Professional Standards & Ethics Flashcards

A cardiac nurse notices that a patient's advance directive specifies no intubation, but the family demands the patient be intubated following a sudden decompensation. The nurse should:

Answer: Honor the advance directive and advocate for the patient's documented wishes

An advance directive is the patient's legally binding expression of their wishes and takes precedence over family preferences.

Which action by a CMC nurse BEST demonstrates the ethical principle of non-maleficence?

Answer: Double-checking a high-alert cardiac medication dose with another nurse before administration

Double-checking high-alert medications is a standard safety practice that directly prevents medication harm, embodying non-maleficence.

A nurse overhears colleagues making derogatory comments about a patient's lifestyle choices in the break room. The most professional response is to:

Answer: Immediately ask colleagues to stop and remind them of patient dignity and confidentiality

Professional standards require all healthcare workers to maintain patient dignity and confidentiality in all settings, including break rooms.

A CMC nurse is asked to participate in an evidence-based practice committee. This activity BEST demonstrates which professional standard?

Answer: Lifelong learning and commitment to improving patient care quality

Participation in evidence-based practice committees reflects the professional standard of continuous learning and quality improvement.

A competent cardiac patient from a Jehovah's Witness background refuses a blood transfusion that the care team considers necessary. The ethically correct response is:

Answer: Respect the refusal, document thoroughly, explore bloodless alternatives, and involve ethics consultation if needed

A competent adult's religiously motivated refusal of treatment must be respected; clinicians should explore alternatives and document the conversation.

Which situation requires a cardiac nurse to make a mandatory report to a state or regulatory agency?

Answer: A nurse witnesses suspected elder abuse involving a cardiac patient

Nurses are mandated reporters and must report suspected elder abuse to the appropriate state protective services agency.

A nurse manager assigns a culturally incompetent colleague to care for a patient whose religious customs require same-gender care providers. The nurse's advocacy role requires:

Answer: Raising the concern with the manager and facilitating a culturally congruent care assignment

Patient advocacy requires nurses to proactively address cultural care needs and work with management to honor patient preferences.