CNO Consent and Capacity in Nursing Practice

Question 1

Under Ontario's Health Care Consent Act, who is ultimately responsible for obtaining informed consent for a proposed treatment?

Accepted Answer

The regulated health professional proposing the treatment

Answer

The registered nurse administering the treatment

Answer

The charge nurse on duty

Answer

The hospital administrator

Question 2

Which of the following elements is NOT required for consent to be considered informed under Ontario's Health Care Consent Act?

Accepted Answer

The cost of the treatment

Answer

The nature of the treatment

Answer

The expected benefits of the treatment

Answer

The material risks of the treatment

Question 3

Under the Health Care Consent Act, how is capacity to consent assessed for a client with dementia who requires multiple procedures?

Accepted Answer

Specifically for each treatment decision being made

Answer

Once upon admission, applying to all future treatments

Answer

Globally for all decisions at the same time

Answer

Only by a physician or psychiatrist

Question 4

According to the Health Care Consent Act, a person is presumed to be capable of making treatment decisions unless:

Accepted Answer

There are reasonable grounds to believe otherwise

Answer

They are over 75 years of age

Answer

They have a diagnosed mental illness

Answer

A substitute decision maker has been appointed

Question 5

A capable client refuses a treatment the nurse believes is in the client's best interest. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal, document it, and report to the team

Answer

Proceed with the treatment to prevent foreseeable harm

Answer

Immediately contact the substitute decision maker

Answer

Request a psychiatric evaluation to reassess capacity

Question 6

Which of the following best describes 'implied consent' in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Consent inferred from a client's actions or behavior

Answer

Consent given verbally without a written signature

Answer

Consent given by a substitute decision maker on behalf of a client

Answer

Consent obtained by a nurse in an emergency situation

Question 7

A client asks 'What is this medication for?' before the nurse administers it. What is the nurse's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

Provide clear information about the medication to support ongoing informed consent

Answer

Administer the medication as ordered without detailed explanation

Answer

Refer all medication questions to the prescribing physician before proceeding

Answer

Document that the client is being non-compliant with the treatment plan