Nursing Ethics and Legal Issues: Essential Knowledge for Nurses

Question 1

Which ethical principle mandates nurses to prioritize the patient's well-being above all else?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Fidelity

Question 2

In nursing practice, which ethical principle emphasizes respecting the patient's values, beliefs, and right to make informed decisions about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle guiding nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle guiding nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Accountability

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 5

When obtaining informed consent from a patient, which element is most important?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient fully understands the risks and benefits

Answer

Getting the patient's signature on a form

Answer

Recording the patient's decision

Answer

Explaining the procedure to the patient's family

Question 6

To ensure proper documentation of informed consent, which method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Written consent, providing a tangible record

Answer

Verbal consent, fostering a personal connection

Answer

Implied consent, inferred from patient actions

Answer

No documentation, relying solely on verbal communication

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle that guides nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

Which ethical principle requires nurses to put their patients' well-being first?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT one of the Four Pillars of Nursing Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Professionalism

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 10

The principle of beneficence requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Act solely in the patient's best interests.

Answer

Follow all physician orders without question.

Answer

Respect patient autonomy, even if the patient is mentally ill.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality in all situations.

Question 11

A patient has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Their family has asked you not to disclose the diagnosis to the patient. As the nurse, what is your ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Inform the patient of their diagnosis, regardless of the family's wishes.

Answer

Respect the family's request and withhold the diagnosis from the patient.

Answer

Seek guidance from a physician before deciding whether to disclose the diagnosis.

Answer

Inform the patient of their diagnosis, but only if they promise to keep it confidential.

Question 12

A patient refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's wishes and discontinue the transfusion.

Answer

Convince the patient to accept the transfusion.

Answer

Contact the doctor to override the patient's decision.

Answer

Administer the transfusion without the patient's consent.

Question 13

Which action by a nurse could result in a finding of negligence?

Accepted Answer

Failing to assess a patient's safety risks and needs

Answer

Documenting a patient's medical history and progress accurately

Answer

Educating a patient about a prescribed medication

Question 14

In nursing ethics, which principle emphasizes acting in the patient's best interests?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 15

In a hospital setting, which action most effectively safeguards a patient's right to privacy?

Accepted Answer

Closing curtains around a patient's bed before performing a physical examination

Answer

Discussing a patient's treatment plan with family members without their consent

Answer

Storing patient records in an unlocked desk drawer

Answer

Entering a patient's room without knocking or announcing presence

Question 16

A patient's family requests access to their medical information. What is the nurse's ethical obligation regarding patient privacy?

Accepted Answer

Discuss the situation with the patient and their physician to determine the best course of action.

Answer

Provide the family with the information without the patient's consent.

Answer

Refuse to provide any information to the family, even with patient consent.

Answer

Only provide information relevant to the family's concerns.

Question 17

In nursing ethics, which principle emphasizes respecting patients' choices and decision-making abilities?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental right of patients?

Accepted Answer

Right to free healthcare

Answer

Right to informed consent

Answer

Right to privacy

Answer

Right to refuse treatment

Question 19

Which of the following nurse actions could result in a negligence claim?

Accepted Answer

Failing to adhere to established nursing protocols during medication administration

Answer

Documenting patient information in the medical record after the nurse's shift has ended

Answer

Offering emotional support to a patient's family

Question 20

In the context of patient autonomy, which right do patients possess?

Accepted Answer

To make informed choices about their healthcare, including the right to decline treatment

Answer

To have their medical information disclosed to their family without their consent

Question 21

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting patients' autonomy and promoting their active involvement in healthcare decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 22

Which action best exemplifies the ethical principle of non-maleficence in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Selecting the treatment option with the least risk of complications for the patient

Answer

Revealing a patient's diagnosis to their family without their consent

Answer

Administering a medication with a known side effect of nausea

Answer

Withholding information about a patient's condition to prevent emotional distress

Question 23

In nursing practice, which ethical principle is paramount when providing care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

Cultural competence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 24

When obtaining informed consent, which elements must nurses ensure are included?

Accepted Answer

A clear explanation of potential benefits, risks, and alternative treatments

Answer

A legally binding document signed by the patient

Answer

A determination of the patient's financial ability to cover the costs

Answer

The nurse's recommendation for the preferred treatment option

Question 25

Which ethical principle empowers patients to make independent decisions about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 26

In nursing ethics, which principle prioritizes preventing harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 27

In nursing, which ethical principle upholds patients' right to make choices about their own healthcare, including whether to receive or refuse treatment?

Accepted Answer

Patient Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 28

In end-of-life care, which ethical principle is most important in ensuring that patients have the right to refuse life-sustaining treatments?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 29

Which ethical principle upholds the patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy: Respect patient choices

Answer

Non-maleficence: Avoid causing harm

Answer

Beneficence: Promote well-being

Answer

Justice: Ensure fair access to care

Question 30

In nursing practice, which action best demonstrates respect for patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Providing clear information about treatments and allowing patients to make informed decisions.

Answer

Strictly following treatment protocols, disregarding patient preferences.

Answer

Unquestioningly following patient directives, even if they raise medical concerns.

Question 31

A nurse has an ethical and legal duty to ensure patient safety. Which action by a nurse could lead to a claim of negligence?

Accepted Answer

Failing to assess a patient's condition before giving medication

Answer

Following physician's orders without question

Answer

Documenting patient care accurately

Answer

Performing a procedure after obtaining the patient's informed consent

Question 32

Which of the following best describes the primary obligation of a nurse according to the ethical principle of non-maleficence?

Accepted Answer

Avoid causing harm to patients.

Answer

Provide benefits to patients.

Answer

Respect patient autonomy.

Answer

Promote patient justice.

Question 33

In healthcare, which ethical principle is widely recognized as the foundation of patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 34

A patient with a terminal illness has clearly stated their wish to refuse life-sustaining treatment. Which ethical principle is most relevant to the nurse's decision-making in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 35

A nurse is caring for a patient who is a Jehovah's Witness. The patient declines a blood transfusion, despite its medical necessity. What is the nurse's appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and withhold the blood transfusion.

Answer

Administer the blood transfusion without the patient's consent.

Answer

Contact the physician to override the patient's choice.

Answer

Inform the patient of the potential fatal consequences of refusing the blood transfusion.

Question 36

Which ethical principle mandates that nurses prioritize patients' decision-making rights and choices?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 37

In nursing practice, which legal consequence arises when a nurse's failure to follow established protocols or standards of care leads to patient harm?

Accepted Answer

Negligence

Answer

Contributory negligence

Answer

Comparative negligence

Question 38

Which of the following nurse actions could result in a negligence claim?

Accepted Answer

Failing to assess fall risk and implement safety measures

Answer

Accurately documenting patient care

Answer

Administering medications as prescribed

Answer

Providing emotional support to a patient's family

Question 39

A patient with the capacity to make informed decisions requests that information about their diagnosis be withheld. Which nursing response is most ethically and legally justified?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's wishes and withhold the information.

Answer

Provide the information to the patient's family instead.

Answer

Inform the patient about their diagnosis but omit specific details.

Question 40

Which ethical guideline should nurses using social media professionally prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality by not sharing identifiable information

Answer

Posting only work-related content

Answer

Using social media to connect with colleagues and share best practices

Question 41

How does the ethical principle of 'non-maleficence' guide nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Nurses must carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of their actions, choosing the option that minimizes harm.

Answer

Nurses must always prioritize preventing harm to patients, even if it means overriding their wishes.

Answer

Non-maleficence is the sole ethical principle that nurses need to consider in their practice.

Answer

Non-maleficence requires nurses to actively cause harm to patients if it is deemed beneficial in the long run.

Question 42

In quality improvement initiatives, which ethical principle should nurses prioritize above all others?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring patient safety and well-being

Answer

Preserving the healthcare organization's reputation

Answer

Strictly following institutional policies

Answer

Focusing on cost-effectiveness

Question 43

In culturally competent nursing care, which strategy is most effective for nurses to overcome language barriers and enhance patient-nurse communication?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing professional interpreters trained in medical terminology and cultural sensitivity.

Answer

Using medical jargon and technical terms to facilitate precise communication.

Answer

Relying on family members to interpret for the patient, even if they are minors.

Answer

Asking the patient to repeat themselves multiple times until the nurse comprehends.

Question 44

When a patient requests to discontinue life-sustaining treatment, the nurse's ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's request, unless it conflicts with medical advice.

Answer

Consult with the patient's family before making a decision.

Answer

Attempt to persuade the patient to change their mind.

Answer

Seek legal guidance to determine the best course of action.

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a protected aspect of patient privacy under HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

Patient's full name

Answer

Medical records

Answer

Payment information

Answer

Insurance coverage

Question 46

If a nurse witnesses a patient abusing a staff member, their ethical and legal obligations include:

Accepted Answer

Both A and C.

Answer

Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities.

Answer

Providing emotional support to the staff member.

Answer

Documenting the incident thoroughly.

Question 47

In the context of organ allocation and transplantation, which ethical principle prioritizes fairness and equality in the distribution and use of organs?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 48

Which fundamental ethical principle in nursing emphasizes respect for patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 49

A nurse suspecting patient abuse has the primary ethical obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Report suspicions to authorities

Answer

Maintain confidentiality

Answer

Obtain written consent from the patient

Answer

Consult the patient's family

Question 50

Which action is considered a boundary violation in the nurse-patient relationship?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in sexual contact

Answer

Accepting gifts

Answer

Sharing personal information with consent

Answer

Providing care within scope of practice

Question 51

Which anti-discrimination law protects individuals with disabilities in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Answer

Employment Act

Answer

Housing Act

Answer

Public Accommodations Act

Question 52

In end-of-life care, the ethical priority is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect patient choices and wishes

Answer

Focus primarily on prolonging life

Answer

Follow religious directives

Answer

Make decisions solely by healthcare professionals

Question 53

A primary benefit of utilizing an ethics committee in healthcare is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide guidance in complex ethical situations

Answer

Ensure consistent decision-making

Answer

Protect nurses from legal liability

Answer

Eliminate the need for individual ethical reflection

Question 54

When using social media to connect with patients, which ethical principle is of paramount importance for nurses to prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 55

Which strategy is crucial for providing culturally competent nursing care?

Accepted Answer

Continuously seeking education on cultural competence

Answer

Assuming patients share similar cultural values

Answer

Using an interpreter only for significant language barriers

Answer

Avoiding discussions about cultural differences

Question 56

Which ethical principle prioritizes doing good and preventing harm?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 57

In nursing practice, which ethical concern is of utmost importance when considering the use of physical restraints on patients?

Accepted Answer

Preserving patient autonomy and dignity

Answer

Minimizing physical harm

Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Answer

Preventing infection

Question 58

When providing care to patients with disabilities, nurses must adhere to which ethical principles?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy, non-discrimination, and reasonable accommodations

Answer

Confidentiality, privacy, and veracity

Answer

Justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy, beneficence, and fidelity

Question 59

How does a nurse's understanding of different cultures help them make ethical decisions that respect a patient's choices, well-being, and safety?

Accepted Answer

Understanding different cultures helps nurses respect patients' values and beliefs, leading to better ethical choices.

Answer

Understanding different cultures is only important when caring for patients from different backgrounds.

Answer

Ethical rules are always more important than cultural differences when making ethical choices.

Answer

Understanding different cultures doesn't affect a nurse's duty to help and avoid harming patients.

Question 60

In the context of professional networking and patient care, what is the primary ethical and legal concern related to nurses' use of social media?

Accepted Answer

Breaching patient privacy by disclosing confidential information

Answer

Harming the nurse's reputation through inappropriate posts

Answer

Misrepresenting the nurse's qualifications or credentials

Answer

Communicating with patients on social media outside of professional settings

Question 61

An elderly patient presents with suspicious bruises and injuries. The nurse suspects elder abuse by the patient's family caregiver. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Document the suspected abuse and immediately notify the patient's physician and Adult Protective Services.

Answer

Respect patient confidentiality and not disclose the suspected abuse without the patient's consent.

Answer

Confront the family caregiver directly about the suspected abuse.

Question 62

Select the fundamental ethical principle that emphasizes respecting a patient's choices and decisions, even if they differ from healthcare recommendations:

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 63

In a situation where a patient declines a potentially life-saving medical treatment due to their religious beliefs, the ethical responsibility of a nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's wishes and provide alternative care options

Answer

Administer the treatment regardless of the patient's objections

Answer

Consult with an ethics committee for guidance

Question 64

A key element of valid informed consent involves ensuring that:

Accepted Answer

The patient has the capacity to understand the information provided

Answer

The consent is documented in writing

Answer

The patient is at least 18 years of age