CMC Professional Standards & Ethics 5

Question 1

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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Lifelong learning and commitment to improving patient care quality

Answer

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

Question 5

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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification Practice Test

CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification Practice Test

CMC Professional Standards & Ethics 5