to protect healthcare workers from being charged with battery?

A) The client's signed release is obtained for presentations.
B) The nurse uses initials instead of names in written reports.
C) Clients sign a written consent before undergoing any kind of procedure.
D) The nurse draws bedside curtains while giving personal care.

Question 11

What is the term for a person's standard of right and wrong, formed in childhood?

A) Value
B) Moral
C) Ethical dilemma
D) Bioethics

Question 12

Which type of law concerns offenses that violate the public's welfare?

A) Statutory law
B) Common law
C) Administrative law
D) Criminal law

Question 13

Which of the following is a component of the nurse practice acts of various states?

A) Breaches of duty owed by one person to another
B) Determining the grounds for disciplinary action
C) Expected action based on moral or legal obligations
D) Injury due to the failure to act

Question 14

Which type of law protects each person's freedom and property rights?

A) Criminal law
B) Statutory law
C) Civil law
D) Administrative law

Question 15

Physical intimidation and verbal remarks are examples of which type of intentional tort?

A) False imprisonment
B) Assault
C) Battery
D) Invasion of privacy

Question 16

What is the term for the ideals and beliefs held by the individual that are influenced by family or society?

A) Ethics
B) Values
C) Morals
D) Bioethics

Question 17

Which of the following is a true statement about a living will?

A) It states the client's wishes regarding healthcare if terminally ill.
B) It specifies information regarding nontreatment only.
C) It is legal consent.
D) It is a type of financial attainment.

Question 18

Which of the following is stated in a living will?

A) Legal consent regarding healthcare
B) Designation of another person as healthcare proxy
C) Wishes regarding healthcare if terminally ill
D) Medical orders for end-of-life instructions

Question 19

Which of the following factors related to healthcare reform affects ethical decision-making?

A) Increased client acuity
B) Scope of practice of nurses
C) Requirements for licensure
D) Grounds for disciplinary action

Question 20

Which of the following is a legally safe rule of documentation?

A) Sign entries only at the end of a shift.
B) Include complaints in the chart documentation.
C) If an error occurs, obliterate the documentation.
D) Chart objectively and accurately.

Question 21

Types of unintentional torts include which of the following?

A) Negligence
B) Defamation
C) Slander
D) False imprisonment

Question 22

What is another term for professional negligence?

A) Malpractice
B) Defamation
C) Assault
D) Battery

Question 23

Which of the following would be the least likely component of an incident report?

A) Nature of the incident
B) Actions taken
C) Previous errors in judgment
D) Client's condition

Question 24

If a client receives the wrong medication and harm has resulted, which legality has occurred?

A) Tort
B) Duty
C) Liability
D) Battery

Question 25

Which of the following is an expected action based on moral or legal obligations?

A) Liability
B) Duty
C) Tort
D) Valuet occurred