Professional Practice Flashcards

A nurse suspects a colleague is diverting opioids for personal use. What is the MOST appropriate initial action?

Answer: Report the suspicion to the nurse manager or supervisor immediately

Suspected diversion must be reported promptly to a supervisor or manager, as it is a patient safety and legal issue requiring institutional investigation.

Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which obligation does an emergency department have?

Answer: Screen and stabilize all patients regardless of ability to pay

EMTALA mandates that EDs provide a medical screening exam and stabilizing treatment to all individuals regardless of payment status.

A patient's family member demands to see the patient's chart without the patient's consent. The patient is alert and oriented. What should the nurse do?

Answer: Deny access and explain HIPAA protections to the family member

An alert, oriented patient's medical information is protected under HIPAA and cannot be shared without the patient's explicit authorization.

Which action best demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based practice in emergency nursing?

Answer: Using current research findings to guide clinical decisions and protocols

Evidence-based practice integrates current best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to optimize care.

A nurse is asked to float to a unit where they have limited experience. What is the BEST response?

Answer: Accept while communicating limitations and requesting appropriate support

Nurses must communicate competency limitations when floated to unfamiliar units to ensure safe patient care and appropriate supervision.

Which principle underlies the concept of informed consent in emergency nursing?

Answer: Patient autonomy — the right to make informed decisions about their care

Informed consent is rooted in patient autonomy, requiring that competent patients receive adequate information to make voluntary decisions about their care.

A patient is brought in by police after being found unresponsive. No identification is available. What guides the emergency nurse's decision to treat?

Answer: Implied consent, presuming the patient would consent if able

In emergency situations where an unconscious patient cannot consent, implied consent doctrine authorizes treatment under the assumption a reasonable person would agree.