CFN Ethical and Professional Practice 2

Question 1

A forensic nurse is subpoenaed to testify in court about a patient's injuries. Which ethical principle primarily guides the nurse's obligation to provide truthful testimony?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 2

A forensic nurse examiner discovers that a colleague falsified documentation in a sexual assault case. What is the nurse's MOST appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Report the misconduct to the appropriate supervisor or ethics board

Answer

Confront the colleague privately and ask them to correct the record

Answer

Ignore it to preserve workplace relationships

Answer

Testify against the colleague without reporting internally first

Question 3

When conducting a forensic examination of a minor sexual assault victim, parental consent cannot be obtained. Under which circumstance may the exam proceed without parental consent?

Accepted Answer

When mandated reporting laws override consent requirements in an emergency

Answer

When the nurse believes it is in the child's best interest

Answer

When the perpetrator is a non-family member

Answer

When the child verbally agrees to the exam

Question 4

A forensic nurse is asked by law enforcement to release a patient's medical records immediately after an assault. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Obtain written patient authorization or a valid court order before releasing records

Answer

Release the records immediately to support the investigation

Answer

Call the hospital attorney before speaking to the officer

Answer

Provide verbal information only to avoid documentation issues

Question 5

Which of the following BEST describes the role of a forensic nurse when acting as an expert witness?

Accepted Answer

Provide objective, evidence-based opinion within the nurse's scope of expertise

Answer

Advocate for the prosecution to ensure justice for victims

Answer

Support the side that retained them and present their case favorably

Answer

Decline to offer opinions and only report documented findings

Question 6

A forensic nurse suspects a hospitalized elder is being financially exploited by a family member. Which action reflects the nurse's ethical and legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspicion to adult protective services per mandatory reporting laws

Answer

Document suspicions in the chart and monitor the situation

Answer

Confront the family member directly during the next visit

Answer

Notify the patient's primary physician and defer to their judgment

Question 7

The principle of 'do no harm' as applied to forensic nursing MOST directly cautions against which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Conducting repeated or unnecessary forensic examinations that cause additional trauma

Answer

Releasing findings to law enforcement without consent

Answer

Performing a thorough physical exam on an unwilling patient

Answer

Photographing injuries without explaining the purpose to the patient