Professional Practice Flashcards

Which organization publishes the core curriculum used as the primary reference for BCEN certification preparation?

Answer: Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

The Emergency Nurses Association publishes the Sheehy's Emergency Nursing core curriculum, the primary reference for BCEN exam preparation.

Which ethical principle is applied when a nurse advocates for a patient who is unable to speak for themselves?

Answer: Advocacy (patient autonomy surrogate)

Advocacy involves speaking on behalf of patients who cannot represent their own interests, upholding their rights and preferences.

When is it legally and ethically appropriate to breach patient confidentiality without consent?

Answer: When there is a credible threat of harm to an identifiable third party

Confidentiality may be breached when a patient poses a credible, specific threat of harm to an identifiable third party, as established by the Tarasoff ruling.

A nurse documents an error in a patient's chart. What is the correct procedure?

Answer: Draw a single line through the error, note 'error,' date, time, and initial it

Proper error correction requires drawing a single line through the mistake, writing 'error,' and including the date, time, and initials to maintain an accurate, legal record.

A nurse receives an order that they believe is inappropriate for the patient. What is the FIRST action?

Answer: Clarify the order with the prescribing provider directly

Nurses must clarify unclear or potentially harmful orders with the prescribing provider before administering, to ensure patient safety.

Which activity is an example of a nurse participating in quality improvement (QI)?

Answer: Analyzing trends in door-to-ECG times to reduce delays

Quality improvement involves systematic data analysis to identify opportunities for enhancing care processes, such as tracking and reducing door-to-ECG times.

A patient refuses a recommended blood transfusion citing religious beliefs. They are alert and competent. What should the nurse do?

Answer: Respect the refusal and document it, ensuring informed refusal is obtained

A competent adult has the right to refuse any treatment, including life-saving interventions; the nurse must respect this decision and document informed refusal.