Nursing Ethics and Legal Responsibilities: Essential Knowledge for Nurses

Question 1

According to the principle of autonomy in nursing ethics, patients have the right to:

Accepted Answer

Make decisions about their own healthcare

Answer

Receive treatment without their consent

Answer

Be protected from harm at all costs

Answer

Access all medical records regardless of confidentiality

Question 2

A nurse is legally bound to maintain the privacy of a patient's medical information. Which legal principle is being upheld in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Breach of fiduciary duty

Question 3

In the event of an adverse event, a nurse's ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Document and report the incident promptly

Answer

Conceal the event to protect the patient's reputation

Answer

Assign blame to the patient or other healthcare providers

Answer

Falsify documentation to avoid consequences

Question 4

A nurse suspects that a patient is being mistreated by a family member. The nurse has an ethical responsibility to:

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Confront the family member directly without involving others

Answer

Ignore the situation to avoid potential conflict

Answer

Document the incident and discuss it with the patient only

Question 5

Which ethical principle requires nurses to treat all patients fairly and equitably, regardless of personal biases or differences?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 6

If a nurse discovers evidence of misconduct or illegal activity by a colleague, their ethical and legal obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the appropriate authorities or regulatory bodies

Answer

Confront the colleague directly and demand an explanation

Answer

Ignore the situation to avoid potential conflict or retaliation

Answer

Document the incident and discuss it only with the nurse manager

Question 7

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting the patient's right to make decisions about their own care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

The legal document that defines the scope of practice for nurses in the United States is the:

Accepted Answer

Nurse Practice Act

Answer

Code of Ethics for Nurses

Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

Joint Commission Accreditation Standards

Question 9

Which ethical principle requires nurses to avoid causing harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 10

The primary goal of obtaining informed consent in healthcare is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect patients' rights to make decisions about their care

Answer

Shield nurses from legal liability

Answer

Document patient consent for treatment

Answer

Obtain permission for research studies

Question 11

Which ethical principle focuses on公平分配 healthcare resources?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Fidelity

Question 12

The legal defense that may protect a nurse who follows a physician's orders, even if those orders are later found to be negligent, is:

Accepted Answer

Respondeat Superior

Answer

Assumption of Risk

Answer

Contributory Negligence

Answer

Vicarious Liability

Question 13

Disclosing a patient's diagnosis to their family without their explicit consent is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Breach of confidentiality

Answer

Patient advocacy

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Legal obligation

Question 14

The primary responsibility of a nurse as a patient advocate is to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard patients' rights and well-being

Answer

Provide direct patient care

Answer

Educate patients about their health

Answer

Support patients emotionally and spiritually

Question 15

Which ethical principle places emphasis on respecting the patient's autonomy and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 16

The federal law that protects patient privacy and confidentiality of medical records and information is:

Accepted Answer

Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

Patient Self-Determination Act

Answer

Nurse Licensure Compact

Answer

Affordable Care Act

Question 17

Which of the following behaviors is considered a professional boundary violation in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing confidential patient information to unauthorized individuals

Answer

Maintaining appropriate physical distance during patient interactions

Answer

Accepting gifts of appreciation from patients

Answer

Providing educational materials to patients

Question 18

The primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act is to:

Accepted Answer

Define the scope of nursing practice and establish standards of care

Answer

Regulate nurse education and licensure requirements

Answer

Establish disciplinary procedures for nurses

Answer

Protect the rights of patients

Question 19

In situations where ethical principles conflict, the nurse's primary obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Uphold the patient's rights and safety

Answer

Follow the instructions of the physician

Answer

Protect the reputation of the healthcare facility

Answer

Prioritize their own personal beliefs

Question 20

According to the doctrine of respondeat superior:

Accepted Answer

Employers are legally responsible for the actions of their employees

Answer

Nurses are solely liable for their own negligence

Answer

Hospitals are not liable for nurses' mistakes

Answer

Supervisors cannot be held accountable for subordinates' errors

Question 21

The Good Samaritan Law provides legal protection to nurses who:

Accepted Answer

Provide emergency care in good faith

Answer

Administer medications without a prescription

Answer

Perform invasive procedures without proper training

Answer

Document patient care inaccurately

Question 22

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting each patient's unique values, beliefs, and preferences?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 23

In the United States, which legal framework primarily governs the accountability of nurses for their professional actions and decisions?

Accepted Answer

Tort Law

Answer

Common Law

Answer

Statutory Law

Answer

Administrative Law

Question 24

Which action by a nurse would violate a patient's right to privacy?

Accepted Answer

Sharing the patient's diagnosis with an insurance company without their consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's condition with their family in confidence

Answer

Recording the patient's medical history in their electronic health record

Answer

Informing the patient's healthcare team about their current symptoms

Question 25

When a nurse acts as an advocate for a patient, their primary responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Represent and uphold the patient's wishes and preferences

Answer

Provide medical care and treatments to the patient

Answer

Protect the patient from potential harm or neglect

Answer

Educate the patient about their health condition and available options

Question 26

When a patient declines medical treatment, a nurse's initial response should be to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and acknowledge their autonomy

Answer

Contact the patient's family to seek their input

Answer

Attempt to persuade the patient to accept the recommended treatment

Answer

Document the patient's refusal and continue to monitor their condition

Question 27

If a nurse observes a colleague violating a patient's rights, they have an ethical and legal obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Report the violation to the appropriate authorities or designated reporting body

Answer

Ignore the violation to avoid creating conflict or tension

Answer

Confront the colleague privately and attempt to resolve the issue directly

Answer

Document the violation in the patient's medical record but take no further action

Question 28

A nurse suspects a patient is being abused or neglected by a family member. What is the nurse's primary ethical and legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

Answer

Document the suspicious behavior and continue to monitor the patient.

Answer

Inform the patient's family members about the nurse's suspicions.

Answer

Ignore the suspicions and focus on providing care to the patient.

Question 29

Which of the fundamental ethical principles guides nursing practice and places emphasis on respecting patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 30

Which of the following nurse actions is deemed a violation of professional boundaries?

Accepted Answer

Asking a patient out on a date

Answer

Providing additional emotional support to a patient by extending time spent with them

Answer

Accepting a gift from a patient

Answer

Administering medications outside the nurse's scope of practice

Question 31

Which of the following actions most clearly demonstrates nursing care that respects patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent before administering medications

Answer

Providing information and education to patients without asking for their feedback

Answer

Following the physician's orders without discussing options with the patient

Question 32

When a patient's wishes differ from their family's preferences, the nurse's primary ethical and legal responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize the patient's wishes.

Answer

Prioritize the family's preferences.

Answer

Ignore both and decide what's best.

Answer

Follow the legal guardian's decision.

Question 33

According to the principle of patient autonomy, when can a patient legally decline medical treatment, even if healthcare professionals deem it necessary?

Accepted Answer

When they have been fully informed about the treatment's nature, advantages, and risks, and have given their voluntary consent.

Answer

When they are minors (under 18 years old).

Answer

When they are judged to be incapable of making decisions.

Answer

When they are under the influence of substances that could impair their judgment, such as drugs or alcohol.

Question 34

When a nurse has concerns about a prescribed medication, what should they do first?

Accepted Answer

Question the order with the prescriber.

Answer

Administer the medication and document concerns.

Answer

Refuse to administer the medication.

Question 35

Which of the following actions would constitute a violation of patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing a patient's medical information to their family without their explicit consent

Answer

Providing health education to a patient

Answer

Accurately documenting a patient's health history in their medical record

Question 36

Which fundamental ethical principle emphasizes respect for the patient's decision-making authority and autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 37

Which legal document establishes the legal framework for nursing practice, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both nurses and patients?

Accepted Answer

Nurse Practice Act

Answer

Patient Self-Determination Act

Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

Code of Ethics for Nurses

Question 38

If a nurse observes a colleague engaging in unethical behavior, which course of action should they take?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to their supervisor

Answer

Ignore the incident and hope it resolves itself

Answer

Gossip about the colleague's behavior with other nurses

Answer

Confront the colleague directly, even if it creates conflict

Question 39

Which of the following actions by a nurse would violate the ethical principle of maintaining professional boundaries?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a romantic relationship with a patient

Answer

Accepting occasional small gifts from patients

Answer

Maintaining a professional and therapeutic nurse-patient relationship

Question 40

What is the legal concept that defines the expected standard of care that nurses must provide to patients?

Accepted Answer

Standard of care

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Malpractice

Question 41

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of informed consent in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

Patients must be provided with sufficient information to make informed decisions about their care

Answer

Consent must always be obtained in writing

Answer

Patients can be coerced into providing consent

Question 42

Which of the following could be a potential consequence of violating ethical or legal principles in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Loss of nursing license

Answer

Increased patient satisfaction

Answer

Improved job performance

Answer

Enhanced professional reputation

Question 43

Which ethical principle promotes the fair and just distribution of healthcare resources and opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 44

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle that guides nurses in their practice?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy

Answer

Protection of personal reputation

Answer

Compliance with institutional policies

Answer

Obedience to authority figures

Question 45

The legal document that outlines the scope of practice for nurses in a specific jurisdiction is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Nurse Practice Act

Answer

Declaration of Patient Rights

Answer

Ethical Code for Healthcare Professionals

Answer

Uniform Clinical Practice Standards

Question 46

When a patient is experiencing pain, and the nurse has knowledge of a medication that could effectively manage their pain but has not yet been prescribed, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Communicate with the physician to advocate for the patient's need for pain management.

Answer

Administer the medication without a prescription

Answer

Inform the patient that the medication is unavailable.

Question 47

If a nurse observes a colleague engaging in fraudulent practices, such as falsifying medical records, they are ethically and legally obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Report the colleague to the appropriate authorities.

Answer

Confront the colleague directly without involving others.

Answer

Overlook the incident and refrain from taking action.

Question 48

Maintaining clear professional boundaries is crucial in nursing practice. Which of the following is an example of a professional boundary that nurses must uphold?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding dual relationships with patients

Answer

Discussing work-related matters with patients on social media platforms

Answer

Accepting gifts from patients as tokens of appreciation

Answer

Sharing personal beliefs or experiences with patients

Question 49

The Patient Bill of Rights is a significant legal framework that serves the primary purpose of:

Accepted Answer

Protecting the rights and well-being of patients.

Answer

Defining the responsibilities of healthcare professionals

Answer

Establishing regulations for healthcare providers

Answer

Guiding the development of healthcare policies

Question 50

Breaching patient confidentiality can have serious consequences. Which of the following is a potential legal outcome of violating patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Legal liability

Answer

Enhanced job satisfaction

Answer

Professional recognition and advancement

Answer

Promotion to a higher position

Question 51

At the core of the nurse-patient relationship lies:

Accepted Answer

Trust and mutual respect

Answer

Power dynamics and control

Answer

Financial transactions and incentives