Professional and Ethical Practice Flashcards

The CNA Code of Ethics identifies seven primary values. Which value is demonstrated when a practical nurse ensures a client understands their diagnosis before making a treatment decision?

Answer: Autonomy and self-determination

Ensuring a client understands their diagnosis before decision-making demonstrates respect for autonomy and self-determination.

A practical nurse is asked to perform a task outside their scope of practice. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Decline clearly and explain why, then identify who has the appropriate scope

Declining a task outside scope and directing to an appropriate provider protects client safety and demonstrates professional accountability.

Which action by a practical nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of justice in healthcare delivery?

Answer: Advocating for a marginalized client to receive the same quality of care as other clients

Justice in healthcare means equitable distribution of care regardless of personal characteristics. Advocating for equal quality care demonstrates this principle.

A practical nurse witnesses a colleague falsifying a client's vital signs documentation. What is the ethical and professional obligation?

Answer: Report the behavior through appropriate channels (charge nurse, management, regulatory college if required)

Falsifying health records is a serious professional offence requiring mandatory reporting through appropriate channels to protect client safety.

A client from a cultural background that uses herbal remedies asks about using them alongside their prescribed medications. What is the culturally competent response?

Answer: Acknowledge the cultural practice with respect, educate about potential herb-drug interactions, and encourage discussion with the prescribing physician

Culturally competent care acknowledges cultural practices respectfully while providing evidence-based safety education about herb-drug interactions and facilitating communication with the prescriber.

Before agreeing to participate in a research study conducted at their facility, what must the practical nurse ensure?

Answer: That they have received a full explanation of the study, understand their rights, and can withdraw without penalty

Research participation requires informed consent: full explanation, understanding of rights including the right to withdraw, and absence of coercion.