Mastery 2025
Legal, Ethical & Professional
Essentials
Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Core Nursing
Principles, Ensuring Clinical Competence, and Acing the
HESI Fundamentals Exam
Delights Test Bank
,Q1. Which of the following actions best illustrates the ethical principle of
fidelity? A. Administering pain medication in a timely manner after promising
the patient.
B. Encouraging a patient to make their own care decisions.
C. Refusing to administer a medication that is not prescribed.
D. Explaining a medical procedure truthfully.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fidelity refers to keeping promises. Administering pain meds as
promised demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness.
Q2. A nurse observes a colleague falsifying documentation. What is the nurse’s
best response? A. Ignore the behavior to maintain team harmony.
B. Report it to the nursing supervisor immediately.
C. Confront the colleague later in private.
D. Document it in the patient’s chart.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Falsifying records is a serious breach of ethics and legal
responsibility. It must be reported to ensure patient safety and uphold legal
standards.
,Q3. A nurse refuses to participate in an abortion due to personal beliefs. What
protects this nurse’s decision? A. Institutional policy
B. Patient’s Bill of Rights
C. Code of Ethics for Nurses
D. Nurse Practice Act
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ANA Code of Ethics supports the nurse’s right to conscientious
objection based on moral or religious grounds.
Q4. Which of the following is an example of nonmaleficence? A. Advocating for
a patient’s discharge plan
B. Administering a placebo without the patient's knowledge
C. Holding a medication due to potential side effects
D. Sharing information with a patient's family
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid causing harm.
Withholding a medication due to known risks is an act of protecting the
patient.
Q5. A patient confides in a nurse about an abusive relationship. The nurse is
legally required to: A. Encourage the patient to report it themselves.
B. Keep it confidential unless the patient consents.
, C. Report the situation following mandatory reporting laws.
D. Inform the hospital’s public relations department.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nurses are mandatory reporters and must report abuse cases as
required by state law.
Q6. A nurse tells a patient, "I’ll be back in 10 minutes with your medication,"
but returns 45 minutes later. This violates which ethical principle? A. Veracity
B. Autonomy
C. Fidelity
D. Justice
Answer: C — Fidelity is about keeping promises and commitments.
Q7. Which of the following is a legal responsibility of the nurse regarding
informed consent? A. Explaining risks and benefits of surgery
B. Obtaining the physician’s signature
C. Witnessing the patient’s signature
D. Explaining alternative treatments
Answer: C — Nurses witness consent; providers explain procedures.
Q8. A nurse discloses a patient’s HIV status to their employer. What law has
been violated? A. Americans with Disabilities Act
B. Patient Self-Determination Act
C. HIPAA