CARN Ethical and Legal Principles 2

Question 1

A patient in an addiction treatment program requests that their employer not be informed of their diagnosis. Which federal regulation primarily protects this confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

42 CFR Part 2

Answer

42 CFR Part 2 provides stricter confidentiality protections specifically for substance use disorder treatment records than general HIPAA rules.

Question 2

Under 42 CFR Part 2, which of the following disclosures is permitted WITHOUT patient consent?

Accepted Answer

Medical emergency involving immediate threat to life

Answer

42 CFR Part 2 permits disclosure without consent in a bona fide medical emergency when the patient's life is at immediate risk.

Question 3

A CARN discovers that a colleague is diverting opioid medications intended for addiction treatment patients. What is the nurse's primary ethical and legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Document the behavior and report to the nursing supervisor and appropriate authorities

Answer

Nurses have a legal and ethical duty to report suspected drug diversion to protect patient safety and comply with state reporting laws.

Question 4

Which ethical principle is MOST at stake when a nurse provides inaccurate information about the risks of medication-assisted treatment to steer a patient toward a preferred abstinence-only program?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Veracity (truth-telling) is violated when a nurse provides inaccurate or incomplete information that influences a patient's treatment decision.

Question 5

A patient with opioid use disorder is court-ordered to treatment but refuses medication-assisted treatment on religious grounds. The ethical principle most relevant to honoring this refusal is:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy supports a patient's right to refuse treatment, including specific modalities, even when court-ordered for the treatment program itself.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN Ethical and Legal Principles 2