NSG 555 Exam 3- Questions &
Answers with Rationales
## Questions 1-50: Foundations & Pharmacology Principles
**1. In outpatient settings, what is the most common basis for
malpractice claims?**
A. Failure to obtain informed consent and inadequate patient education
B. Diagnosis, medication management, and medical and surgical
treatment
C. Breach of patient confidentiality and improper documentation
D. Inadequate handoff communication and failure to follow up on
referrals
**Answer: B. Diagnosis, medication management, and medical and
surgical treatment**
,*Rationale:* This is a well-documented area of risk in primary care.
Claims often arise from errors or delays in diagnosis, prescribing errors,
and complications from treatments. Handoff communication and
electronic health record issues are also frequently contributing factors
to these adverse events .
---
**2. What does the policy of disclosure of errors in malpractice
primarily involve?**
A. A legal strategy to minimize financial compensation to the patient
B. An internal review to discipline the healthcare provider at fault
C. A process of apologizing, offering compensation, and sharing
investigative findings with patients and families
D. A mandatory report to the state medical board, regardless of the
error's severity
**Answer: C. A process of apologizing, offering compensation, and
sharing investigative findings with patients and families**
*Rationale:* This approach is often more effective than litigation. It
involves acknowledging the event, empathizing with the patient and
family, explaining the investigation process, disclosing results, and
implementing systemic changes to prevent recurrence .
,---
**3. According to risk management strategies, which of the following is
the most important principle?**
A. Prioritizing the financial interests of the practice
B. Patient-first approach to address communication issues, patient
concerns, and adherence
C. Strict adherence to diagnostic testing to avoid any misdiagnosis
D. Limiting patient access to ensure manageable caseloads
**Answer: B. Patient-first approach to address communication issues,
patient concerns, and adherence**
*Rationale:* A patient-first approach focuses on open communication,
addressing patient concerns, and ensuring adherence to treatment
plans. This proactive strategy helps prevent adverse events and reduces
malpractice risk by building trust and identifying potential issues early .
---
**4. What is the primary goal of palliative care?**
, A. To provide curative treatment for a serious illness
B. To hasten a comfortable and dignified death
C. To improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses
D. To be initiated only when a patient is in the terminal phase of an
illness
**Answer: C. To improve the quality of life for patients with serious
illnesses**
*Rationale:* Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage of
a serious illness. Its goal is to improve quality of life by managing
symptoms, addressing distress, and communicating about prognosis
and patient preferences .
---
**5. When should advance care planning be introduced to a patient?**
A. Only when a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness
B. Upon admission to a hospital or long-term care facility
C. During the initial history for all patients and revisited annually
D. When a patient's family expresses concern about their decision-
making capacity
Answers with Rationales
## Questions 1-50: Foundations & Pharmacology Principles
**1. In outpatient settings, what is the most common basis for
malpractice claims?**
A. Failure to obtain informed consent and inadequate patient education
B. Diagnosis, medication management, and medical and surgical
treatment
C. Breach of patient confidentiality and improper documentation
D. Inadequate handoff communication and failure to follow up on
referrals
**Answer: B. Diagnosis, medication management, and medical and
surgical treatment**
,*Rationale:* This is a well-documented area of risk in primary care.
Claims often arise from errors or delays in diagnosis, prescribing errors,
and complications from treatments. Handoff communication and
electronic health record issues are also frequently contributing factors
to these adverse events .
---
**2. What does the policy of disclosure of errors in malpractice
primarily involve?**
A. A legal strategy to minimize financial compensation to the patient
B. An internal review to discipline the healthcare provider at fault
C. A process of apologizing, offering compensation, and sharing
investigative findings with patients and families
D. A mandatory report to the state medical board, regardless of the
error's severity
**Answer: C. A process of apologizing, offering compensation, and
sharing investigative findings with patients and families**
*Rationale:* This approach is often more effective than litigation. It
involves acknowledging the event, empathizing with the patient and
family, explaining the investigation process, disclosing results, and
implementing systemic changes to prevent recurrence .
,---
**3. According to risk management strategies, which of the following is
the most important principle?**
A. Prioritizing the financial interests of the practice
B. Patient-first approach to address communication issues, patient
concerns, and adherence
C. Strict adherence to diagnostic testing to avoid any misdiagnosis
D. Limiting patient access to ensure manageable caseloads
**Answer: B. Patient-first approach to address communication issues,
patient concerns, and adherence**
*Rationale:* A patient-first approach focuses on open communication,
addressing patient concerns, and ensuring adherence to treatment
plans. This proactive strategy helps prevent adverse events and reduces
malpractice risk by building trust and identifying potential issues early .
---
**4. What is the primary goal of palliative care?**
, A. To provide curative treatment for a serious illness
B. To hasten a comfortable and dignified death
C. To improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses
D. To be initiated only when a patient is in the terminal phase of an
illness
**Answer: C. To improve the quality of life for patients with serious
illnesses**
*Rationale:* Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage of
a serious illness. Its goal is to improve quality of life by managing
symptoms, addressing distress, and communicating about prognosis
and patient preferences .
---
**5. When should advance care planning be introduced to a patient?**
A. Only when a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness
B. Upon admission to a hospital or long-term care facility
C. During the initial history for all patients and revisited annually
D. When a patient's family expresses concern about their decision-
making capacity
