PrepU: Values, Ethics, & Legal Issues
A nurse completing admission paperwork asks the client about having an advanced directive. The client states, "I do not know, what is an advanced directive?" What is the nurse's best response? A. "It is a written document that identifies a person's preferences regarding which medical interventions to use in the event of a terminal condition." B. "It is an agreement that authorizes the hospital to make decisions on your behalf, if you become incapacitated." C. "I will contact the hospital social worker to come and discuss the development of an advance directive with you." D. "It is a document created by you and your attorney naming a benificiary to handle your estate if you become terminally ill."
Answer: A - "It is a written document that identifies a person's preferences regarding which medical interventions to use in the event of a terminal condition." Rationale: An advance directive is a written statement identifying a competent person's preferences regarding which medical interventions to use in the event that the client can not make a decision for themselves concerning terminal care. The other responses are not correct.
A registered nurse enters a client's room and observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) pushing a client down on the bed. The client starts crying and informs the UAP that he needs to go to the bathroom. The UAP holds the client down and tells him he was just in the bathroom. The nurse observing this incident is aware that the UAP's action is an example of: A. battery B. assault C. fraud D. defamation of character
Answer: A - Battery Rationale: The UAP is engaging in battery, which is an assault that is carried out and includes willful, angry, and violent or negligent touching of another person's body or clothes or anything attached to (or held by) that other person. Assault is a threat or an attempt to make bodily contact with another person without that person's consent. Fraud is willful and purposeful misrepresentation that could cause, or has caused, loss or harm to a person or property. Defamation of character is an intentional tort in which one party makes derogatory remarks about another that harms the other party's reputation.
The nursing student talks with her family about an AIDS client from the clinical experience yesterday. Which tort has the student committed? A. Invasion of privacy B. Fraud C. Assault D. Slander
Answer: A - Invasion of privacy Rationale: Invasion of privacy involves a breach of keeping client information confidential. Slander is oral defamation of character. Assault is a threat or attempt to make bodily contact with another person without that person's consent.
While riding in the elevator, a nurse discusses the HIV-positive status of a client with other colleagues. The nurse's action reflects: A. invasion of privacy. B. defamation of character. C. professional negligence. D. false imprisonment.
Answer: A - invasion of privacy Rationale: The nurse's action reflects an invasion of the client's privacy. Disclosing confidential information to an inappropriate third party subjects the nurse to liability for invasion of privacy, even if the information is true. Defamation of character includes false communication that results in injury to a person's reputation. Negligence is an act of omission or commission. Prevention of movement or unjustified retention of a person without consent may be false imprisonment.
A nurse provides client care within a philosophy of ethical decision making and professional expectations. What is the nurse using as a framework for practice? A. Code of Ethics B. Standards of Care C. Definition of Nursing D. Values Clarification
Answer: A - Code of Ethics Rationale: A professional code of ethics provides a framework for making ethical decisions and sets forth professional expectations. Codes of ethics inform both nurses and society of the primary goals and values of the profession.
A registered nurse has had her license suspended after being convicted of being impaired at work. What governing body has the authority to revoke or suspend a nurse's license? A. The State Board of Nurse Examiners B. The employing health care institution C. The National League for Nursing D. The Supreme Court
Answer: A - The State Board of Nurse Examiners Rationale: The State Board of Nurse Examiners in the United States may revoke or suspend a nurse's license or registration for drug or alcohol abuse.
A client states that his recent fall was caused by the fact that his scheduled antihypertensive medications were mistakenly administered by two different nurses, an event that is disputed by both of the nurses identified by the client. Which measure should the nurses prioritize when anticipating that legal action may follow? A. Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident. B. Consult with the hospital's legal department as soon as possible. C. Consult with practice advisors from the state board of nursing. D. Enlist support from nursing and non-nursing colleagues from the unit.
Answer: A - Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident. Rationale: It is imperative for nurses to carefully and accurately document assessment findings and the nursing care that they provide, a fact that is especially salient when legal action is anticipated. This thorough and accurate assessment should precede consultation with the legal department, the state board of nursing, and colleagues.
A client who is mentally incapacitated is scheduled to undergo surgery. The nurse demonstrates understanding of the principle of autonomy and checks the client's health record to ensure that consent has been obtained from which person? A. Client B. Operating surgeon C. Attending nurse D. Surrogate decision-maker
Answer: D - surrogate decision-maker Rationale: A surrogate decision-maker should be identified to give consent for the client who is mentally incapacitated. Infants, young children, people who are severely mentally handicapped or incapacitated, and people in a persistent vegetative state or coma do not have the capacity to participate in decision making about their health care. For such people, a surrogate decision maker must be identified to act on their behalf. The surgeon and the nurse are not eligible to give consent for the client.
A nurse arrives on the medical unit wearing large dangling earrings. This is an example of which type of conduct? A. Illegal B. Unethical C. Incompetent D. Unprofessional
Answer: D - unprofessional Rationale: Nurses need to present and maintain a professional demeanor and image. Large dangling earrings are not appropriate or safe. This type of conduct is not unethical, incompetent, or illegal.
Which is not true regarding Nurse Practice Acts? A. They were established to describe legitimate nursing function. B. They vary among states. C. They define the boundaries of the functions of a nurse. D. They describe what medications nurses can prescribe.
Answer: D - They describe what medications nurses can prescribe Rationale: Prescribing and dispensing medications are not legal practices for registered nurses, with the exception of nurses in advance practice roles.
In some cases, the act of providing nursing care in unexpected situations is covered by the Good Samaritan laws. Which nursing actions would most likely be covered by these laws? A. any emergency care where consent is given B. negligent acts performed in an emergency situation C. medical advice given to a neighbor regarding her child's rash D. emergency care for a choking victim in a restaurant
Answer: D - emergency care for a choking victim in a restaurant Rationale: Good Samaritan laws are designed to protect health practitioners when they give aid to people in emergency situations, such as providing emergency care to a choking victim in a restaurant. The other examples listed are not situations covered by the Good Samaritan law.
Which statement best conveys the concept of ethical agency? A. Ethical practice requires a skill set that must be conscientiously learned and nurtured. B. Individuals who enter the nursing profession often innately possess ethical characteristics. C. Ethical practice is best learned and fostered by surrounding oneself with people who exhibit ethical character. D. A nurse's understanding and execution of ethical practice is primarily a result of increased years of experience.
Answer: A - Ethical practice requires a skill set that must be conscientiously learned and nurtured Rationale: Ethical agency must be cultivated in the same way that nurses cultivate the ability to do the scientifically right thing in response to a physiologic alteration. It is inaccurate to assume that it will passively develop from the presence of other ethical practitioners, or from years of experience. It is not an innate characteristic of personality.
A client informs the nurse that he wants to discontinue his treatment and go home. Later, the nurse finds the client dressed to leave. Which action should the nurse take in this situation? A. Let the client go after signing a document stating he is going against medical advice. B. Restrain the client until his medical treatment is over. C. Call the physician and get his discharge paper signed. D. Warn the client that he may not be able to access health care again.
Answer: A - Let the client go after signing a document stating he is going against medical advice. Rationale: If a client wishes to go before his medical treatment is finished, he should sign a document indicating personal responsibility for leaving against medical advice. The nurse should not restrain the client, as it would make the nurse liable for legal action. The nurse may call the physician and get the discharge paper signed, but this is not appropriate. The nurse cannot warn the client that he will be denied health care in future, because it is his right to access the health care facility whenever he needs.
A nurse is providing client care in a hospital setting. Who has full legal responsibility and accountability for the nurse's actions? A. The nurse B. The head nurse C. The physician D. The hospital
Answer: A - The nurse Rationale: In modern practice, nurses assess and diagnose clients and plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care. Full legal responsibility and accountability for these nursing actions rest with the nurse.
A home care nurse is caring for a quadriplegic client who needs regular position changes and back massages. A gentleman identifying himself as a family friend inquires if he can be of any help to the family. What should be the nurse's response be? A. The nurse should ask the gentleman to talk to the family directly. B. The nurse should invite the gentleman to learn the caring techniques. C. The nurse should state that the family does not need any help. D. The nurse should refer the gentleman to the local social worker.
Answer: A - The nurse should ask the gentleman to talk to the family directly. Rationale: The nurse should ask the gentleman to talk to the family directly. Revealing information about the client's care is a violation of the client's privacy. The nurse should not invite the gentleman for a learning session because it would be a breach of the client's right to privacy. Referring him to a social worker is not an appropriate choice.
Which of the following illustrates the activity of acting in values clarification? A. respecting the human dignity of all clients B. seeking public affirmation for actions C. disregarding several alternatives when choosing D. considering consequences of actions
Answer: A - respecting the human dignity of all clients Rationale: When one values something, one chooses freely from alternatives after careful consideration of the consequences of each alternative. Acting incorporates the choice one makes for behavior and follows that choice consistently (e.g., respecting human dignity for all clients).
A physician is called to see a client with angina. During the visit the physician advises the nurse to decrease the atenolol to 12.5 mg. However, since the physician is late for another visit, she requests that the nurse write down the order for her. What should be the appropriate nursing action in this situation? A. The nurse should ask the physician to come back and write the order. B. The nurse should write the order and implement it. C. The nurse should inform the client of the change in medication. D. The nurse should remind the physician later to write the work order.
Answer: A - The nurse should ask the physician to come back and write the order Rationale: The nurse should ask the physician to come back and write down the order. Nurses are discouraged from following any verbal orders, except in an emergency. The nurse should never write an order on a physician's behalf because this is a wrong practice. The client should be informed about the change of medications, but this is not an appropriate action. The nurse should not leave the work for a later time, because the nurse may forget it.
The client is a 2-month-old infant extremely ill from HSV sepsis. Her mother and father have decided to stop additional medical intervention and allow the infant to pass away naturally. The mother does not want her relatives to know that they plan to stop pursuing aggressive medical treatment because it is against their family's religious beliefs to withdraw medical support. What does the nurse tell the client's mother? A. Yes, it is her decision who to inform about the family's medical decision. B. Yes, but the nurse encourages her to tell her family so that they can provide support. C. No, it is wrong to lie to people. D. No, the nurse can keep details of her diagnosis from the family, but not the fact that she is dying.
Answer: A - Yes, it is her decision who to inform about the family's medical decision Rationale: The United States health care system allows the client to make medical decisions. In the case of a minor, the client is the 2-month-old infant and her primary caregivers are her parents. United States law also gives clients the autonomy to make decisions about medical care that are culturally appropriate. This affords clients the right to share or not share any information about treatment. It is the responsibility of the health care team to uphold the request of clients.
Which word is best described by the following: the protection and support of another's rights? A. Advocacy B. Paternalism C. Autonomy D. Ethics
Answer: A - advocacy Rationale: Advocacy is the protection and support of another's rights. Nurses who value client advocacy make sure their loyalty to an employing institution or colleague does not compromise their primary commitment to the client; give priority to the good of the individual client rather than to the good of society in general; and carefully evaluate the competing claims of the client's autonomy and client well-being. Paternalism is acting for clients without their consent to secure good or prevent harm. Autonomy is respecting the rights of clients or their surrogates to make health care decisions; it is also known as self-determination. Ethics is the formal, systematic inquiry into principles of right and wrong conduct, of virtue and vice, and of good and evil as they relate to conduct and human flourishing.
A client refuses to have pain medication administered by injection. A nurse says, "If you don't let me give you the shot, I will get help to hold you down and give it." With what crime might the nurse be charged? A. Assault B. Battery C. Negligence D. Defamation
Answer: A - assault Rationale: Assault and battery are intentional torts. Assault is a threat or attempt to make bodily contact with another person without that person's consent. Threatening to forcibly administer an injection after the client has refused the injection is assault. Battery is an assault that is carried out and includes willful, angry, and violent or negligent touching of another person's body, clothes, or anything attached to (or held by) that other person. Negligence is defined as performing an act that a reasonably prudent person under similar circumstances would not do or, conversely, failing to perform an act that a reasonably prudent person under similar circumstances would do. Defamation is an intentional tort in which one party makes derogatory remarks about another that harm the other party's reputation.
A nurse volunteers to serve on the hospital ethics committee. Which of the following indicates that the nurse knows what the purpose of an ethics committee is? A. Assist in decision making based on the client's best interests. B. Decide the care for a client who is unable to voice their opinion. C. Convince the family to choose a specific course of action. D. Present options about the type of care.
Answer: A - assist in decision making based on the client's best interests. Rationale: An ethics committee will meet when a client is unable to make an end-of-life decision and the family cannot come to a consensus. The committee members are there to advocate for the best interest of the client. The committee would not convince, decide, or present options about the type of care. This is not the role of an ethics committee.
Nurses practicing in a critical care unit must acquire specialized skills and knowledge to provide care to the critically ill client. These nurses can validate this specialty competence through what process? A. Certification B. Accreditation C. Licensure D. Litigation
Answer: A - certification Rationale: Certification validates specialty knowledge, experience, and clinical judgment. A nurse in a critical care unit having specialized skills and knowledge to provide care would be an example of certification. Licensure is a specialized form of credentialing based on laws passed by a state legislature. Licensure endorses entry-level competence. Legal accreditation is granted to educational programs by state agencies endorsing the approval of the program's design and mission to meet the needs of state requirements. Litigation is not a method for validation.
A nursing student is studying the principle of autonomy. Which example most accurately depicts this principle? A. describing surgery to a client before the consent is signed B. changing a dressing on a wound as needed C. administering a morning dose of insulin before breakfast D. transporting a client to a scheduled physical therapy appointment
Answer: A - describing surgery to a client before the consent is signed Rationale: Describing surgery to a client before a consent is signed provides the client with all of the information needed to make an informed decision, thus an autonomous one. The other choices are not reflective of client decision making.
A home health nurse performs a careful safety assessment of the home of a frail older adult client to prevent harm to the client. The nurse is acting in accord with which principle of bioethics? A. Nonmaleficence B. Advocacy C. Morals D. Values
Answer: A - nonmaleficence Rationale: Nonmaleficence is a principle of bioethics and is defined as the obligation to prevent harm. Advocacy, morals, and values are not principles of bioethics.
After reporting to work for a night shift, the nurse learns that the unit will be understaffed because two RNs called out sick. As a result, each nurse on the unit will need to provide care for an additional four acute clients, in addition to her regular client assignment. Which statement is true for this nurse when working in understaffed circumstances? A. The nurse will be legally held to the same standards of care as when staffing levels are normal. B. Understaffing constitutes an extenuating circumstance that creates a temporarily lower expectation for care for the nurse. C. The nurse must document that float staff, nurses on overtime, and part-time staff were contacted in an effort to fill the gaps in care. D. The nurse is legally obliged to refuse to provide care when understaffing creates the potential for unsafe conditions.
Answer: A - the nurse will be legally held to the same standards of care as when staffing levels are normal Rationale: The claim of being overworked does not constitute a legal defense, and both the potential for liability and standards of care remain unchanged despite an increased client assignment. While it is prudent to make all realistic attempts to fill the gaps in staffing, documenting these efforts does not change the nurse's legal position. A nurse has the right to refuse an unsafe client assignment but the nurse is not legally obliged to withhold care.
A group of nurse researchers has proposed a study to examine the efficacy of a new wound care product. Which aspect of the methodology demonstrates that the nurses are attempting to maintain the ethical principle of nonmaleficence? A. The nurses are taking every reasonable measure to ensure that no participants experience impaired wound healing as a result of the study intervention. B. The nurses have organized the study in such a way that the foreseeable risks and benefits are distributed as fairly as possible. C. The nurses have given multiple opportunities for potential participants to ask questions, and have been following the informed consent process systematically. D. The nurses have completed a literature review that suggests the new treatment may result in decreased wound healing time.
Answer: A - the nurses are taking every reasonable measure to ensure that no participants experience impaired wound healing as a result of the study intervention Rationale: The principle of nonmaleficence dictates that nurses avoid causing harm. In this study, this may appear in the form of taking measures to ensure that the intervention will not cause more harm than good. The principle of justice addresses the distribution of risks and benefits. The informed consent process demonstrates that autonomy is being protected. Preliminary indications of the therapeutic value of the intervention show a respect for the principle of beneficence.
Which clinical events constitute areas of potential liability for the nurses involved? Select all that apply. A. An elderly client develops skin breakdown on his coccyx because he was turned infrequently. B. A client with no known cardiac history suffers an unwitnessed cardiac arrest and dies. C. An anemic client experiences a febrile reaction to a transfusion of packed red blood cells. D. A client experiences a seizure after a missed dose of his scheduled anticonvulsant medication. E. A confused client experiences a fall because her bed rails were left in a lowered position.
Answer: A, B, D - An elderly client develops skin breakdown on his coccyx because he was turned infrequently, A client experiences a seizure after missed dose of his scheduled anticonvulsant medication, A confused client experiences a fall because he bed rails were left in a lowered position Rationale: Liability exists when the elements of duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages exist. Failure to turn an immobile client, missing a dose of medication, and leaving a vulnerable client's bed rails lowered all constitute breaches of nurses' duties that result in damages. Not every untoward event is evidence of liability; febrile blood reactions or unexpected cardiac arrests may occur without any inappropriate causation by care providers.
A client being discharged from the hospital asks the nurse, "When I go visit my family out of state, should I take my living will with me, or do I need a new one for that state?" What is the most appropriate response made by the nurse? A. "A living will can only be used in the state it was created in." B. "Take it with you. It is recognized universally in the United States." C. "As long as your family knows your medical wishes, you will not need it." D. "We have it on file here, so any hospital can call and get a copy."
Answer: B - "Take it with you. It is recognized universally in the United States." Rationale: A separate or different advance directive is not needed for each state, so it can be used in any state and does not matter where it was created. A living will is recognized in each state as valid so a client should be advised to take it with them as they travel out of state. The other responses are incorrect or inappropriate given this scenario.
A client is brought to the emergency department by her son, who states, "I am unable to care for my mother anymore." The nurses identifies this son's ethical problem as being which of the following? A. Dilemma B. Distress C. Uncertainty D. Dissatisfaction
Answer: B - Distress Rationale: Ethical distress is when someone wants to do the right thing but is not able to. The son brings his mother to the emergency department to maintain her safety, although he needs to take care of her. The other choices may be part of the son's decision; however, the immediate problem is one of distress.
Which ethical principle refers to the obligation to do good? A. Fidelity B. Beneficence C. Veracity D. Nonmaleficence
Answer: B - beneficence Rationale: Beneficence is the duty to do good and the active promotion of benevolent acts. Fidelity refers to the duty to be faithful to one's commitments. Veracity is the obligation to tell the truth. Nonmaleficence is the duty not to inflict, as well as to prevent and remove, harm; it is more binding than beneficence.
A nurse shows client advocacy by: A. insisting that a medication be taken. B. offering a hospice consultation to a client who is terminally ill. C. sending a client home with verbal discharge instructions. D. refusing to allow a spouse to stay by the bedside.
Answer: B - offering a hospice consultation to a client who is terminally ill Rationale: The definition of advocacy is to ensure that the best interests are being met. A hospice consult is an appropriate example. The other choices do not reflect advocacy for the client.
What would be an example of the nurse practicing fidelity? The nurse: A. regulates visitors. B. stays with the client during his death as promised. C. withholds information as requested. D. provides continuity of care.
Answer: B - stays with the client during his death as promised Rationale: Fidelity requires the nurse to keep promises made and to be faithful to one's commitments.
Nurses who value client advocacy follow what guideline? A. They value their loyalty to an employing institution or to a colleague over their commitment to their clients. B. They give priority to the good of the individual client rather than to the good of society in general. C. They choose the claims of the client's well-being over the claims of the client's autonomy. D. They make decisions for clients who are uninformed concerning their rights and opportunities.
Answer: B - they give priority to the good of the individual client rather than to the good of society in general Rationale: Advocacy is the protection and support of another's rights. If the nurse values client advocacy, the nurse would give priority to the good of the individual client rather than to the good of society in general. The nurse would not be demonstrating advocacy if the nurse values the loyalty to an employing institution or to a colleague over their commitment to their client. The nurse demonstrating client advocacy would not choose the claims of the client's well-being over the claims of the client's autonomy. The nurse would not make decisions for clients who are uninformed concerning the client's rights and opportunities.
A nurse enters the client's room and finds the client lying on the floor with ongoing seizures. The nurse helps the client to get up, makes him comfortable, and then informs the physician. The physician advises the nurse to prepare an incident report. What is the purpose of an incident report? A. to provide a method of deciding the nurse's fault in the incident B. to evaluate quality care and potential risks for injury to the client C. to provide information to local, state, and federal agencies D. to evaluate the immediate care provided by the nurse to the client
Answer: B - to evaluate quality care and potential risks for injury to the client Rationale: An incident report is a written account of an unusual, potentially injurious event involving a client, employee, or visitor. Incident reports determine how to prevent hazardous situations and serve as a reference in case of future litigation. Accurate and detailed documentation often helps to prove that the nurse acted reasonably or appropriately in the circumstances. It may not always serve as a method of determining the nurse's fault in the incident. The document does not evaluate the immediate care provided to the client, rather states the actions taken.
What is the term for the beliefs held by the individual about what matters? A. Ethics B. Values C. Morals D. Bioethics
Answer: B - values Rationale: Values are ideals and beliefs held by an individual or group; values act as a standard to guide one's behavior. Ethics are moral principles and values that guide the behavior of honorable people. A moral is a standard for right and wrong. Bioethics is related to ethical questions surrounding life and death, as well as questions and concerns regarding quality of life as it relates to advanced technology.
A client age 46 years has been diagnosed with cancer. He has met with the oncologist and is now weighing his options to undergo chemotherapy or radiation as his treatment. This client is utilizing which ethical principle in making his decision? A. Beneficence B. Confidentiality C. Autonomy D. Justice
Answer: C - Autonomy Rationale: Autonomy entails the ability to make a choice free from external constraints. Beneficence is the duty to do good and the active promotion of benevolent acts. Confidentiality relates to the concept of privacy. Justice states that like cases should be treated alike.
A nursing faculty is presenting a lecture on ethics. The correct definition of ethical distress is: A. being aware of the principles of right and wrong B. supporting the rights of a client during hospitalization C. knowing the correct action, but unable to perform due to constraints D. belief about worth as a standard to guide behavior
Answer: C - Knowing the correct action, but unable to perform due to constraints Rationale: Knowing the correct action but being unable to perform the action due to constraints is the definition of ethical distress.
A client is unhappy with the health care provided to him. He approaches the nurse and informs her that he is leaving the facility. The client has not been discharged by the physician. The nurse finds that the client has dressed and is ready to go. What would the nurse's action be in this situation? A. The nurse should get the client restrained and call the physician. B. The nurse should let the client go because she cannot do anything. C. The nurse should call the nursing supervisor and inform her about the situation. D. The nurse should warn the client that he cannot come to the hospital again.
Answer: C - The nurse should call the supervisor and inform her about the situation Rationale: The nurse should call the nursing supervisor and inform her about the situation. The client should be made to sign the document stating that he is responsible for his own actions. The nurse cannot keep the client restrained because that would be false imprisonment. Likewise, the nurse cannot overlook the incident because there is a responsibility for client care. Additionally, the nurse cannot warn the client that he will not be allowed to come back to the hospital because it is the client's right to access health care whenever required.
A client is received in a postoperative nursing unit after undergoing abdominal surgery. During this time the nurse failed to recognize the significance of abdominal swelling, which significantly increased during the next 6 hours. Later, the client had to undergo emergency surgery. The lack of action on the nurse's part is liable for action. Which legal term describes the case? A. Misdemeanor B. Felony C. Tort D. Battery
Answer: C - Tort Rationale: A tort is a litigation in which one person asserts that a physical, emotional, or financial injury was a consequence of another person's actions or failure to act. The lack of action on the nurse's part truly indicates unintentional tort. A misdemeanor or felony would be an offense under criminal law, and neither is applicable in this case. Battery is unlawful physical contact.
A nurse observes another nurse place an unused dose of narcotics in their pocket. If caught, the nurse could be charged with which type of crime? A. negligence B. misdemeanor C. felony D. tort
Answer: C - felony Rationale: A felony is a serious criminal offense, and includes actions such as stealing narcotics, murder, falsifying medical records, and insurance fraud. A misdemeanor is a minor criminal offense; a tort is a lawsuit in which a plaintiff charges that a defendant committed a deliberately aggressive act. Negligence is harm that results because a person did not act reasonably.
A client nearing the end of life requests that he be given no food or fluids. The physician orders the insertion of a nasogastric tube to feed the client. What situation does this create for the nurse providing care? A. The nurse must follow the physician's orders. B. The nurse is unable to provide care for the client. C. The nurse faces an ethical dilemma about inconsistent courses of action. D. The physician's order creates a barrier to establishing an effective nurse-client relationship.
Answer: C - the nurse faces an ethical dilemma about inconsistent courses of action Rationale: In an ethical dilemma, two or more clear moral principles apply but support mutually inconsistent courses of action. In this case, the nurse must decide what to do based on ethical decision making and take action that can be justified ethically based on that process.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the care-based approach to bioethics? A. the need to emphasize the relevance of clinical experience B. The rightness or wrongness of an action is independent of its consequences. C. the promotion of the dignity and respect of clients as people D. the need for an orientation toward service
Answer: C - the promotion of the dignity and respect of clients as people Rationale: The care-based approach to bioethics focuses on the specific situations of individual clients, and characteristics of this approach include promoting the dignity and respect of clients and people. The need to emphasize the relevance of clinical experience and the need for an orientation toward service are part of the criticisms of bioethics. The deontologic theory of ethics says that an action is right or wrong independent of its consequences.
Professional regulations and laws that govern nursing practice are primarily in place for which reason? A. to limit the number of nurses in practice B. to ensure that practicing nurses are of good moral standing C. to protect the safety of the public D. to ensure that enough new nurses are always available
Answer: C - to protect the safety of the public Rationale: Governing bodies, professional regulations, and laws are in place to protect the public by ensuring that nurses are accountable for safe, competent, and ethical nursing practice. The other options do not describe accurately the role and responsibility of the governing bodies and the regulations and laws of nursing.
What is the legal source of rules of conduct for nurses? A. Agency policies and protocols B. Constitution of the United States C. American Nurses Association D. Nurse Practice Acts
Answer: D - Nurse Practice Acts Rationale: Nurse Practice Acts are examples of statutory law, enacted by a legislative body in keeping with both the federal constitution and the applicable state constitution. They are the primary source of rules of conduct for nurses. Standards of practice, which differ from rules of conduct, are made by agency policies and protocols and by the American Nurses Association.
