Questions And Answers
A client is referred to a surgeon by the healthcare provider. After meeting the surgeon, the client
decides to consult with a different surgeon about treatment options. The nurse supports the
client's action, utilizing which ethical principle?
1.Beneficence
2.Veracity
3.Autonomy
4.Privacy - ANS 3. Autonomy
A nurse forgets to administer a dose of a client's diuretic drug and the client experiences an
episode of pulmonary edema. The nurse should consider that this error constitutes negligence
because the situation contains which element?
1.Purposeful failure to perform a healthcare procedure
2.Unintentional failure to perform a healthcare procedure
3.Act of substituting a different medication for the one prescribed
4.Failure to follow a healthcare provider's prescription - ANS 2. unintentional failure to
perform a healthcare procedure
An individual falls and fractures a hip while walking down the street. A companion notices a
nurse drive past without stopping to assist. The individual sues the nurse for negligence but fails
to win a judgment for which reason?
1.The nurse had no duty to the individual.
2.The nurse did what most nurses would do in the same circumstance.
3.The nurse did not cause the client's injuries.
4.The nurse was off-duty at that time. - ANS 1. the nurse had no duty to the individual.
A client asks why a diagnostic test has been prescribed and the nurse replies, "I'm unsure but
will find out for you." When the nurse later returns and provides an explanation, the nurse is
acting under which principle?
1.Nonmaleficence
2.Veracity
3.Beneficence
4.Fidelity - ANS 4. fidelity
,A client who takes warfarin is given aspirin for a headache while visiting a neighbor, who is a
nurse. The client subsequently has a bleeding episode caused by interaction of these drugs.
The legal nurse consultant interprets which necessary elements of malpractice are missing from
this case? Select all that apply.
1.Breach of duty
2.Duty owed
3.Injury experienced
4.Causation between nurse's action and injury
5.Intent to cause harm or injury - ANS 2 & 5.
- The nurse did not have a duty to the neighbor and was not in an employment capacity.
- The nurse did not intend to cause injury or harm
A client with cancer has decided to discontinue further treatment. Although the nurse would like
the client to continue treatment, the nurse recognizes the client is competent and supports the
client's decision using which ethical principle?
1.Justice
2.Fidelity
3.Autonomy
4.Confidentiality - ANS 3. Autonomy
The healthcare provider prescribes a medication in a dose that is considered toxic. The nurse
administers the medication to the client, who later suffers a cardiac arrest and dies. What
consequence can the nurse expect from this situation? Select all that apply.
1.The healthcare provider who prescribed the drug can be charged with negligence.
2.As the employing agency, only the hospital can be charged with negligence.
3.The nurse and prescriber may be terminated from employment to prevent a charge of
negligence to the hospital.
4.Negligence will not be charged, as this event could happen to any reasonable person.
5.The nurse can be charged with negligence for administering the toxic dose - ANS 1 & 5.
- The healthcare provider who prescribed the drug can be charged with negligence because
they are liable for their errors.
- The nurse can be charged with negligence for failing to verify and question the incorrect dose.
A nurse and teacher are discussing legal issues related to the practice of their professions. The
teacher asks about the functions of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA). The nurse should include
which elements in a response? Select all that apply.
1.Accredit schools of nursing
2.Enforce ethical standards of behavior
3.Protect the public
, 4.Define the scope of nursing practice
5.Determine liability insurance rates - ANS 3 & 4.
- The NPA serves to protect the public by setting minimum qualifications for nursing relating to
skills & competencies
- The NPA defines the scope of nursing practice in that state or province.
A staff nurse concerned about maintaining client confidentiality would take which action while
carrying out assigned duties?
1.Read non-assigned client records to become more familiar with disease processes.
2.Share client information with nurses from the unit to which the client may eventually be
transferred.
3.Allow the family to review the client's health record to obtain answers to their questions.
4.Share information about the client with those directly involved in that client's care - ANS
4. Share information about the client with only those directly involved in that clients care.
The nurse working in an acute care environment would utilize which strategies to reduce the risk
of malpractice litigation? Select all that apply.
1.Discuss any errors with the client and family in detail.
2.Keep incident reports on file.
3.Maintain expertise in practice.
4.Offer opinions to clients when the situation warrants.
5.Report unsafe staffing levels to supervisor - ANS 3 & 5.
- Maintain expertise in practice
- Report unsafe staffing levels to supervisor
1.The nurse determines a new mother is in greatest need of more education about infant care
and safety when the mother makes which statement?
1."I am pretty sure that I am going to breastfeed my baby."
2."After feeding, I should put my baby on her tummy to prevent choking."
3."Solid foods are unnecessary during the baby's first 4-6 months."
4."I should wake my baby up every 3-4 hours for feeding." - ANS 2. After feeding, I should
put my baby on her tummy to prevent choking
2.The result of a toddler's lead screening is 12 mg/dL. What would the nurse say to the mother
at this time?
1."His lab values are just fine."
2."Have you noticed any blood in his stools?"
3."When were his last immunizations?"
4."Tell me about where you live." - ANS 4. tell me about where you live