CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Responsibility and Accountability Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the CNO's Code of Conduct, what is the primary accountability of a nurse when they identify a conflict between their personal beliefs and a client's care plan?

Accepted Answer

To provide safe, compassionate, and timely care until other arrangements are made.

Answer

To transfer care of the client to another nurse immediately.

Answer

To inform the client about the personal conflict and offer alternative care options.

Answer

To document the conflict in the client's chart and seek guidance from the ethics committee.

Question 2

A nurse notices a colleague consistently failing to perform required safety checks before administering high-risk medications. The nurse has informally spoken to the colleague, but the behaviour continues. What is the nurse's most appropriate next step to demonstrate professional accountability?

Accepted Answer

Report the colleague's behaviour to the nursing unit manager or appropriate authority.

Answer

Continue monitoring the colleague and documenting their errors for a future report.

Answer

Confront the colleague again in the presence of another nurse.

Answer

Anonymously report the issue to the CNO's professional conduct department.

Question 3

Which of the following is a mandatory component of the CNO's Quality Assurance (QA) Program for all nurses in the General and Extended classes?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in practice reflection and developing a Learning Plan annually.

Answer

Attending a minimum of two professional development workshops annually.

Answer

Completing a peer performance review with a colleague each year.

Answer

Submitting a portfolio of clinical exemplars for review by the CNO.

Question 4

A client offers a nurse a significant monetary gift as a thank-you for excellent care. To maintain professional boundaries as outlined by the CNO, what is the nurse's most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the gift, explaining the professional boundary guidelines.

Answer

Accept the gift but donate it to a charity on behalf of the unit.

Answer

Accept the gift, as declining could harm the nurse-client relationship.

Answer

Suggest the client make a donation to the hospital's foundation instead.

Question 5

A nurse is struggling with a personal health issue that they fear may be affecting their ability to practice safely. According to the CNO's professional standards, the nurse's primary responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Self-reflect on their health and seek help if their health affects their ability to practice safely.

Answer

Request a less demanding assignment from their manager without disclosing the reason.

Answer

Continue working while being extra cautious about their practice.

Answer

Take a temporary leave of absence and only self-report to the CNO if a practice error occurs.

Question 6

Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, when is a nurse legally required to self-report to the CNO?

Accepted Answer

Within 30 days of being charged with any offence.

Answer

When they are named in a civil lawsuit, regardless of the reason.

Answer

Only after being found guilty of a criminal offence.

Answer

When their employment is terminated for any reason.