CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario Ethical Practice and Conduct Questions and Answers

Question 1

A nurse is caring for a client who has decided to refuse a life-sustaining treatment.
The client's family is distressed and asks the nurse to persuade the client to change their mind.
According to the CNO's ethical values, what is the nurse's primary responsibility in this situation?

Accepted Answer

To respect the client's autonomous choice, even if it conflicts with personal or family values.

Answer

To respect the family's wishes and attempt to influence the client's decision.

Answer

To document the client's decision and withdraw from their care.

Answer

To request an ethics committee consultation to make the final decision.

Question 2

Which of the following actions best demonstrates a nurse's commitment to the principle of 'acting with integrity in the client's best interest' as outlined in the CNO Code of Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring a client's personal health information is protected and only shared for therapeutic reasons.

Answer

Sharing details of a client's interesting case with a colleague in the cafeteria.

Answer

Accepting a valuable gift from a grateful client after their discharge.

Answer

Performing a procedure without full consent because the nurse believes it is necessary.

Question 3

A nurse notices a colleague consistently failing to perform required safety checks before administering medication. The nurse has informally mentioned it to the colleague, but the behavior continues. According to the CNO Code of Conduct, what is the nurse's next most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Report the unsafe behavior to the appropriate authority, such as the nurse manager or employer.

Answer

Continue to monitor the colleague and gather more evidence before acting.

Answer

Confront the colleague again, but this time in a more forceful manner.

Answer

Assume the colleague is just busy and offer to help them with their workload.

Question 4

A client with limited English proficiency is scheduled for surgery. The surgeon has explained the procedure, but the nurse assesses that the client may not fully understand the risks and benefits. To uphold the ethical value of 'client choice,' what should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the client by requesting a qualified medical interpreter to ensure informed consent.

Answer

Proceed with the pre-operative checklist as the surgeon has already obtained consent.

Answer

Ask a family member who speaks some English to translate.

Answer

Document the concern in the client's chart and take no further action.

Question 5

Under which principle of the CNO's Code of Conduct does the accountability to provide inclusive and culturally safe care by practicing cultural humility fall?

Accepted Answer

Principle 2: Nurses provide inclusive and culturally safe care by practicing cultural humility.

Answer

Principle 1: Nurses respect clients' dignity.

Answer

Principle 4: Nurses work respectfully with the health care team.

Answer

Principle 5: Nurses act with integrity in clients' best interest.

Question 6

A nurse living in a small, remote community is asked by a close friend to provide ongoing wound care for them at home following a minor surgery, as the local clinic has a long waitlist. According to the CNO's 'Professional Boundaries and Nurse-Client Relationships' standard, what is the most appropriate initial response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the dual roles, set clear boundaries, and agree to provide care only until another provider is available.

Answer

Refuse to provide any care, as treating friends is always a boundary violation.

Answer

Agree to provide care but insist on being paid to make it a professional arrangement.

Answer

Provide the care without any specific discussion about boundaries, as it is a friend in need.