CFN Legal Principles in Nursing 2

Question 1

A forensic nurse is subpoenaed to testify about a patient's injuries. Which type of testimony is the nurse most likely to provide?

Accepted Answer

Expert witness testimony

Answer

Hearsay testimony

Answer

Character witness testimony

Answer

Lay witness testimony only

Question 2

What is the legal term for a nurse's failure to meet the standard of care that results in patient harm?

Accepted Answer

Negligence

Answer

Battery

Answer

Assault

Answer

False imprisonment

Question 3

A patient refuses a forensic examination after being told about the process. The nurse performs the exam anyway. This constitutes:

Accepted Answer

Battery

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Breach of duty

Answer

Abandonment

Question 4

Which doctrine holds hospitals vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employed nurses?

Accepted Answer

Respondeat superior

Answer

Res ipsa loquitur

Answer

Contributory negligence

Answer

Assumption of risk

Question 5

A forensic nurse discovers suspected child abuse during an examination. Failure to report this finding may result in:

Accepted Answer

Criminal charges and loss of licensure

Answer

Civil liability only

Answer

No legal consequence if the nurse was unsure

Answer

A formal written warning

Question 6

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims?

Accepted Answer

It varies by state but is typically 2–3 years

Answer

It is the same in all states

Answer

It is always 10 years from the incident

Answer

It never applies to forensic cases

Question 7

In a legal proceeding, 'chain of custody' for evidence collected by a forensic nurse refers to:

Accepted Answer

The documented chronological transfer and control of evidence

Answer

The nurse's legal authority to collect evidence

Answer

The patient's consent to evidence collection

Answer

The hospital's policy on evidence storage