Professional and Ethical Practice Flashcards

A client refuses a blood transfusion based on religious beliefs despite risk of death. What is the PN's priority action?

Answer: Document the refusal and notify the physician

Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment; the PN must document the refusal, inform the physician, and respect client autonomy.

A PN notices a colleague accessing a former client's health record without a current care relationship. This is best described as:

Answer: A breach of privacy and confidentiality

Accessing health records without a current therapeutic relationship violates PIPEDA and provincial privacy legislation.

When delegating a task to an unregulated care provider (UCP), the PN must first confirm:

Answer: The task is within the UCP's competence and the situation is appropriate for delegation

Safe delegation requires the PN to assess both the UCP's competence and the specific client situation before delegating.

A PN is asked by a physician to perform a procedure the PN has never done before. The most appropriate response is to:

Answer: Refuse the procedure and explain lack of competence

PNs must only perform procedures within their competence; practicing outside competence violates professional standards and endangers clients.

A PN receives a gift of significant value from a grateful client upon discharge. The most professional response is to:

Answer: Decline politely and explain professional boundaries regarding gifts

Accepting gifts of significant value can compromise professional boundaries and create real or perceived conflicts of interest.

Under the principle of justice in nursing ethics, a PN should:

Answer: Provide equal and fair treatment to all clients regardless of background

Justice requires fair allocation of resources and non-discriminatory care for all clients.

A PN suspects that a client's injury is inconsistent with the reported mechanism. The PN's first responsibility is to:

Answer: Document objective findings and report concerns to the physician and appropriate authority

Mandatory reporting obligations require the PN to document observations and report suspected abuse to the physician and appropriate authority without delay.