AANP Professional Role, Ethics, and Legal Issues

Question 1

A competent patient refuses a recommended treatment. Which ethical principle does the NP honor by respecting this decision?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy is the right of competent patients to make their own healthcare decisions, including refusing treatment.

Question 2

Which ethical principle is described as 'do no harm'?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid causing harm. Beneficence is the separate duty to act for the patient's benefit.

Question 3

Under HIPAA, an NP may share a patient's protected health information with a specialist for which reason without separate written authorization?

Accepted Answer

For treatment purposes

Answer

HIPAA permits disclosure of PHI for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without separate patient authorization. Research and marketing generally require authorization.

Question 4

An NP suspects that a 6-year-old patient has been physically abused. What is the NP's legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspicion to child protective services or law enforcement

Answer

Healthcare providers are mandated reporters, and reasonable suspicion alone triggers the duty to report. Proof and parental consent are not required.

Question 5

Which element is NOT required to establish a malpractice claim of negligence?

Accepted Answer

Intent to harm the patient

Answer

Negligence requires duty, breach, causation, and damages. Intent to harm is not an element of negligence.

AANP - American Association of Nurse Practitioners Practice Test

AANP - American Association of Nurse Practitioners Practice Test

AANP Professional Role, Ethics, and Legal Issues