Nursing Ethics and Legal Responsibilities: A Comprehensive Guide for Nurses

Question 1

Which action would violate patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Posting a patient's photo and personal information on social media without consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's medical history with another nurse privately

Answer

Sharing a patient's name and diagnosis with a family member who has legal access

Answer

Documenting a patient's care in the medical record using a pseudonym

Question 2

Which ethical principle is the cornerstone of nursing practice, emphasizing respect for patient autonomy and self-determination?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Paternalism

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 3

When obtaining informed consent from a patient, which of the following is **NOT** an essential element?

Accepted Answer

Written documentation

Answer

Capacity to make decisions

Answer

Understanding of the treatment

Answer

Freedom from coercion

Question 4

A nurse recognizes that a patient is experiencing pain. However, the patient has refused pain medication. Which of the following actions by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Document the patient's refusal and respect their decision

Answer

Administer the medication regardless of the patient's refusal

Answer

Consult with the physician to override the patient's decision

Answer

Leave the patient alone and respect their decision

Question 5

Which of the following is **NOT** a legal responsibility of a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support to patients

Answer

Promoting patient safety

Answer

Administering medications

Answer

Performing sterile procedures

Question 6

When documenting patient care, which of the following principles should the nurse **NOT** adhere to?

Accepted Answer

Personal opinions

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Completeness

Question 7

Which of the following is **NOT** a characteristic of a negligence lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

Intent to harm

Answer

Breach of duty

Answer

Damages

Answer

Causation

Question 8

When reporting an incident or error, which of the following should the nurse **NOT** prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Protecting oneself from blame

Answer

Timeliness

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Completeness

Question 9

Which fundamental ethical principle emphasizes the respect for patients' autonomy in healthcare decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 10

According to nursing ethics, which action is considered a violation of patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing patient information to a research team without their explicit permission

Answer

Discussing patient health information with other healthcare professionals directly involved in their care

Answer

Sharing patient information with family members upon obtaining their consent

Answer

Documenting patient information in the medical record for future reference

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent in medical practice?

Accepted Answer

To guarantee that patients fully understand and voluntarily agree to the proposed treatment

Answer

To shield healthcare providers from potential legal liability

Answer

To create a written record of the patient's consent for future use

Answer

To justify the healthcare provider's actions in case of any adverse events

Question 12

Which legal doctrine holds healthcare providers accountable for their negligent actions that result in patient harm?

Accepted Answer

Negligence

Answer

Respondeat superior

Answer

Assault and battery

Answer

Malicious prosecution

Question 13

Which ethical principle may conflict with beneficence when a treatment carries a significant risk of causing harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 14

What is considered a crucial element in obtaining informed consent in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient fully understands the potential risks and benefits of the proposed treatment

Answer

Providing the patient with a comprehensive list of all possible treatment options

Answer

Securing the patient's consent promptly without any unnecessary delays

Answer

Documenting the consent process thoroughly in the patient's medical record

Question 15

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of honesty, truthfulness, and trustworthiness in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 16

Which ethical principle guides nurses in distributing healthcare resources fairly and equitably?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Fidelity

Question 17

Which ethical principle upholds the patient's right to make decisions about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 18

The legal doctrine that protects a patient's right to refuse treatment, even against the advice of healthcare professionals, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Patient self-determination

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Battery

Question 19

A nurse discovers a coworker engaging in unethical behavior. Which ethical principle should guide the nurse's decision to report the incident?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 20

Which of the following is considered a breach of patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing a patient's HIV status without their explicit consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's medical condition with their family with their consent

Answer

Sharing a patient's name and diagnosis with another healthcare professional involved in their care

Answer

Documenting a patient's medical history in their electronic health record

Question 21

In nursing practice, which ethical principle prioritizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 22

According to legal and ethical guidelines, what is the primary obligation of nurses regarding patient information?

Accepted Answer

To protect patient confidentiality and only share information with proper authorization

Answer

To disclose all patient information without exception

Answer

To report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect

Answer

To obtain verbal consent from patients before sharing information with other healthcare professionals

Question 23

Which action by a nurse would violate their fiduciary duty to a patient?

Accepted Answer

Accepting a meaningful gift from a patient

Answer

Advocating for a patient's care preferences

Answer

Providing competent and compassionate care

Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Question 24

What is the main purpose of informed consent in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that patients are fully informed about their treatment options and risks

Answer

To protect nurses from legal liability

Answer

To provide documentation of patient preferences

Answer

To expedite the treatment process

Question 25

In ethical decision-making, which principle requires healthcare professionals to prioritize actions that benefit the patient?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 26

In the event of an ethical dilemma, what is the recommended course of action for nurses?

Accepted Answer

Seek guidance from colleagues and ethical frameworks

Answer

Make decisions based solely on their personal values

Answer

Disregard ethical concerns and focus on patient care

Answer

Delegate ethical decision-making to the physician

Question 27

In the legal context, what is the distinction between assault and battery?

Accepted Answer

Battery requires physical contact, while assault does not

Answer

Assault requires physical contact, while battery does not

Answer

Assault is a more serious crime than battery

Answer

There is no legal distinction between assault and battery

Question 28

Which ethical principle emphasizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 29

Which legal doctrine permits a healthcare professional to respect a patient's decision to decline medical treatment, even if it conflicts with the professional's medical judgment?

Accepted Answer

Right to refuse treatment

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Malpractice

Answer

Informed consent

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental component of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Using coercion or pressure to obtain the patient's consent

Answer

Providing the patient with essential information about the treatment or procedure

Answer

Ensuring that the patient comprehends the information provided

Answer

Obtaining the patient's voluntary agreement

Question 31

Which ethical principle requires healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 32

According to HIPAA regulations, what is the primary responsibility of a healthcare professional who overhears a patient's confidential conversation?

Accepted Answer

Maintain the patient's privacy and confidentiality

Answer

Report the conversation to the supervisor

Answer

Document the conversation in the patient's chart

Answer

Notify the doctor

Question 33

Which ethical principle guides healthcare professionals in ensuring fair and equitable distribution of resources to patients?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 34

If a nurse observes a colleague violating a patient's confidentiality, what should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the supervisor

Answer

Ignore the situation

Answer

Confront the colleague directly

Answer

Document the incident in the patient's chart

Question 35

Which of the following is a core function within a nurse's scope of practice?

Accepted Answer

Providing direct patient care

Answer

Prescribing medications

Answer

Performing surgical procedures

Answer

Conducting scientific research

Question 36

Which action demonstrates the application of ethical principles in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Respecting patient confidentiality

Answer

Administering medication without informed consent

Answer

Ignoring a patient's request for pain relief

Answer

Misleading a patient about their diagnosis

Question 37

When faced with an ethical dilemma in patient care, which action should a nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Consult with colleagues

Answer

Adhere strictly to hospital policies

Answer

Make decisions based solely on personal beliefs

Answer

Ignore ethical considerations

Question 38

When a patient with a terminal illness requests to stop life-sustaining treatment, which ethical principle should primarily guide the nurse's decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 39

Which action by a nurse violates patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Sharing a patient's diagnosis with family with their consent

Answer

Documenting a patient's refusal of treatment

Answer

Discussing a patient's care plan with a colleague involved in their care

Question 40

Ethical guidelines for incident reporting in nursing practice prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Accurate and objective documentation

Answer

Patient notification before timely reporting

Answer

Withholding information for personal gain

Answer

Using incident reports for blame assignment

Question 41

Which ethical principle prioritizes the fair and equal distribution of healthcare resources to all patients, irrespective of their individual traits?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 42

In nursing, which element is crucial for obtaining valid informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Patient's capacity to understand and make sound decisions

Answer

Securing written proof of consent

Answer

Ensuring the patient has no other viable options

Question 43

Which ethical principle prioritizes the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 44

A patient declines a recommended surgery after being thoroughly informed of its potential benefits and risks. What is the nurse's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's refusal and document their decision

Answer

Persuade the patient to undergo the surgery

Answer

Consult a higher authority to override the patient's decision

Question 45

When caring for a patient with an advance directive, what is the nurse's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Honor the patient's wishes outlined in the directive, even if they conflict with personal beliefs

Answer

Follow the directive only if it aligns with the nurse's professional judgment

Answer

Seek consent from the patient's family to override the directive

Question 46

Which key element of informed consent involves ensuring the patient understands their medical condition and treatment options?

Accepted Answer

Comprehension

Answer

Signature on consent form

Answer

Witness presence

Question 47

A nurse is caring for a patient with a contagious illness. What is the nurse's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Implement infection control measures to prevent the spread of the disease

Answer

Prioritize the patient's comfort and preferences, even if it increases infection risk

Answer

Inform the patient's employer without their consent, as a public health measure

Question 48

In a healthcare setting, who is considered a whistleblower?

Accepted Answer

A healthcare professional who reports unethical or illegal practices

Answer

A nurse who raises concerns about a colleague's performance

Answer

A patient who complains about their medical care

Question 49

When caring for a patient experiencing pain, what is the nurse's initial priority?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's pain level and intervene appropriately

Answer

Administer pain medication as ordered by the physician

Answer

Document the patient's pain in their medical record

Question 50

Which of the following ethical principles places primary importance on respecting an individual's right to make decisions about their own health and treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 51

A nurse observes a colleague administering an injection without checking the patient's identification band. Which fundamental legal responsibility of nursing has the nurse breached by failing to act?

Accepted Answer

Patient safety

Answer

Refusal of treatment

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Question 52

Which element of a nursing malpractice case requires proof that the nurse deviated from the expected standard of care?

Accepted Answer

Breach of duty

Answer

Intentional harm

Answer

Causation

Answer

Damages

Question 53

What is the fundamental purpose of maintaining patient confidentiality in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

To protect patients' privacy and foster trust in the nurse-patient relationship

Answer

To facilitate open communication between healthcare professionals

Answer

To comply with legal regulations

Answer

To prevent the spread of infectious diseases

Question 54

Which of the following actions would constitute a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy regulations?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing a patient's health information to an unauthorized third party without their permission

Answer

Using a patient's medical records for research purposes with appropriate safeguards in place

Answer

Discussing a patient's medical condition with other healthcare professionals involved in their care

Question 55

When are nurses legally obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Immediately upon suspicion

Answer

Only if the child is under a certain age

Answer

Only if they have obtained parental consent

Answer

Only if they have personally witnessed the abuse or neglect

Question 56

Which of the following ethical principles emphasizes the nurse's obligation to speak up on behalf of patients' rights and needs, even in the face of opposition?

Accepted Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 57

What is the primary purpose of a living will?

Accepted Answer

To document an individual's preferences for end-of-life medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated

Answer

To appoint a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions on their behalf

Answer

To donate their organs and tissues upon death