Ethics and Law in Pediatric Nursing: Online Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which ethical principle is the basis for obtaining informed consent in pediatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which action is NOT a legal responsibility of nurses in the pediatric setting?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring cultural and religious preferences

Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Answer

Advocating for the best interests of the child

Answer

Reporting suspected child abuse

Question 3

When faced with ethical dilemmas in pediatric nursing, which factor should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Benefiting the child

Answer

Following parental wishes

Answer

Adhering to hospital protocols

Answer

Relying on personal beliefs

Question 4

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, what is the overarching goal of ethical decision-making in pediatric care?

Accepted Answer

Promoting the child's well-being

Answer

Safeguarding patient rights

Answer

Respecting parental autonomy

Answer

Upholding institutional regulations

Question 5

In the United States, what is the legal age at which individuals can make their own healthcare decisions?

Accepted Answer

18 years

Answer

16 years

Answer

21 years

Answer

Legal age varies by state

Question 6

Which ethical principle requires healthcare professionals to keep patient information strictly confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 7

In cases of suspected child abuse, what is the primary legal responsibility of nurses?

Accepted Answer

Contacting the appropriate authorities and reporting the incident

Answer

Confronting the suspected abuser directly

Answer

Documenting the incident and informing the supervisor

Answer

Keeping the incident confidential and not intervening

Question 8

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting a child's developing ability to make choices and involving them in decision-making appropriate to their age and maturity level?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 9

According to the Nurse Practice Act, what is a nurse's legal obligation if they suspect child abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Document the incident and notify the healthcare provider

Answer

Inform the child's parents

Answer

Preserve evidence

Question 10

Which ethical principle prioritizes minimizing harm and promoting well-being?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 11

In caring for a terminally ill child, which legal doctrine protects the nurse from liability for discontinuing life-sustaining treatment at the request of the child's parents?

Accepted Answer

Patient self-determination

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Wrongful death

Question 12

In the United States, which action is legally mandated for a nurse who suspects child abuse?

Accepted Answer

Reporting the suspected abuse

Answer

Documenting the suspected abuse

Answer

Informing the child's parents

Answer

Consulting with a social worker

Question 13

Which nursing intervention is most crucial in preventing post-traumatic stress disorder in a child who has experienced a traumatic event?

Accepted Answer

Providing a safe and supportive environment

Answer

Encouraging the child to talk about their experience

Answer

Administering anti-anxiety medication

Answer

Restricting the child's access to reminders of the trauma

Question 14

Which ethical perspective underscores the importance of respecting cultural diversity in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Feminist ethics

Question 15

Which legal principle permits parents to make medical decisions for their minor children?

Accepted Answer

Parental rights

Answer

Emancipation of minors

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Surrogate decision-making

Question 16

What is a crucial ethical principle in caring for a child nearing the end of life?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the child's autonomy

Answer

Prioritizing parental wishes over the child's preferences

Answer

Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment without fully exploring options

Answer

Using pain medication only for severe pain

Question 17

Which ethical principle places the utmost importance on respecting the wishes and values of competent patients, including children?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 18

According to HIPAA, who holds the legal responsibility of safeguarding the privacy of pediatric patients' medical records?

Accepted Answer

The healthcare providers involved in the patient's care

Answer

Exclusively the parents or guardians

Answer

The child themselves, if they possess the maturity to comprehend the information

Answer

The government regulatory bodies

Question 19

In instances where a child is deemed legally incompetent to make medical decisions, who typically assumes the legal authority to make such decisions on their behalf?

Accepted Answer

The child's parents or guardians

Answer

The healthcare provider

Answer

The child's siblings

Answer

The government

Question 20

Which ethical principle places prime importance on upholding the patient's right to make choices concerning their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 21

Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which of the following entities is authorized to access and utilize protected health information without explicit patient consent?

Accepted Answer

The patient's healthcare providers

Answer

Law enforcement agencies

Answer

Insurance companies

Answer

Researchers

Question 22

Which element is NOT a crucial component of obtaining informed consent in pediatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining consent from both the child and their parent or guardian

Answer

Clearly explaining the potential risks and benefits of the treatment

Answer

Ensuring the child has a clear understanding of the information provided

Answer

Thoroughly documenting the consent process

Question 23

When faced with an ethical dilemma in pediatric nursing, what should be the initial step taken?

Accepted Answer

Identify the relevant ethical principles involved

Answer

Seek advice from colleagues

Answer

Adhere to established institutional policies

Answer

Make a decision solely based on personal beliefs

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of the Patient Bill of Rights?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard patients' rights and responsibilities during healthcare interactions

Answer

To establish legal standards for healthcare providers

Answer

To provide guidance on ethical decision-making

Answer

To ensure patient privacy

Question 25

Which organization is responsible for developing ethical guidelines for nurses in the United States?

Accepted Answer

American Nurses Association

Answer

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Answer

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Answer

Joint Commission

Question 26

Which ethical concept emphasizes fairness and impartiality in the allocation of healthcare resources?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 27

What is the primary role of a pediatric nurse advocate?

Accepted Answer

To represent the child's best interests and ensure their well-being

Answer

To provide legal counsel to the family

Answer

To make ethical decisions on behalf of the child

Answer

To provide emotional support to the child

Question 28

As a nurse, what is your primary duty when you suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities

Answer

Begin an investigation into the claims

Answer

Decide if abuse or neglect has taken place

Answer

Offer counseling to the child and their family

Question 29

Which ethical principle emphasizes honoring the choices and wishes of the patient, even if they differ from the nurse's own beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 30

Which of the following actions would violate patient confidentiality in a pediatric nursing setting?

Accepted Answer

Using a patient's medical information for research without their consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's medical condition with their parents or guardians

Answer

Sharing a patient's diagnosis with another nurse involved in their care

Answer

Documenting a patient's vital signs in their medical chart

Question 31

Which federal law protects the privacy of individuals' health information?

Accepted Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Answer

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Answer

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Question 32

When reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, nurses must adhere to:

Accepted Answer

Mandatory reporting laws in their state and territory

Answer

HIPAA regulations

Answer

ANA Code of Ethics

Answer

Hospital policies

Question 33

Which ethical principle guides nurses to treat all patients fairly, regardless of their background or circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 34

In pediatric nursing, confidentiality means protecting a patient's private medical information. Which of the following actions would violate this principle?

Accepted Answer

Posting a patient's photo on social media without their permission

Answer

Talking to a patient's parent or guardian about their diagnosis

Answer

Sharing medical information with a healthcare professional involved in the patient's care

Answer

Telling the patient's school about an upcoming surgery, with their consent

Question 35

A nurse is caring for a terminally ill child whose parents have requested a **do not resuscitate (DNR)** order. What is the nurse's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

To follow the parents' wishes within legal and ethical guidelines

Answer

To resuscitate the child regardless of the parents' wishes

Answer

To contact the child protection agency

Answer

To consult with the physician before making a decision

Question 36

A nurse is providing care to a child who has been abused. The nurse has a legal obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Keep the information confidential

Answer

Seek consent from the parents before reporting the abuse

Answer

Document the abuse in the child's medical record but not report it

Question 37

A nurse is caring for a child who is being treated for cancer. The child's parents request that the nurse withhold the diagnosis from the child. The nurse's ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the parents' wishes while considering the child's best interests and following ethical guidelines

Answer

Disclose the diagnosis to the child, regardless of the parents' wishes

Answer

Consult with the physician before making a decision

Question 38

A nurse is caring for a child who has been injured in a car accident. The child's parents are not present and cannot be reached. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Provide emergency care and notify the authorities

Answer

Document the situation and wait for further instructions

Answer

Call the child's physician for instructions

Answer

Wait for the parents to arrive before providing care

Question 39

A nurse is caring for a child whose parents are non-literate and need discharge instructions. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Use verbal and written instructions, and assess the parents' understanding by having them demonstrate

Answer

Only provide verbal instructions

Answer

Only provide written instructions

Question 40

When administering medication to a pediatric patient, the nurse should prioritize which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Justice (fairness and equity)

Answer

Autonomy (self-governance)

Question 41

A nurse is caring for a child who is refusing a necessary medical procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Respect the child's decision and explore alternative options.

Answer

Call the parents to pressure the child into consenting.

Answer

Override the child's decision because the procedure is necessary.

Question 42

Which legal document protects the privacy of patients' medical information?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

Answer

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Answer

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

Question 43

A nurse observes a colleague administering an incorrect dosage of medication to a child. Which ethical principle requires the nurse to intervene?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence (doing no harm)

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Autonomy (self-governance)

Answer

Justice (fairness and equity)

Question 44

When providing care to a child with a chronic illness, the nurse should focus on which aspect of their well-being?

Accepted Answer

Holistic approach (addressing physical, emotional, and social needs)

Answer

Physical health only

Answer

Emotional well-being only

Question 45

Which legal doctrine allows parents to make medical decisions on behalf of their minor child?

Accepted Answer

Doctrine of Parens Patriae

Answer

Doctrine of Confidentiality

Answer

Doctrine of Informed Consent

Answer

Doctrine of Negligence

Question 46

A nurse is caring for a child who is being abused. Which ethical principle requires the nurse to report the suspected abuse to authorities?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Justice (fairness and equity)

Answer

Autonomy (self-governance)

Answer

Non-maleficence (doing no harm)

Question 47

Which federal law protects children with disabilities from discrimination?

Accepted Answer

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

Answer

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

Answer

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

Answer

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Question 48

When caring for a child from a diverse cultural background, the nurse should be aware of which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Cultural sensitivity (respecting and valuing cultural differences)

Answer

Autonomy (self-governance)

Answer

Non-maleficence (doing no harm)

Question 49

Which legal responsibility requires nurses to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients?

Accepted Answer

Duty of care

Answer

Duty to inform

Answer

Duty of confidentiality

Answer

Duty to advocate

Question 50

A 16-year-old patient with leukemia refuses further chemotherapy.  The patient's parents insist that the treatment continue. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and advocate for their autonomy.

Answer

Inform the physician and document the patient's refusal.

Answer

Follow the parents' wishes as they are legally responsible.

Question 51

A nurse suspects physical abuse in a 5-year-old patient. Which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Answer

Confront the parents about the suspected abuse.

Answer

Document the findings and observe for further signs.

Question 52

When obtaining informed consent from the parents of a child undergoing a procedure, what is the nurse's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the parents understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure.

Answer

Explaining the procedure in detail, including potential complications.

Answer

Obtaining the parents' signatures on the consent form.

Question 53

A nurse is caring for a 10-year-old patient who needs a blood transfusion. The parents refuse the transfusion based on religious beliefs. What ethical principle is primarily involved in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Question 54

A nurse is caring for a terminally ill pediatric patient. The parents are struggling with end-of-life decisions. What is the nurse's best approach?

Accepted Answer

Provide compassionate support and information to facilitate informed decision-making.

Answer

Offer personal opinions on the best course of action for the family.

Answer

Avoid discussing the situation to prevent further emotional distress.

Question 55

Which situation would be considered a violation of patient confidentiality in pediatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Discussing a patient's case with a nurse from another unit.

Answer

Sharing information about a patient's condition with their legal guardian.

Answer

Reporting suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Question 56

A nurse is caring for a 12-year-old patient who is receiving experimental treatment for a rare disease. The patient's parents ask about the potential risks and benefits of the treatment. What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that the treatment is new and all the risks and benefits may not be fully known.

Answer

Advise the parents to speak to the physician about their concerns.

Answer

Reassure the parents that the treatment is safe and effective.

Question 57

A nurse is working in a pediatric intensive care unit. Which situation would require the nurse to obtain consent from the patient's parents before providing care?

Accepted Answer

Administering a new medication ordered by the physician.

Answer

Taking the patient's temperature and blood pressure.

Answer

Providing comfort measures such as repositioning and offering ice chips.

Question 58

A nurse witnesses a colleague making a medication error that results in harm to a pediatric patient. What is the nurse's ethical obligation in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Report the error to the appropriate authorities and follow institutional protocol.

Answer

Confront the colleague and demand an explanation for the error.

Answer

Ignore the incident to protect the colleague's reputation.

Question 59

What is the role of an ethics committee in addressing ethical dilemmas in pediatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Provide guidance and recommendations to healthcare providers, patients, and families.

Answer

Investigate and punish healthcare providers involved in ethical violations.

Answer

Make final decisions regarding patient care and treatment options.