Deck 3: Legal and Ethical Considerations

Question 1

The nurse reminds a resident in a long-term care facility that he has autonomy in many aspects of his institutionalization.One example is:

A) Selection of medication times
B) Availability of his own small electrical appliances
C) Smoking in the privacy of his own room
D) Application of advance directives

Answer 1

Application of advance directives

Question 2

The LPN/LVN explains to a patient that the hospital has an Institutional Ethics Committee whose main function is to:

A) Preside over policy implementation
B) Revoke the license of someone who violates the law
C) Solve personnel disputes
D) Ensure that hiring adheres to ethnic equality

Answer 2

Preside over policy implementation

Question 3

The LPN/LVN has trimmed the toenails of a patient with diabetes too short,which resulted in a toe amputation from infections.This LPN/LVN is guilty of:

A) Unintentional tort
B) Intentional tort
C) Negligence
D) Malpractice

Answer 3

Malpractice

Question 4

The LPN/LVN charted that "the patient was drunk and acted in a crazy manner." The team leader has cautioned that such documentation would leave the LPN/LVN open to charges of commission of the intentional tort of:

A) Assault
B) Wrongful publication
C) Defamation of character
D) Invasion of privacy

Question 5

One obstetric nurse remarks,"I don't see how these young single women can keep on having babies without being married.Everyone knows a child needs a father." This nurse is exhibiting:

A) Ethnocentrism
B) Moral uncertainty
C) Values clarification
D) Professional concern

Question 6

A good friend of the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)confides that she is in a serious romantic relationship with a man the LPN/LVN had as a patient when he was diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).The policies of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)prevent the nurse from warning her friend.This situation is a moral:

A) Dilemma
B) Uncertainty
C) Distress
D) Outrage

Question 7

The LPN/LVN explains to a patient that health care ethics are based on:

A) Autonomy
B) Fidelity
C) Professionalism
D) Justice
E) Nonmaleficence

Question 8

The LPN/LVN may exhibit beneficence by:

A) Removing a defective equipment from the patient's room
B) Willingly working extra shifts during a staff shortage
C) Adhering to agency policy
D) Joining the National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service (NAPNES) and attending educational seminars

Question 9

The LPN/LVN acquiring a signature on a surgical informed consent document must ensure that the:

A) Patient is not sedated.
B) Physician is present.
C) Family member is a witness.
D) Signature is in ink.

Question 10

When the LPN/LVN assists an older woman to stand after a fall in a shopping mall parking lot,the woman twists and sprains her ankle.The LPN/LVN is protected from litigation or an unintentional tort by:

A) Hospital malpractice insurance
B) Good faith agreement
C) Good Samaritan law
D) Personal professional insurance

Question 11

When a student asks the instructor to define the philosophic stand of utilitarianism,the instructor gives the example of:

A) An army officer sacrifices six paratroopers to save 100 prisoners of war.
B) A priest burns down his church because it was defiled by Satanists.
C) A mother jumps off a cliff with her baby to avoid being captured by Indians.
D) A soldier murders captured enemies to prevent their divulging military secrets.

Question 12

Prioritize the steps in solving an ethical dilemma.

A) Evaluate the outcome.
B) Plan an approach.
C) Visualize the consequences.
D) Take action.
E) Identify the problem.

Question 13

The LPN/LVN reminds a group of nursing students that the values they demonstrate in their practice have their roots in:

A) Nursing school education
B) Family influence
C) Peer relationships
D) Agency policies

Question 14

The values that direct human behavior and are concerned with defining right from wrong are known as ____________________.

Question 15

The physician has written an order for morphine sulfate,100 mg.The LPN/LVN inquires if he meant to write 10 mg.The physician confirms that he meant 100 mg.The LPN/LVN should:

A) Call a member of the hospital administration.
B) Refuse to transcribe the order.
C) Call the pharmacist.
D) Notify the nursing supervisor.

Question 16

The LPN/LVN arrives on duty at 7 AM and is faced with the ethical dilemma of inadequate staffing for the day shift.The LPN/LVN should invoke a "safe harbor" by:

A) Immediately filing a written protest with administration.
B) Leaving duty.
C) Refusing the assignment.
D) Calling hospital administration.
E) Suggesting that nursing assistants (NAs) file a written protest.

Question 17

The nurse is aware that values clarification supports nursing practice by:

A) Guiding decision making
B) Giving insight to patients
C) Enhancing peer relationships
D) Helping understand him or herself
E) Gaining the confidence of supervisors

Question 18

The physician has written an order for Synthroid,137 mg.The LPN/LVN is aware that the drug is measured in micrograms.The nurse should:

A) Transcribe the order as if it were written in micrograms.
B) Notify the nursing supervisor.
C) Transcribe the order as written.
D) Call the prescribing physician.