Exam 1: Ethical Issues in Nursing

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?

A 4-year-old child developed a seizure disorder that may be related to a medication error that occurred 3 years ago. What is true of the statute of limitations in this case?

A nurse is taking care of an incompetent patient who is admitted to a medical-surgical unit for treatment. Which notation on the medical record would the nurse identify as indicating the best form of substituted judgement?

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?

The nurse is preparing an educational class to improve communication by members of the healthcare team who interact with patients who have health literacy issues concerning obtaining informed consent. What method would be most effective for the nurse to use so as to help enhance communication?

A nurse is working with a pregnant patient who has been referred to the clinic for genetic testing based on a family history of genetic illnesses. The patient states, "why should have the test done because I am not going to terminate the pregnancy." How should the nurse respond to this patient comment?

A nurse walking down the medical unit hears a patient gasp and goes into the room to find that the patient is not breathing and unresponsive. The patient is not assigned to this nurse and there is no indication in the room regarding the patient's code status. What priority action should the nurse perform?

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?

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?

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?

The nurse is reviewing the Patient Determination Act of 1990. What principles should the nurse understand as being the basis for this act?

A group of nurses are discussing subject involvement in a clinical research trial. Which action would the nurses indicate as being required in order to be compliant with an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

An individual is brought into the emergency room by law enforcement for observation and treatment and placed under arrest. Which nursing action would be appropriate related to the concept of informed consent?

A nurse is taking care of a terminally ill patient who is seeking to use new experimental medication. Which legal law would the nurse determine to be applicable to this patient request?

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

A group of nursing students are discussing legal/ethical concepts related to standards of care. In given situations, the nature and degree of reasonable care expected of people providing care may differ. Which factor would the nursing students identify that would cause a difference in the delivery of care?

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?

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?

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?

A group of nurses are discussing the concept of substituted judgment. Which option would the nurse identify as best describing this type of legal decision?