CFN Legal & Ethical Responsibilities in Forensic Nursing 2

Question 1

A forensic nurse is subpoenaed to testify about a patient's injuries. Which ethical principle guides the decision to disclose confidential information in court?

Accepted Answer

Legal compulsion via subpoena supersedes nurse-patient confidentiality

Answer

A valid court subpoena compels testimony, legally overriding the usual nurse-patient confidentiality protections.

Question 2

During a forensic examination of a suspected sexual assault victim, the patient suddenly withdraws consent. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Document the withdrawal and stop the examination immediately

Answer

Consent is an ongoing process; withdrawal at any point must be honored immediately and documented.

Question 3

A forensic nurse discovers that a colleague falsified documentation in a patient's forensic chart. The nurse's primary obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the falsification through proper institutional and regulatory channels

Answer

Falsification of forensic records is an ethical and legal violation requiring mandatory reporting through appropriate channels.

Question 4

Which legal concept protects a forensic nurse who in good faith reports suspected child abuse to authorities?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory reporter immunity statutes

Answer

All U.S. states provide immunity from civil or criminal liability for mandatory reporters who report suspected abuse in good faith.

Question 5

A forensic nurse provides testimony that exceeds her documented findings, offering speculative conclusions. This constitutes:

Accepted Answer

Perjury if knowingly false, and a breach of professional ethics

Answer

Forensic nurses must testify only to documented findings; speculation constitutes a breach of ethics and may constitute perjury.

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test

CFN Legal & Ethical Responsibilities in Forensic Nursing 2