Question 1

The nurse is providing care to a patient experiencing pain. The nurse assesses the pain and promptly administers the ordered analgesics as promised to the patient. This nurse has applied what concept?

Accepted Answer

A)  Autonomy 
B)  Accountability 
C)  Confidentiality 
D)  Fidelity

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been belligerent and is in 4-point "leather" restraints. When the patient continues to be verbally abusive and still tries to kick and punch staff even though he is restrained, the nurse should carry out which action?

Accepted Answer

A)  Do not attempt to meet patient needs until the patient has calmed down. 
B)  Only provide care while security is in the room. 
C)  Continue to attempt to meet the patient's needs. 
D)  Inform the patient the police will be called if the patient's behavior does not stop.

Question 3

The nurse understands "First, do no harm" defines what ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

A)  Beneficence 
B)  Justice 
C)  Fidelity 
D)  Nonmaleficence

Question 4

The nurse realizes that a medication error has been made. The nurse then reports the error and takes responsibility to ensure patient safety despite personal consequences. This nurse has exhibited what ethical concept?

Accepted Answer

A)  Autonomy 
B)  Accountability 
C)  Justice 
D)  Advocacy

Question 5

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had many admissions and readmissions. The nurse believes that the patient keeps coming to the hospital because the patient "wants his drugs," and is "non-compliant" at home with diabetic therapy. To reduce the risk of slander against this patient, the nurse should carry out which action?

Accepted Answer

A)  Write opinions in the medical record only. 
B)  Never share observations. 
C)  Make judgmental statements in private. 
D)  Avoid making judgmental statements.

Question 6

When providing end-of-life care, the nurse knows it is essential to carry out which action?

Accepted Answer

A)  Tell the patient what he might like to hear to relieve anxiety. 
B)  Begin making health care decisions for the patient. 
C)  Provide the patient with the nurse's personal opinions. 
D)  Offer unconditional support for the patient and family.

Question 7

The nurse understands who is ultimately responsible for explaining the content of the informed consent?

Accepted Answer

A)  The registered nurse 
B)  The hospital social worker 
C)  Educated family members 
D)  The provider of the procedure

Question 8

After studying legal issues important to nursing, the student shows appropriate understanding with which statement?

Accepted Answer

A)  Laws change often, creating liability issues for nurses. 
B)  Licensure laws are devised to protect the nurse. 
C)  The nurse is not responsible for other disciplines' mistakes. 
D)  Keeping current with changing laws can protect the nurse.

Question 9

Which nurse has committed a serious documentation error?

Accepted Answer

A)  The nurse who documents all medications for assigned patients prior to administration. 
B)  The nurse who documents medication administration as the medications are given. 
C)  The nurse who documents assessments as soon as they are completed. 
D)  The nurse who documents meal intake as meal trays are picked up.

Exam 11: Ethical and Legal Considerations