NURS 110 PROFESSIONAL NURSING
EXAM 4 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who refuses a scheduled blood transfusion for religious
reasons despite life-threatening anemia. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by
supporting this decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Justice
D. Autonomy
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own
decisions about their medical care, even if the provider disagrees.
2. Which of the following elements is NOT required to prove nursing malpractice in a court of
law?
A. Duty to the patient
B. Breach of duty
,C. Injury or damages
D. Intent to cause harm
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Malpractice is a form of negligence; it does not require intent to
cause harm, only that the standard of care was breached resulting in injury.
3. A nurse delegates the task of obtaining vital signs for a stable postoperative patient to a
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Who retains the ultimate accountability for the task?
A. The UAP
B. The Nurse Manager
C. The Hospital Administrator
D. The Registered Nurse
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While tasks can be delegated, the nurse retains accountability
for the outcome and the overall assessment of the patient.
4. A nurse is faced with an ethical dilemma regarding the allocation of limited ventilators
during a pandemic. Which ethical theory focuses on the ‘greatest good for the greatest
number’?
A. Deontology
B. Virtue Ethics
, C. Utilitarianism
D. Ethical Relativism
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Utilitarianism is a teleological theory where the value of an act is
determined by its usefulness and the consequences, aiming for the greatest good for the
majority.
5. A nurse documents that a patient is ‘acting like a child’ and is ‘uncooperative’ after the
patient refused a bath. The nurse could be liable for which of the following?
A. Slander
B. Libel
C. Assault
D. Battery
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Libel is a written form of defamation of character. Using
subjective, derogatory language in medical records is unprofessional and legally risky.
6. During a change-of-shift report, a nurse realizes the previous shift omitted a dose of
medication. What is the priority action by the nurse?
A. Assess the client’s current status
B. Notify the provider immediately
EXAM 4 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who refuses a scheduled blood transfusion for religious
reasons despite life-threatening anemia. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by
supporting this decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Justice
D. Autonomy
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own
decisions about their medical care, even if the provider disagrees.
2. Which of the following elements is NOT required to prove nursing malpractice in a court of
law?
A. Duty to the patient
B. Breach of duty
,C. Injury or damages
D. Intent to cause harm
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Malpractice is a form of negligence; it does not require intent to
cause harm, only that the standard of care was breached resulting in injury.
3. A nurse delegates the task of obtaining vital signs for a stable postoperative patient to a
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Who retains the ultimate accountability for the task?
A. The UAP
B. The Nurse Manager
C. The Hospital Administrator
D. The Registered Nurse
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While tasks can be delegated, the nurse retains accountability
for the outcome and the overall assessment of the patient.
4. A nurse is faced with an ethical dilemma regarding the allocation of limited ventilators
during a pandemic. Which ethical theory focuses on the ‘greatest good for the greatest
number’?
A. Deontology
B. Virtue Ethics
, C. Utilitarianism
D. Ethical Relativism
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Utilitarianism is a teleological theory where the value of an act is
determined by its usefulness and the consequences, aiming for the greatest good for the
majority.
5. A nurse documents that a patient is ‘acting like a child’ and is ‘uncooperative’ after the
patient refused a bath. The nurse could be liable for which of the following?
A. Slander
B. Libel
C. Assault
D. Battery
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Libel is a written form of defamation of character. Using
subjective, derogatory language in medical records is unprofessional and legally risky.
6. During a change-of-shift report, a nurse realizes the previous shift omitted a dose of
medication. What is the priority action by the nurse?
A. Assess the client’s current status
B. Notify the provider immediately
