ANCC PMHNP Test – Domain 5: Ethical & Legal Principles
2026 | Questions & Verified Answers | Latest Update |
Graded A+
1. What is meant by 'Scope of Practice'?
That nurses can undertake any kind of work they are asked to perform
That nurses check the environment for any signs of danger before
commencing any work
That nurses must work within the boundaries of what they have been
educated, authorized and deemed competent to perform
That nurses can experiment with ideas they think might work in the
care of their clients
2. MC: What role does advocacy play in nursing, according to O'mahony (2011)?
Advocacy champions patient safety and quality care
Advocacy restricts itself to individual, not community, needs
Advocacy aligns with social justice but not patient care
Advocacy focuses solely on patient autonomy
3. If a mental health facility is found to be providing unequal access to
treatment based on race, which ethical principle is being violated?
Non-maleficence
Beneficence
Autonomy
Justice
,4. If a PMHNP is found to be referring patients to a family member's practice,
what legal implications could arise from violating the Stark Law?
The PMHNP could be required to attend additional training on ethical
practices.
The PMHNP would be praised for supporting family-run businesses.
The PMHNP could face legal penalties and disciplinary actions for
engaging in fraudulent referral practices.
The PMHNP would receive a warning but no legal consequences.
5. In a scenario where a patient is deemed incompetent to make treatment
decisions, what steps should a PMHNP take to ensure ethical care?
Ignore the patient's preferences entirely.
Involve a legal guardian or advocate to make decisions on behalf of
the patient.
Proceed with treatment without consent.
Consult with other patients for their opinions.
6. What type of studies contribute to Level 1 evidence in research?
Cohort studies
Case-control studies
Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of randomized controlled
trials
Qualitative research
7. What term is used to describe the competencies and responsibilities assigned
to Nurse Practitioners in their specific roles?
, Cultural competence
Scope of practice
Informed consent
Patient confidentiality
8. What right was affirmed for patients in the Rennie vs. Klien court case?
The right to confidentiality
The right to appeal a treatment decision
The right to receive treatment without consent
The right to refuse treatment
9. In every situation, healthcare providers should avoid causing harm to their
patients. This statement defines:
Justice
Nonmaleficence
Beneficence
Autonomy
10. If a PMHNP is considering a treatment plan that has potential risks, how
should the principle of nonmaleficence guide their decision-making
process?
The PMHNP should prioritize the treatment plan that is most cost-
effective.
The PMHNP should consult with other practitioners only if the patient
requests it.
, The PMHNP should disregard risks if the treatment has a high success
rate.
The PMHNP should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of the
treatment plan to ensure that it does not cause harm to the patient.
11. What stipulation did the Durham rule add to the determination of
responsibility in a criminal case?
The Durham rule states that an individual's sanity is based on their
ability to distinguish right from wrong.
The Durham rule states that a criminal act should not be seen as the
product of a mental disorder, but rather because the person could
not resist acting.
The Durham rule states that an accused person is not criminally
responsible if it is shown that the unlawful act was the product of a
mental disease or defect.
The Durham rule states that in order to determine criminal
responsibility, an individual needs to be able to defend themselves
and speak on their behalf.
12. Describe how a Just Culture can impact patient safety in healthcare.
A Just Culture focuses solely on individual accountability, which can
discourage reporting.
A Just Culture emphasizes strict adherence to protocols without room
for discussion.
A Just Culture minimizes the need for training and education among
staff.
A Just Culture fosters open communication about errors, leading to
system improvements that enhance patient safety.
2026 | Questions & Verified Answers | Latest Update |
Graded A+
1. What is meant by 'Scope of Practice'?
That nurses can undertake any kind of work they are asked to perform
That nurses check the environment for any signs of danger before
commencing any work
That nurses must work within the boundaries of what they have been
educated, authorized and deemed competent to perform
That nurses can experiment with ideas they think might work in the
care of their clients
2. MC: What role does advocacy play in nursing, according to O'mahony (2011)?
Advocacy champions patient safety and quality care
Advocacy restricts itself to individual, not community, needs
Advocacy aligns with social justice but not patient care
Advocacy focuses solely on patient autonomy
3. If a mental health facility is found to be providing unequal access to
treatment based on race, which ethical principle is being violated?
Non-maleficence
Beneficence
Autonomy
Justice
,4. If a PMHNP is found to be referring patients to a family member's practice,
what legal implications could arise from violating the Stark Law?
The PMHNP could be required to attend additional training on ethical
practices.
The PMHNP would be praised for supporting family-run businesses.
The PMHNP could face legal penalties and disciplinary actions for
engaging in fraudulent referral practices.
The PMHNP would receive a warning but no legal consequences.
5. In a scenario where a patient is deemed incompetent to make treatment
decisions, what steps should a PMHNP take to ensure ethical care?
Ignore the patient's preferences entirely.
Involve a legal guardian or advocate to make decisions on behalf of
the patient.
Proceed with treatment without consent.
Consult with other patients for their opinions.
6. What type of studies contribute to Level 1 evidence in research?
Cohort studies
Case-control studies
Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of randomized controlled
trials
Qualitative research
7. What term is used to describe the competencies and responsibilities assigned
to Nurse Practitioners in their specific roles?
, Cultural competence
Scope of practice
Informed consent
Patient confidentiality
8. What right was affirmed for patients in the Rennie vs. Klien court case?
The right to confidentiality
The right to appeal a treatment decision
The right to receive treatment without consent
The right to refuse treatment
9. In every situation, healthcare providers should avoid causing harm to their
patients. This statement defines:
Justice
Nonmaleficence
Beneficence
Autonomy
10. If a PMHNP is considering a treatment plan that has potential risks, how
should the principle of nonmaleficence guide their decision-making
process?
The PMHNP should prioritize the treatment plan that is most cost-
effective.
The PMHNP should consult with other practitioners only if the patient
requests it.
, The PMHNP should disregard risks if the treatment has a high success
rate.
The PMHNP should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of the
treatment plan to ensure that it does not cause harm to the patient.
11. What stipulation did the Durham rule add to the determination of
responsibility in a criminal case?
The Durham rule states that an individual's sanity is based on their
ability to distinguish right from wrong.
The Durham rule states that a criminal act should not be seen as the
product of a mental disorder, but rather because the person could
not resist acting.
The Durham rule states that an accused person is not criminally
responsible if it is shown that the unlawful act was the product of a
mental disease or defect.
The Durham rule states that in order to determine criminal
responsibility, an individual needs to be able to defend themselves
and speak on their behalf.
12. Describe how a Just Culture can impact patient safety in healthcare.
A Just Culture focuses solely on individual accountability, which can
discourage reporting.
A Just Culture emphasizes strict adherence to protocols without room
for discussion.
A Just Culture minimizes the need for training and education among
staff.
A Just Culture fosters open communication about errors, leading to
system improvements that enhance patient safety.
