dition Keatings
Chapter 01: An Introduction to the Ethics and the Law: A Perspective for Nurses Keatings:
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Ethical & Legal Issues in Canadian Nursing, 4th Edition (Questions and Correct
Detailed Answers)
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following mandates that nurses have a basic understanding of the Canadian legal
system?
a. Provincial and federal nursing bodies
b. The Supreme Court of Canada
c. Provincial nursing labor unions
d. The Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, 1990
ANS: | A
Feedback
A Correct! Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies, have certain requirements
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related to nurses’ knowledge/skill, which includes knowledge of the legal system.
B Incorrect—
The Supreme Court, which is the final court of appeal in Canada, is not involved in
the regulation of health care professionals.
C Incorrect—
Labor unions do not focus on nursing standards and knowledge; rather, they
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represent the collective bargaining rights of nurses.
D Incorrect—
This Act is relevant to nursing in that it regulates the prescribing, dispensing, a
nd handling of drugs. It does not mandate the knowledge nurses require about t
he legal system.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
2. Identify one of the reasons why nurses need to have an understanding of ethics.
a. Nurses do not share the same perspectives regarding health care with other health c
are professionals.
b. Morality and care are at the heart of nursing practice.
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c. Ethics provides a clear answer to nurses regarding the correct course of action.
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d. Convincing family members of compassionate courses of action is best done by n
urses.
ANS: | B
Feedback
A Incorrect—
Professional values may be shared across multiple professions, and perspectives on
issues may be similar. When views on an issue differ, then
knowledge of ethics assists in clarifying and defending one’s position to others.
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B Correct! One reason for nurses studying ethics is that morality and care are at the he
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art of nursing practice.
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C Incorrect—
Ethical theories can provide a framework for the exploration of the ethical question
s and moral issues faced in health care. These theories guide how morality is unders
tood within the sphere of nursing practice and the fi
nurse–patient or nurse– fi
client relationship. Ethical theories and frameworks can assist/guide nurses as they
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consider multiple options to choose the best or the
least wrong course of action.
D Incorrect—
Nurses as members of the health care team are in a strong position to support famili
es. They respect the values and beliefs of clients and families and
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support them in decision making regarding the right course of action.
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DIF: Cognitive level: Synthesis
3. Why is it advantageous for nurses to have knowledge of ethical theories and principles?
a. Ethical theories encourage nurses to critique others’ points of view.
b. Nurses are able to justify and defend their positions on a situation.
c. Ethical theories help nurses explain to the rest of the team why nurses have a g
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reater understanding of the patient’s perspective.
d. This knowledge allows nurses to convince patients to choose comfort measures o
nly.
ANS: | B
Feedback
A Incorrect—
Ethics encourages nurses to respect the values of others and assists in understandin
g opposing points of view. Ethics offers tools to nurses to respectfully argue in fav
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our of their positions while respecting the perspectives of others.
B Correct! When views differ, ethical theories help clarify one’s position and make ar
guments in support of it. Nurses ensure that all relevant information is shared with t
he team and the client.
C Incorrect—
The perspective of all team members is important and is based on the unique relatio
nships each nurse has with the patient or client.
D Incorrect—
This approach is paternalistic. Nurses and the health care team, while respecting a
person’s autonomy, support him or her in making decisions about
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what is best in a particular context. This includes ensuring that patients are aware of
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all the options available to them.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
4. Why must nurses be familiar with the legal system?
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a. Some nursing actions are governed by the law.
b. Nurses’ decisions may not be supported by the law.
c. Nurses are sometimes at risk for litigation.
d. All are correct.
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ANS: | D
Feedback
A Incorrect—
Reserved or controlled acts and the administration of narcotics are two examples o
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f nursing actions governed by the law. A nurse may think an action is ―ethical,‖ b
ut it may not be legal. Nurses’ decisions sometimes have
untoward consequences, and errors or omissions may lead to negligence claims.
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B Incorrect—
Reserved or controlled acts and the administration of narcotics are two examples o
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f nursing actions governed by the law. A nurse may think an action is ―ethical,‖ b
ut it may not be legal. Nurses’ decisions sometimes have
untoward consequences, and errors or omissions may lead to negligence claims.
C Incorrect—
Reserved or controlled acts and the administration of narcotics are two examples o
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f nursing actions governed by the law. A nurse may think an action is ―ethical,‖ b
ut it may not be legal. Nurses’ decisions sometimes have
untoward consequences, and errors or omissions may lead to negligence claims.
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D Correct! Reserved or controlled acts and the administration of narcotics are two ex
amples of nursing actions governed by the law. A nurse may think an action is ―ethi
cal,‖ but it may not be legal. Nurses’ decisions sometimes have untoward
consequences, and errors or omissions may lead to negligence claims.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
5. What existing legislation has been influenced by the shifting of Canadian values over time?
a. The abolition of capital punishment
b. Privacy
c. Medical Assistance in Dying
d. All are correct
ANS: | D
Feedback
A Incorrect—
One reason for the abolition of capital punishment is based on the belief in the sanct
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ity of life and the concern that an innocent person may be executed.
B Incorrect—
Respect for autonomy and privacy led to legislation in provinces across Canada.
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C Incorrect—
Shifting views regarding euthanasia for the terminally ill led the Supreme Court to
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create a law regarding assistance in dying. This resulted in the legislation ―Medical
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Assistance in Dying,‖ which was introduced in 2016.
D Correct! All of these are examples of how shifting Canadian values have influenced
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legislation.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
TRUE/FALSE
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