Questions & Answers
Section 1: Legal and Ethical Considerations
Patient Rights
Question 1:
What are the fundamental patient rights in a correctional healthcare setting?
Answer: Inmates have the right to access healthcare, receive informed consent, refuse treatment,
confidentiality, and humane treatment as per NCCHC and legal standards.
Question 2:
How does the principle of informed consent apply to incarcerated patients?
Answer: Inmates must be provided with clear, understandable information about their diagnosis,
treatment options, and potential risks before consenting to or refusing care.
Question 3:
Can an inmate refuse medical treatment?
Answer: Yes, competent inmates have the legal right to refuse treatment, but refusal must be
documented, and the healthcare provider should ensure the inmate understands the risks.
Question 4:
How should a nurse handle an inmate who requests confidential healthcare services?
Answer: Maintain confidentiality within the limits of the law, ensuring sensitive information is
only disclosed when necessary for safety or legal requirements.
Question 5:
What actions should a nurse take if an inmate claims their healthcare rights are being violated?
Answer: Report concerns to the appropriate supervisor, document the complaint, and ensure the
inmate receives proper care per facility policies and legal requirements.
Ethical Principles and Considerations
Question 1:
, What are the key ethical principles in correctional nursing?
Answer: The key ethical principles include autonomy (respect for inmate decisions),
beneficence (acting in the patient’s best interest), non-maleficence (do no harm), and justice (fair
and equal treatment of all inmates).
Question 2:
How should a nurse handle a situation where an inmate refuses medication due to personal
beliefs?
Answer: Educate the inmate about the benefits and risks of refusal, document their decision, and
notify the healthcare provider.
Question 3:
What ethical considerations apply when dealing with an inmate who has a do-not-resuscitate
(DNR) order?
Answer: Respect the inmate’s wishes while ensuring the order is properly documented, verified,
and followed per institutional policies.
Question 4:
How should a correctional nurse handle a conflict between security policies and ethical patient
care?
Answer: Advocate for patient care while collaborating with security staff to find a balance that
maintains safety without compromising medical ethics.
Question 5:
What should a nurse do if they suspect another healthcare provider of unethical behavior?
Answer: Report the concern following institutional procedures, maintain confidentiality, and
ensure that patient care is not compromised.
Question 6:
How can correctional nurses maintain professional boundaries with inmates?
Answer: Avoid personal involvement, maintain professional communication, and follow facility
guidelines to prevent ethical violations.
Question 1:
What is the primary ethical responsibility of a correctional nurse?
Answer: To provide care without discrimination, ensuring inmates receive adequate and timely
healthcare as per professional nursing standards.
Question 2: