CFN Legal & Ethical Responsibilities in Forensic Nursing 4

Question 1

A forensic nurse receives a call from a journalist investigating a high-profile assault case asking for patient details. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Decline to confirm or deny patient information and refer to the facility's media spokesperson

Answer

HIPAA prohibits disclosing any patient information to media; all inquiries should be directed to designated institutional spokespersons.

Question 2

Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), sexual assault victims are entitled to:

Accepted Answer

A forensic examination regardless of whether they report to law enforcement

Answer

VAWA ensures that sexual assault victims can receive forensic medical examinations without requiring a police report as a condition.

Question 3

A forensic nurse is treating a patient who is also a crime suspect. The nurse's primary obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide the same standard of care owed to any patient, maintaining professional boundaries

Answer

All patients, including crime suspects, are entitled to the same professional standard of nursing care regardless of their legal status.

Question 4

Which document formally authorizes a forensic nurse to collect biological samples from a patient for evidentiary purposes?

Accepted Answer

Written informed consent from the patient or legal guardian

Answer

Written informed consent is required before collecting biological evidence, as it authorizes an invasive procedure with legal implications.

Question 5

A forensic nurse is testifying as a fact witness rather than an expert witness. This means she may testify about:

Accepted Answer

Only what she personally observed, documented, and did during care

Answer

A fact witness is limited to direct personal observations and actions, unlike an expert witness who may offer opinions.

(CFN) Certified Forensic Nurse Practice Test