Nursing Ethics and Law: Essential Knowledge for Nurses

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

What is the legal document that ensures that the patient has been informed of the risks and benefits of a procedure and has consented to it?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Patient's Bill of Rights

Answer

Advanced directive

Answer

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Question 3

What is the initial stage of the nursing process that involves gathering data about the patient's health status?

Accepted Answer

Assessment

Answer

Diagnosis

Answer

Planning

Answer

Evaluation

Question 4

Which type of nursing intervention is initiated by a nurse without the direct order of a physician?

Accepted Answer

Independent

Answer

Dependent

Answer

Collaborative

Answer

Interdependent

Question 5

What is the key distinction between a dependent and an independent nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Dependent interventions require a physician's order, while independent interventions do not

Answer

Independent interventions require a physician's order, while dependent interventions do not

Answer

Dependent interventions are performed by nurses, while independent interventions are performed by physicians

Answer

Independent interventions are performed by nurses, while dependent interventions are performed by physicians

Question 6

The Joint Commission is a:

Accepted Answer

Accrediting body for healthcare organizations

Answer

Professional organization for nurses

Answer

Government agency that regulates nursing

Answer

Non-profit organization that provides patient safety resources

Question 7

As a patient advocate, which of the following is a primary responsibility of a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Challenge physician's orders if they conflict with the patient's values and preferences

Answer

Ignore patient requests due to time constraints

Answer

Make decisions on the patient's behalf without their consent

Question 8

When making end-of-life care decisions, which action is crucial for nurses to take to support patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's choices and preferences

Answer

Following the doctor's orders without question

Answer

Only sharing information that supports the patient's desired treatment plan

Question 9

Which ethical principle prioritizes respect for patient decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 10

What type of guideline establishes legal boundaries for nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Nurse Practice Act

Answer

Professional Standard of Care

Answer

Ethical Code of Nurses

Answer

Regulatory Framework for Nursing Education

Question 11

Which action violates a patient's informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Performing the procedure without direct authorization from the patient

Answer

Explaining the procedure and obtaining the patient's signature

Answer

Providing information about alternative treatment options

Answer

Documenting the patient's consent in their medical record

Question 12

What is an ethical responsibility of a nurse who witnesses a colleague providing substandard care?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the relevant authority

Answer

Confront the colleague personally

Answer

Overlook the incident to avoid confrontation

Answer

Document the incident and maintain confidentiality

Question 13

Which professional standard requires nurses to record patient information accurately and completely?

Accepted Answer

Documenting patient care accurately

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality

Answer

Using evidence-based practices

Answer

Advocating for patient rights

Question 14

What is the primary obligation of nurses under the principle of beneficence?

Accepted Answer

Acting in the best interests of patients

Answer

Protecting patients from harm

Answer

Respecting patient choices

Answer

Promoting patient well-being

Question 15

What is the nature of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

A professional guide for ethical conduct

Answer

A legal mandate for nurses

Answer

A regulatory framework for nursing practice

Answer

A mandatory code of conduct for nurses

Question 16

The ethical principle that advocates for treating individuals fairly and equitably, regardless of their personal characteristics or affiliations, is:

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 17

In a situation where a patient's values and beliefs differ from the nurse's own, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's values and beliefs and collaborate to find a compromise

Answer

Ignore the patient's values and beliefs

Answer

Impose their own values and beliefs on the patient

Answer

Report the patient to their doctor or supervisor

Question 18

The legal concept that holds healthcare providers responsible for their actions and omissions in the care of their patients is:

Accepted Answer

Negligence

Answer

Assault

Answer

Libel

Answer

Battery

Question 19

The Nurse Practice Act defines the:

Accepted Answer

Scope of nursing practice in each state

Answer

Educational requirements for nurses

Answer

Ethical guidelines for nurses

Answer

Legal responsibilities of nurses

Question 20

In genetic testing, which ethical principle is most important when getting informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 21

Which fundamental ethical principle guides nursing practice by prioritizing patient decision-making and self-determination?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 22

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is primarily focused on:

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of patient medical information

Answer

Regulating the prescription and use of medications

Answer

Establishing educational standards for healthcare professionals

Answer

Enforcing patient rights and preventing discrimination

Question 23

Engaging in personal financial transactions with a patient is considered a violation of which ethical boundary?

Accepted Answer

Professional

Answer

Emotional

Answer

Physical

Answer

Spiritual

Question 24

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of negligence in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Failing to meet the accepted standard of care

Answer

Intentionally causing harm to a patient

Answer

Lacking sufficient knowledge or skills

Answer

Making an error in judgment

Question 25

The Nurse Practice Act serves to:

Accepted Answer

Define the legal scope of nursing practice

Answer

Establish educational requirements for nurses

Answer

Regulate the use of prescription medications

Answer

Protect patients from unethical nursing practices

Question 26

Which action best exemplifies the ethical duty of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the privacy of patient information

Answer

Discussing a patient's care with their family without their consent

Answer

Reporting suspected abuse or neglect

Answer

Testifying in court about a patient's medical condition

Question 27

The ethical principle of beneficence emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Doing good and preventing harm

Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Answer

Ensuring fairness and equity

Answer

Promoting informed decision-making

Question 28

In nursing ethics, which principle prioritizes the patient's right to make choices about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 29

For a patient with decision-making capacity, which ethical principle should be prioritized when making healthcare decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy: Respecting the patient's right to make choices about their own healthcare

Answer

Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm to the patient

Answer

Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of the patient

Question 30

Which ethical principle mandates respecting the patient's autonomy in decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 31

The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) defines the:

Accepted Answer

Scope of nursing practice within a particular jurisdiction

Answer

Continuing education requirements for nurses

Answer

Ethical guidelines for nurses

Question 32

Which action constitutes a violation of patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Divulging a patient's medical details to a colleague without consent

Answer

Filing a legal complaint against someone who breached confidentiality.

Answer

Documenting a patient's care in a secure medical record.

Question 33

When is it appropriate to assign a task to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

Accepted Answer

When the task falls within the UAP's scope of practice and their competency has been verified.

Answer

When the patient specifically requests the UAP to do the task

Answer

When the nurse is short-staffed.

Question 34

Which ethical principle emphasizes treating all patients fairly and equitably?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Question 35

A potential repercussion of violating ethical or legal standards in nursing is:

Accepted Answer

Loss or suspension of professional license

Answer

Promotion to a position of higher responsibility

Answer

Enhanced reputation among colleagues

Question 36

When faced with an ethical conundrum, nurses' initial action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Consult with colleagues, supervisors, or an ethics board

Answer

Base a decision on individual sentiments

Answer

Seek legal counsel without delay

Question 37

A fundamental component of informed consent is:

Accepted Answer

Patient comprehension of the procedure, potential risks, and anticipated benefits

Answer

Doctor's recommendation

Answer

Patient's signature on a consent document

Question 38

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily addresses:

Accepted Answer

Protection of patient health information privacy and security

Answer

Establishment of minimum nurse staffing ratios

Answer

Regulation of nursing practice standards

Answer

Ensuring patient access to their medical records

Question 39

Which fundamental ethical principle emphasizes the patient's right to participate in decision-making regarding their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 40

Which legal document defines the authorized activities and limitations of nursing practice in a specific jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Nurse Practice Act

Answer

Code of Ethics for Nurses

Answer

American Nurses Association Standards of Practice

Answer

Patient Bill of Rights

Question 41

An ethical principle requires nurses to report observed substandard care provided by colleagues. Which principle is this?

Accepted Answer

Duty to report

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Patient self-determination

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a required element of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Patient must be intoxicated

Answer

Information must be provided in a comprehensible manner

Answer

Patient must voluntarily agree to the procedure

Answer

Patient must have decision-making capacity

Question 43

In promoting cultural competence, what is a nurse's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds

Answer

Imposing personal cultural beliefs on patients

Answer

Disregarding cultural variations

Question 44

Which action constitutes negligence in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Failing to assess a patient's pain level

Answer

Adhering to physician's orders

Answer

Documenting patient encounters

Answer

Administering medications according to the schedule

Question 45

When is it ethically justifiable to withhold information from a patient?

Accepted Answer

When the patient's mental or emotional well-being would be significantly compromised

Answer

When the nurse judges it to be in the patient's best interests

Answer

When the patient is unconscious

Question 46

What is the main goal of a Code of Ethics for nurses?

Accepted Answer

Guiding nurses' professional conduct and providing a framework for ethical decision-making

Answer

Defining the legal scope of nursing practice

Answer

Establishing standards for nursing education

Question 47

Which ethical principle prioritizes respecting patient autonomy and informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 48

According to the Nurse Practice Act, a nurse's primary obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the patient's well-being.

Answer

Prescribe medications independently.

Answer

Manage financial resources.

Answer

Perform surgical procedures.

Question 49

When a patient lacks decision-making capacity, who is legally authorized to make healthcare decisions on their behalf?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare proxy designated by the patient.

Answer

Treating physician.

Answer

Family members.

Answer

Attending nurse.

Question 50

Which of the following is a potential legal consequence of violating patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Civil or criminal charges.

Answer

Enhanced nursing skills.

Answer

Promotion to a supervisory role.

Answer

Increased patient satisfaction.

Question 51

When should a nurse report suspected abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Immediately.

Answer

After consulting with a supervisor.

Answer

Only with the patient's consent.

Answer

After gathering all possible evidence.

Question 52

Which ethical principle emphasizes treating all patients fairly and equitably?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 53

What is the most effective way for nurses to protect themselves against legal liability?

Accepted Answer

Documenting patient care accurately and thoroughly.

Answer

Following physician orders without question.

Answer

Minimizing contact with patients.

Answer

Obtaining malpractice insurance.

Question 54

What is the primary purpose of ethical codes in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To guide ethical decision-making and professional conduct.

Answer

To shield nurses from legal consequences.

Answer

To promote professional development opportunities.

Answer

To ensure compliance with physician orders.