Exam 4: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Which type of law gives state boards of nursing the authority to make rules and regulations governing nursing as set forth in the nursing practice acts?

A 97-year-old client with renal failure has been hospitalized frequently during the past year.The client expresses "not wanting to go on like this" and fears being put on a "breathing machine" as the condition worsens.Which document could the nurse suggest that the client sign to ensure his or her wishes are carried out?

The nurse is caring for two clients,one who is rich and famous and one who is a homeless person.The nurse has difficulty providing the same quality of care to each of these clients.This is an example of a breach in:

An employment contract is made between a nurse and a health care agency to perform certain services.The nurse is aware that this is an example of which type of law?

Public law is developed by persons appointed to government administrative agencies that must enforce the laws passed by the legislature.The Social Security Act is an example of which type of law?

The nurse encourages a client who had abdominal surgery earlier in the day to breathe deeply and cough to keep the lungs clear,while recognizing the procedure is painful to the client at this point in the postoperative recovery process.This is an example of:

A client who is terminally ill has been told of his prognosis by his physician,but doesn't want his adult children to know he has only a few months to live.When the children approach you and request information about their father's prognosis,which actions would BEST represent the nurse in the role of client advocate?

In most cases,a nurse would experience loss of license and be sentenced to jail time if found guilty of breaking which type of law?

Which of the following persons would be eligible to assume responsibility as a durable power of attorney for health care for a client?

Under which of these charges could a nurse lose his or her license and be imprisoned for more than a year?

Upon reviewing a health care provider's orders for an assigned client,you notice that tetracycline,Maalox,and an iron supplement have been prescribed.You understand tetracycline absorption is decreased when administered with antacids or ferrous sulfate,and that the antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach.You then schedule these medications to be given several hours apart and the tetracycline 2 to 3 hours before meals.This nursing intervention represents an example of which ethical principle?

A nurse who bases actions on behavior that creates the greatest good for the greatest number is following which ethical theory?

Nurses must be aware that disciplinary action by the state board of nursing can include such things as fines,suspension of nursing licensure,and:

If you suspect a coworker is diverting drugs or abusing alcohol,which of these actions should you take first?

Which term BEST describes an individual's collection of inner beliefs,which guide actions and help determine life choices?

A client undergoing renal dialysis is on a transplant list awaiting a suitable donor.Since donors are scarce and transplant candidates are selected according to greatest need and greatest possibility of successful transplant,you realize the client may undergo dialysis for many months or even years.Which ethical principle does this situation represent?

The nurse must understand that guidelines are developed by the state boards of nursing to direct nursing care.This is an example of:

Nursing practice acts are created and governed under what type of law?

The client will be undergoing a surgical procedure.The nurse is aware that the responsibility to obtain informed consent from a client is done by:

A breach in criminal law involving a crime of a serious nature is committed.The punishment of incarceration at a state or federal prison for more than 1 year is given.This is an example of which type of criminal law?