ANCC Review: Ethical/Legal Issues Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

ANCC Review: Ethical/Legal Issues Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified What is the primary ethical principle guiding informed consent in patient care? Respect for autonomy What ethical principle requires a nurse practitioner to do good and act in the best interest of the patient? Beneficence What is the legal term for failing to provide a standard level of care, resulting in patient harm? Negligence What ethical principle involves avoiding harm to patients? Nonmaleficence What is the correct action if a patient refuses treatment after being fully informed of the risks and benefits? 2 Respect the patient’s decision What document allows a patient to express treatment preferences in case they become incapacitated? Advance directive What is the nurse practitioner’s obligation when witnessing unethical behavior by a colleague? Report the behavior to appropriate authorities What is the term for revealing private health information without patient consent? Breach of confidentiality When a minor seeks treatment for a sexually transmitted infection, what legal concept allows care without parental consent? Mature minor doctrine What law protects patient health information and ensures confidentiality? HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) 3 What should a nurse practitioner do when personal values conflict with a patient’s treatment request? Provide unbiased care or refer to another provider What is the legal term for touching a patient without permission? Battery What should a nurse practitioner do first when faced with an ethical dilemma? Identify the ethical principles involved What ethical principle involves fairness and equal treatment in healthcare? Justice If a patient lacks decision-making capacity, who usually makes healthcare decisions on their behalf? A legally authorized representative 4 What should a nurse practitioner do if an adolescent patient requests birth control and asks the NP not to tell their parents? Respect confidentiality if allowed by state