RN VATI LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT | ACTUAL ASSESSMENT
2026 COMPLETE EXAM BANK | 300 ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
UPDATED FOR 2026/2027 | GRADED A+ |
GUARANTEED PASS
DOMAIN 1: ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND LEGAL ISSUES
Question 1
A nurse erroneously administers a medication dosage greater than what was
prescribed.
Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating when they notify the provider
of
the medication error?
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Veracity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Veracity is the ethical principle that holds one should tell the truth.
By notifying the provider of the medication error, the nurse is demonstrating
honesty and truthfulness. Autonomy refers to respecting a patient's right to make
their own decisions. Beneficence is the duty to do good. Nonmaleficence is the
duty to do no harm. The nurse's action of reporting the error upholds professional
integrity and patient safety.
Question 2
A nurse manager calls a staff nurse to come in and work due to a staffing
shortage.
The staff nurse is at home and has influenza. Which action by the staff nurse
demonstrates the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
A) Decline to come in because nurses should not work when ill
B) Report to work as requested despite being ill
1
,C) Come in to work but wear a mask at all times
D) Suggest another nurse who can cover the shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nonmaleficence holds that one should do no harm. Coming to work
while ill with influenza can place clients and other staff at risk for developing
influenza. Declining to work when ill protects patients and colleagues from
potential harm. Working while ill violates the principle of nonmaleficence because
it potentially exposes vulnerable patients to infection. Even wearing a mask does
not eliminate all transmission risks.
Question 3
Which ethical principle is demonstrated when a nurse respects a client's right to
refuse a blood transfusion based on religious beliefs?
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Justice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects a person's right to make
their own decisions regarding their healthcare. When a nurse supports a client's
decision to refuse treatment based on religious beliefs, they are honoring the
client's autonomy. Beneficence would require doing good, which in this case
would conflict with the client's wishes. Nonmaleficence means doing no harm.
Justice refers to fair distribution of resources. The nurse must respect the client's
autonomous decision even if they personally disagree.
Question 4
A nurse is preparing to witness informed consent for a preoperative client. The
client asks the nurse, "Are there other options besides surgery?" Which response
should the nurse make?
A) "It is time to sign the consent so your treatment can begin."
2
,B) "I would not have this type of surgery if I were you."
C) "Have you discussed other treatment options with your provider?"
D) "I can inform the provider that you have questions."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should encourage the client to discuss treatment options
with the provider who is responsible for obtaining informed consent. The nurse
cannot provide medical advice or pressure the client to sign the consent. The
nurse's role is to verify that the client understands the procedure and that
consent is given voluntarily. If the client has questions, the nurse should contact
the provider to address those questions before the consent is signed.
Question 5
A client with a terminal illness tells the nurse, "I want to discontinue life support."
The healthcare provider has informed the family that continuing treatment is the
best
option. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Respect the client's request and notify the provider
B) Discuss the situation with the client's family
C) Continue to provide life support as ordered
D) Request an ethics committee consultation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's primary duty is to the client. The client has the right to
make decisions about their own care, including the right to refuse treatment. The
nurse should first respect the client's autonomy and notify the healthcare
provider of the client's request. The nurse should then advocate for the client's
wishes and facilitate a discussion between the client, family, and provider.
Question 6
A nurse observes a colleague taking a photograph of a patient with a personal cell
phone. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Report the colleague to the nurse manager immediately
3
, B) Ask the colleague to stop and discuss the violation
C) Ignore the behavior to maintain workplace harmony
D) Take a photograph of the colleague doing this
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse has a duty to address the breach of patient confidentiality
and privacy. The first step is to approach the colleague privately and discuss the
inappropriate behavior. If the behavior continues or if the colleague refuses to
stop, the nurse should report the incident to the nurse manager. Taking
photographs of the colleague would be unprofessional and would not address the
situation appropriately.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client who is a member of a religion that does not allow the
consumption of pork. The dietary tray contains pork. Which action should the
nurse take?
A) Remove the pork from the tray and replace it with a protein alternative
B) Tell the client to eat around the pork
C) Explain that this is the only meal available
D) Ask the client to discuss this with the dietitian
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should respect the client's cultural and religious beliefs by
removing the pork and arranging for a substitute protein. This demonstrates
cultural competence and respect for the client's autonomy and beliefs. Simply
telling the client to eat around the pork or explaining that this is the only meal
available would be insensitive and disrespectful.
Question 8
Which situation represents a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
A) A nurse discussing a client's condition with the client's spouse
B) A nurse discussing a client's condition at the nurses' station
4
2026 COMPLETE EXAM BANK | 300 ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
UPDATED FOR 2026/2027 | GRADED A+ |
GUARANTEED PASS
DOMAIN 1: ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND LEGAL ISSUES
Question 1
A nurse erroneously administers a medication dosage greater than what was
prescribed.
Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating when they notify the provider
of
the medication error?
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Veracity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Veracity is the ethical principle that holds one should tell the truth.
By notifying the provider of the medication error, the nurse is demonstrating
honesty and truthfulness. Autonomy refers to respecting a patient's right to make
their own decisions. Beneficence is the duty to do good. Nonmaleficence is the
duty to do no harm. The nurse's action of reporting the error upholds professional
integrity and patient safety.
Question 2
A nurse manager calls a staff nurse to come in and work due to a staffing
shortage.
The staff nurse is at home and has influenza. Which action by the staff nurse
demonstrates the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
A) Decline to come in because nurses should not work when ill
B) Report to work as requested despite being ill
1
,C) Come in to work but wear a mask at all times
D) Suggest another nurse who can cover the shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nonmaleficence holds that one should do no harm. Coming to work
while ill with influenza can place clients and other staff at risk for developing
influenza. Declining to work when ill protects patients and colleagues from
potential harm. Working while ill violates the principle of nonmaleficence because
it potentially exposes vulnerable patients to infection. Even wearing a mask does
not eliminate all transmission risks.
Question 3
Which ethical principle is demonstrated when a nurse respects a client's right to
refuse a blood transfusion based on religious beliefs?
A) Autonomy
B) Beneficence
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Justice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects a person's right to make
their own decisions regarding their healthcare. When a nurse supports a client's
decision to refuse treatment based on religious beliefs, they are honoring the
client's autonomy. Beneficence would require doing good, which in this case
would conflict with the client's wishes. Nonmaleficence means doing no harm.
Justice refers to fair distribution of resources. The nurse must respect the client's
autonomous decision even if they personally disagree.
Question 4
A nurse is preparing to witness informed consent for a preoperative client. The
client asks the nurse, "Are there other options besides surgery?" Which response
should the nurse make?
A) "It is time to sign the consent so your treatment can begin."
2
,B) "I would not have this type of surgery if I were you."
C) "Have you discussed other treatment options with your provider?"
D) "I can inform the provider that you have questions."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should encourage the client to discuss treatment options
with the provider who is responsible for obtaining informed consent. The nurse
cannot provide medical advice or pressure the client to sign the consent. The
nurse's role is to verify that the client understands the procedure and that
consent is given voluntarily. If the client has questions, the nurse should contact
the provider to address those questions before the consent is signed.
Question 5
A client with a terminal illness tells the nurse, "I want to discontinue life support."
The healthcare provider has informed the family that continuing treatment is the
best
option. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Respect the client's request and notify the provider
B) Discuss the situation with the client's family
C) Continue to provide life support as ordered
D) Request an ethics committee consultation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's primary duty is to the client. The client has the right to
make decisions about their own care, including the right to refuse treatment. The
nurse should first respect the client's autonomy and notify the healthcare
provider of the client's request. The nurse should then advocate for the client's
wishes and facilitate a discussion between the client, family, and provider.
Question 6
A nurse observes a colleague taking a photograph of a patient with a personal cell
phone. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Report the colleague to the nurse manager immediately
3
, B) Ask the colleague to stop and discuss the violation
C) Ignore the behavior to maintain workplace harmony
D) Take a photograph of the colleague doing this
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse has a duty to address the breach of patient confidentiality
and privacy. The first step is to approach the colleague privately and discuss the
inappropriate behavior. If the behavior continues or if the colleague refuses to
stop, the nurse should report the incident to the nurse manager. Taking
photographs of the colleague would be unprofessional and would not address the
situation appropriately.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client who is a member of a religion that does not allow the
consumption of pork. The dietary tray contains pork. Which action should the
nurse take?
A) Remove the pork from the tray and replace it with a protein alternative
B) Tell the client to eat around the pork
C) Explain that this is the only meal available
D) Ask the client to discuss this with the dietitian
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should respect the client's cultural and religious beliefs by
removing the pork and arranging for a substitute protein. This demonstrates
cultural competence and respect for the client's autonomy and beliefs. Simply
telling the client to eat around the pork or explaining that this is the only meal
available would be insensitive and disrespectful.
Question 8
Which situation represents a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
A) A nurse discussing a client's condition with the client's spouse
B) A nurse discussing a client's condition at the nurses' station
4
