Ethical and Legal Considerations in Medical-Surgical Nursing: Online Quizzes

Question 1

Which of the following is a violation of a patient's right to confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Releasing the patient's medical records to a third party without their explicit consent

Answer

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

Answer

Discussing the patient's case with other healthcare professionals directly involved in their care

Answer

Informing the patient's family about their diagnosis with their consent

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent from a patient?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that patients are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of a medical procedure before consenting to it

Answer

To protect healthcare professionals from potential legal liability

Answer

To document that the patient has agreed to the terms of their care

Answer

To waive the patient's right to privacy

Question 3

Which of the following is a key ethical consideration in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's wishes and values

Answer

Preserving the patient's life at all costs, regardless of their wishes

Answer

Avoiding any discussion of death or dying with the patient

Answer

Withholding treatment to hasten the dying process

Question 4

What is the legal doctrine that allows healthcare professionals to make decisions on behalf of a patient who is unable to consent to treatment?

Accepted Answer

Substitute decision-making

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Medical malpractice

Question 5

Which of the following is a legal requirement for nurses when reporting suspected abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

To notify the appropriate authorities immediately

Answer

To obtain the patient's consent before reporting

Answer

To discuss the matter with a supervisor before reporting

Answer

To keep the matter confidential

Question 6

What is the primary goal of ethical decision-making in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To promote patient autonomy, well-being, and dignity

Answer

To protect healthcare professionals from legal liability

Answer

To ensure that all patients receive the same level of care

Answer

To adhere strictly to the rules and regulations governing healthcare practice

Question 7

Failure to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect can result in which of the following consequences?

Accepted Answer

Loss of nursing license

Accepted Answer

Criminal prosecution

Accepted Answer

Disciplinary action by the employer

Answer

Improved patient outcomes

Question 8

Informed consent involves obtaining the patient's agreement to a medical procedure or treatment after:

Accepted Answer

Providing clear and complete information about the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives

Answer

Simply having the patient sign a consent form

Answer

Assuming the patient agrees because they do not object

Answer

Pressuring the patient into accepting the procedure

Question 9

In end-of-life care, the primary role of the nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the patient's wishes and prioritize their comfort

Answer

Administer medical treatments even if they conflict with the patient's wishes

Answer

Make decisions about the patient's care without consulting them or their family

Answer

Actively end the patient's life if they are suffering

Question 10

The purpose of the HIPAA Privacy Rule is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect the confidentiality of patients' health information

Answer

Vary requirements for protecting health information in different states

Answer

Govern the release of patient information according to hospital policies

Answer

Provide ethical guidelines for nurses handling patient information

Question 11

The primary difference between a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care is that:

Accepted Answer

A living will outlines the patient's wishes for end-of-life care, while a durable power of attorney for health care appoints a decision-maker for the patient

Answer

A living will is only valid in the state where it was created, while a durable power of attorney for health care is valid across all states

Answer

A living will only addresses medical treatment decisions, while a durable power of attorney for health care can extend to financial matters

Answer

They are essentially the same document

Question 12

The nurse is responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality by:

Accepted Answer

Keeping patient information private and disclosing it only to authorized individuals

Answer

Discussing patient information with family and friends without the patient's consent

Answer

Using patient information for personal gain

Answer

Leaving patient records unsecured

Question 13

The principle of autonomy in nursing practice involves:

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care

Answer

Prioritizing the nurse's judgment over the patient's wishes

Answer

Assuming the patient knows what is best for them

Answer

Forcing the patient to make decisions they do not agree with

Question 14

Which ethical principle gives utmost importance to respecting patients' rights to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 15

Which of the following actions by a nurse demonstrates an understanding of their legal responsibility in preventing medical errors?

Accepted Answer

Adhering to established policies and procedures.

Answer

Reporting significant changes in a patient's condition to the physician.

Answer

Providing emotional support to family members.

Answer

Educating patients about their rights and responsibilities.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of ethical nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring patient preferences

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 17

A patient refuses treatment due to personal beliefs. Which action by the nurse best demonstrates respect for patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Documenting the patient's decision and offering alternative options

Answer

Administering the treatment without the patient's consent

Answer

Attempting to persuade the patient to change their mind

Answer

Seeking a court order to override the patient's decision

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent from patients?

Accepted Answer

To ensure patients fully understand the nature of their medical treatment and its potential risks and benefits

Answer

To document that patients have agreed to treatment

Answer

To obtain legal protection for healthcare providers

Answer

To avoid any potential legal challenges

Question 19

Which of the following is a legal obligation that nurses have towards patients?

Accepted Answer

Duty of confidentiality

Answer

Duty to provide transportation

Answer

Duty to diagnose and treat illnesses

Answer

Duty to carry out physician orders

Question 20

What is the primary responsibility of a nurse in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Providing comfort and support to patients and families, while respecting patient wishes

Answer

Convincing patients to receive aggressive medical treatment

Answer

Administering medications to relieve pain and suffering

Answer

Making decisions about end-of-life treatment

Question 21

Which of the following is a common ethical dilemma that nurses may face in medical-surgical settings?

Accepted Answer

Balancing a patient's right to refuse treatment with the nurse's obligation to provide care

Answer

Managing multiple patient assignments effectively

Answer

Dealing with difficult patients

Answer

Prioritizing nursing tasks

Question 22

What is the appropriate response from a nurse when a patient refuses a medically necessary treatment?

Accepted Answer

Explore the patient's concerns, provide clear information, and support their informed decision, while advocating for their well-being

Answer

Document the patient's refusal and abandon any further attempts to provide care

Answer

Ignore the patient's wishes and administer the treatment

Answer

Contact the patient's family to overrule the decision

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a legal requirement for accurate documentation in patient care?

Accepted Answer

Using excessive abbreviations

Answer

Documenting any changes in the patient's condition

Answer

Including both subjective and objective data

Answer

Maintaining accurate and timely entries

Question 24

What is the primary role of a hospital ethics committee?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance on complex ethical issues, facilitate discussion, and support healthcare professionals in making ethically sound decisions

Answer

To review and approve all patient charts

Answer

To investigate and punish healthcare professionals for unethical behavior

Answer

To set policies and procedures for patient care

Question 25

Which of the following actions demonstrates the nurse's role as a patient advocate?

Accepted Answer

Questioning a physician's order that raises concerns about the patient's well-being

Answer

Providing emotional support to patients

Answer

Administering medications as prescribed

Answer

Following all physician orders without hesitation

Question 26

A patient asks the nurse about the potential side effects of a newly prescribed medication. Which of the following is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Provide a detailed explanation of the potential side effects and address any concerns the patient may have.

Answer

Tell the patient to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Answer

Reassure the patient that side effects are unlikely.

Question 27

Which fundamental principle of medical ethics emphasizes the importance of respecting the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Patient Autonomy

Answer

Respect for Beneficence

Answer

Respect for Justice

Answer

Respect for Non-Maleficence

Question 28

When making decisions about the care of a terminally ill patient, which ethical principle should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Patient Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Question 29

Which of the following is a legal responsibility of nurses in most jurisdictions?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining Patient Confidentiality

Answer

Prescribing Medications

Answer

Diagnosing Medical Conditions

Answer

Performing Surgical Procedures

Question 30

A nurse observes a colleague exhibiting unethical behavior towards a patient or fellow staff member. The nurse's most appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to the appropriate authorities.

Answer

Discuss the behavior with other colleagues

Answer

Ignore the behavior

Answer

Confront the colleague directly

Question 31

Which federal law in the United States primarily protects the privacy of patients' medical information?

Accepted Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Answer

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Question 32

A nurse is caring for a patient in severe pain. The patient's doctor has prescribed a powerful opioid, but the nurse is concerned about the patient's risk of developing an addiction. Which ethical principle should guide the nurse's decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Respect for Patient Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 33

According to the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA), patients have the right to:

Accepted Answer

Make decisions about their own medical care, including refusing treatment

Answer

Have their families make decisions for them

Answer

Be treated against their will

Answer

Receive experimental treatments without their consent

Question 34

Which of the following is considered a legal and ethical obligation for nurses when providing patient care?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the confidentiality of patient information

Answer

Sharing patient information with family members without their consent

Answer

Documenting patient information inaccurately

Answer

Disclosing patient information to insurance companies without their authorization

Question 35

When a patient expresses a desire for end-of-life care that aligns with their values and beliefs, the most appropriate nursing response is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's wishes and provide compassionate care

Answer

Attempt to convince the patient to change their mind

Answer

Administer pain medication without the patient's consent

Question 36

Which action by a nurse would be considered a violation of patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Coercing a patient into taking medication against their will

Answer

Providing information about treatment options

Answer

Respecting the patient's cultural beliefs

Question 37

When a patient refuses life-sustaining treatment, the nurse's primary responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and provide emotional support

Answer

Try to persuade the patient to reconsider their decision

Answer

Contact the patient's family to seek their input

Question 38

If a patient declines pain medication, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and offer alternative pain management strategies

Answer

Administer pain medication without the patient's consent

Answer

Contact the patient's physician for further instructions

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT among the nurse's ethical responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Making decisions on behalf of patients

Answer

Consulting with other healthcare professionals

Answer

Identifying ethical dilemmas

Answer

Considering the patient's values and preferences

Question 40

When a patient being discharged from the hospital refuses to take their prescribed medications, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Educate the patient about the risks and benefits of the medications and document the patient's refusal

Answer

Contact the patient's physician to request a new prescription

Question 41

Which of the following actions is considered an invasion of patient privacy?

Accepted Answer

Accessing a patient's medical record without their consent

Answer

Asking a patient about their medical history

Answer

Involving a patient's family in their care planning

Question 42

A nurse is caring for a patient who is refusing a blood transfusion due to their religious beliefs. What is the nurse's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and offer alternative treatment options

Answer

Contact the patient's family to obtain consent

Answer

Administer the transfusion without the patient's consent

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a legal exception to patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the patient's personal finances

Answer

Protecting the health or safety of others

Answer

Reporting suspected child abuse

Answer

Obtaining a court order

Question 44

A nurse is caring for a patient who has expressed their desire to die peacefully. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Providing comfort measures and supporting the patient's end-of-life wishes

Answer

Administering medications against the patient's will

Answer

Advocating for aggressive treatment to prolong the patient's life

Question 45

Which of the following actions constitutes a violation of the nurse's duty to protect the patient from harm?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring a patient's concerns about unsafe conditions

Answer

Assessing a patient's pain level

Answer

Educating a patient on their diagnosis

Answer

Providing emotional support to a patient

Question 46

A patient is accusing a nurse of negligence. What is the nurse's first step in defending against the allegation?

Accepted Answer

Gather and document relevant information to support their actions

Answer

Immediately apologize to the patient

Answer

Ignore the patient's request

Answer

Contact their insurance provider

Question 47

Which of the following is a common cause for a nurse to be held legally liable for patient injury?

Accepted Answer

Negligence

Answer

Slander

Answer

Breach of Contract

Answer

Battery

Question 48

Which of the following is an essential element of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

The patient's clear understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure

Answer

The nurse's explanation of the procedure

Answer

The patient's signature on a consent form

Question 49

A nurse observes a colleague performing a procedure without the patient's proper consent. What is the nurse's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the appropriate authorities and advocate for the patient's rights

Answer

Confront the colleague directly

Answer

Ignore it, since the patient is not their own

Answer

Document the incident and keep it confidential

Question 50

A patient with advanced cancer refuses further chemotherapy treatments. The nurse understands that the patient's right to refuse treatment is based on which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 51

A nurse is caring for a patient who is about to undergo a surgical procedure. Which action by the nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure.

Answer

Providing emotional support to the patient during the procedure.

Answer

Administering pre-operative medication as ordered.

Question 52

A nurse is caring for a patient who has a terminal illness. The patient's family requests that the nurse withhold information about the patient's prognosis. How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

Respect the family's wishes while ensuring the patient's right to know their own prognosis.

Answer

Disclose the prognosis to the patient, even if the family objects.

Answer

Advise the family that withholding information is unethical.

Question 53

A nurse observes a colleague documenting medication administration before it was actually given. What is the nurse's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the appropriate authority.

Answer

Confront the colleague directly about the issue.

Answer

Document the incident in the patient's chart.

Answer

Ignore the incident as it is a minor matter.

Question 54

A patient expresses concerns about their medical treatment plan to the nurse. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the patient's concerns to the healthcare team.

Answer

Reassure the patient that the treatment plan is the best option.

Answer

Dismiss the patient's concerns as they are not a medical professional.

Question 55

Which of the following situations could be considered a breach of patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Discussing a patient's medical information with a colleague who is not involved in their care.

Answer

Documenting a patient's medical information in their electronic health record.

Answer

Sharing a patient's medical information with their family member.

Question 56

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving end-of-life care. The patient's family is experiencing emotional distress. Which action by the nurse demonstrates ethical and compassionate care?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support and guidance to the family.

Answer

Encouraging the family to leave the patient alone to rest.

Answer

Focusing solely on the patient's physical needs.

Question 57

A nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for alcohol addiction. The patient reveals that they have been drinking in secret. What is the nurse's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality while also reporting the information to the appropriate healthcare team.

Answer

Ignore the information as it is confidential.

Answer

Confront the patient about their dishonesty.

Question 58

Which of the following actions by a nurse could be considered negligence?

Accepted Answer

Failing to document a patient's change in condition that leads to a negative outcome.

Answer

Administering medication as ordered by a physician.

Answer

Providing emotional support to a patient experiencing anxiety.

Question 59

A nurse is caring for a patient who has a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. The patient's heart stops beating. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Respect the DNR order and do not initiate resuscitation efforts.

Answer

Call the physician to clarify the DNR order.

Answer

Attempt CPR as the patient's life is at risk.