Question 1

A group of nurses in an organization are discussing methods that can be used to improve patient outcomes. Which option would the nurses identify as providing best practice to advance patient outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Having nurses participate as members in the hospital ethics committee would provide a mechanism for understanding ethical dilemmas that arise during patient care and help nurses to develop strategies for better patient outcomes. This experience can also help nurses to identify potential barriers to achieving optimal outcomes and work collaboratively to overcome them. The other options may have some value, but they do not provide the same comprehensive approach to improving patient outcomes as participating in the hospital ethics committee.

Question 2

A nurse is reviewing the policy and procedure for application of restraints in a long-term care facility. Which statement would the nurse identify as being correct?

Accepted Answer

Restraints, whether physical or chemical, necessitate increased monitoring of the resident to ensure their safety and well-being. The principle of using the least restrictive option available is a cornerstone in the application of restraints, aiming to balance the need for safety with the resident's rights and dignity.

Question 3

A group of nurses are reviewing the concept of quasi-intentional torts as applied to a long-term care facility. Which scenario would the nurses identify as being indicative of this legal consequence?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A group of nurses are reviewing the...

Question 4

A nurse is considering that financial exploitation has occurred when interviewing a patient and his caregiver. Which observation by the nurse would indicate that financial exploitation has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Having the patient sign power of attorney papers by falsely stating they are required by the government is an example of financial exploitation. The other options do not necessarily indicate exploitation. The caregiver encouraging the patient to work and contributing to the family business may be a positive aspect of their relationship. Allowing the patient to pay for incidentals necessary for care is not automatically abusive, as the patient may have input on their own financial choices. Taking the patient's Social Security check to the bank for deposit could be part of a mutually agreed-upon financial arrangement if the caregiver has been appointed as the patient's representative payee.

Question 5

A group of nurses are reviewing patient coverage relative to the Social Security Act of 1953. Which person would the nurse identify as being covered by this law?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A group of nurses are reviewing patient...

Question 6

A group of nurses are discussing state legislation regulations regarding health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and delivery of patient care. Which statement would the nurses identify as being accurate?

Accepted Answer

This statement is accurate. Some states have laws that allow patients to sue HMOs for substandard care, while others do not. However, there is no national law that applies to all states, so the rules vary depending on the state.

Question 7

A group of nurses are discussing the use of restraints for patients in acute care settings. Which options reflect a general criterion that a nurse can use for restraining a patient?

Accepted Answer

Restraints can be used if a patient poses a threat to others (A) or themselves (E).

Question 8

A nurse working in the acute care setting is preparing to use equipment while performing morning assessment of patients. Which option reflects the nurse's duty regarding use of equipment?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is responsible for selecting the appropriate equipment for patient care and ensuring its correct use. This includes understanding how to operate the equipment effectively and safely. Nurses are not typically responsible for modifying, cleaning, or repairing equipment, as these tasks usually fall to other specialized staff or departments within a healthcare facility.

Question 9

A group of nurses are discussing fall prevention on the medical unit. Which option reflects the nurse's duty to prevent patient falls?

Accepted Answer

Assessing patients for risk of falls is an important duty of nurses to prevent fall incidents. This enables the nurses to take necessary steps to prevent falls, such as modifying the patient's environment and creating a fall prevention plan.

Answer: B 
 Performing continuous observation of patients helps prevent falls by allowing the nurses to immediately respond to any signs or risks of falls.

Answer: C 
 Raising side rails may be appropriate in some situations, but it is not appropriate to do so at all times as it can lead to the patient feeling trapped and decrease their independent mobility.

Answer: D 
 Providing minimal assistance may not be sufficient to prevent falls and is not a comprehensive strategy. A comprehensive fall prevention plan should include individualized interventions and strategies specific to each patient's needs to prevent falls.

Question 10

A nurse has been assigned to take care of a patient who doesn't speak English. Which person would the nurse select to be the best choice as an interpreter for a non-English-speaking patient?

Accepted Answer

The best choice for an interpreter for a non-English-speaking patient is a hospital-provided interpreter who is trained to interpret accurately and maintain confidentiality. Using family members or friends may not be appropriate due to potential biases, conflicts of interest, or lack of knowledge in medical terminology. Using non-medical staff such as a housekeeper may also not be appropriate due to lack of knowledge in medical terminology and confidentiality.

Question 11

The news reports that a nurse "contracted over the telephone" to distribute narcotics. Would that action taken by a nurse considered to be a contract?

Accepted Answer

Contracts must fulfill a lawful purpose, and distributing narcotics is illegal, making such a contract void.

Question 12

A nurse has been hired by a clinical facility and signed a contract. Which option indicates consideration with regard to the legal elements of the contract as it relates to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Consideration refers to the exchange of something of value, such as money or services, between the parties involved in a contract. Choice A, the nurse agreeing to work for specific wages, is an example of consideration because the nurse is exchanging their services for a specific amount of money. Choices B, C, and D do not explicitly show an exchange of value between the parties involved in the contract.

Question 13

A group of nurses are discussing types of legal contracts in the clinical setting. Which nursing scenario indicates an implied contract has been initiated?

Accepted Answer

An implied contract is formed by actions or conduct rather than written or spoken words. In this scenario, the nurses' actions of providing quality care imply a contract to deliver care to patients.

Question 14

A group of nurses are reviewing the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Which legal concept would the nurses indicate as supportive of the purpose of the act?

Accepted Answer

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aims to provide equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in areas such as employment, transportation, and public accommodations. The concept of equality is a key component of the ADA. The act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures that they have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.

Question 15

A nurse has requested reasonable accommodation from the nurse manager based on needing more flexibility in her work schedule. The nurse's attendance record indicates several call ins during the prior month. The nurse is asking to be able to start shift work approximately two hours start of the shift. The nurse has previously asked for consideration based on a medical diagnosis of anxiety. How should the nurse manager respond?

Accepted Answer

The nurse manager should first gather more information from the nurse regarding their specific needs and concerns before making any decisions. They should have a discussion with the nurse and ask for details about their medical condition and how it relates to their request for a flexible schedule. The nurse manager may also want to review the attendance record and consider if any disciplinary action is needed for multiple call-ins. Only after gathering more information can the nurse manager determine if the request is a reasonable accommodation and decide on the appropriate next steps.

Question 16

A group of nurses are discussing Title 1 provisions of the American Disabilities Act. Which scenario would the nurses identify as representing undue hardship for the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Paying for monthly cell phone use for all hospital employees could represent an undue hardship due to the significant financial burden it may impose on the hospital's resources.

Question 17

A nurse executive has requested that additional budgetary funds be allocated to support staff seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing or specialty certification. Which information should this nurse executive provide during discussions of this funding?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse executive has requested that additional...

Question 18

A group of nursing students are discussing potential impact for malpractice/negligence litigation in their professional career. Which statement made by the nursing students indicates understanding of the importance of maintaining professional liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Securing liability insurance provides protection and does not influence the quality of nursing judgment or increase the likelihood of poor practice.

Question 19

A group of nurses are reviewing the decision of legal action in which a patient brought suit against a hospital for injuries sustained in a fall. The case went to trial and the jury found for the hospital. Which legal precedent would the nurses select if the patient were to take this same suit and evidence to another trial court in hopes of a different decision?

Accepted Answer

Res judicata is the legal principle that once a final decision has been made in a case, the same parties cannot bring the same case to a different court. Therefore, if the patient were to bring the same suit and evidence to another trial court, res judicata would apply and the case would be dismissed.

Question 20

During a jury trial, the presence of a nurse-patient relationship is questioned. What kind of question is this and who would determine it?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not a nurse-patient relationship existed is a question of fact that would need to be determined by the jury based on the evidence presented in the trial.

Quiz 1: Ethical Issues in Nursing