FREE CARN Ethical and Legal Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

A law enforcement officer presents a photo of an individual to a CARN at the front desk of a substance use disorder (SUD) clinic and asks, "Is this person a patient here?" The officer does not have a court order or a signed patient consent form.
According to federal law 42 CFR Part 2, what is the nurse's required response?

Accepted Answer

State that federal law prohibits confirming or denying whether any individual is a patient.

Answer

Ask the officer to wait while the nurse checks the patient census.

Answer

Provide the information, as law enforcement investigations are an exception to confidentiality.

Answer

Acknowledge the individual is a patient but refuse to provide any further details.

Question 2

A competent adult patient with a severe alcohol use disorder is insistent on leaving a voluntary inpatient unit against medical advice (AMA). The patient does not meet the criteria for involuntary commitment. Which action by the CARN best fulfills the primary ethical obligations of respecting patient autonomy and promoting safety?

Accepted Answer

Informing the patient of the risks, providing discharge instructions and resources, and documenting the event.

Answer

Having security personnel block the patient from leaving the unit.

Answer

Requiring the patient to wait until a family member arrives to take custody.

Answer

Refusing to provide any prescriptions or follow-up appointments to discourage the patient's decision.

Question 3

A CARN has a credible reason to believe a colleague is diverting opioid medications intended for patients. According to the ANA Code of Ethics, what is the nurse's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Report the observations immediately to the nursing supervisor in accordance with facility policy.

Answer

Confront the colleague directly and threaten to report them if the behavior continues.

Answer

Wait to gather definitive proof before taking any action to avoid a false accusation.

Answer

Anonymously report the colleague to the state board of nursing without informing the employer.

Question 4

A 15-year-old self-presents to a clinic seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder. The state law allows minors aged 12 and older to consent to their own substance abuse treatment. The minor explicitly asks the CARN not to inform their parents. The parents later call the clinic, asking if their child has an appointment. What is the nurse's legally appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that due to confidentiality laws, the clinic can neither confirm nor deny that any person is a patient.

Answer

Inform the parents that their child is there but cannot provide details without the minor's consent.

Answer

Suggest the parents speak directly with their child about any potential treatment.

Answer

Tell the parents they will need to obtain a court order to receive any information.

Question 5

When obtaining informed consent for initiating buprenorphine, which of the following is the most critical point for the CARN to verify the patient understands to prevent an adverse outcome?

Accepted Answer

The first dose must be delayed until objective signs of opioid withdrawal are present.

Answer

The medication will completely block all effects of any other opioid.

Answer

Buprenorphine has a high potential for causing fatal respiratory depression on its own.

Answer

The medication must be taken for a minimum of one year to be effective.

Question 6

A patient offers a CARN an expensive watch as a discharge gift, stating the nurse was instrumental in their recovery. Which action best upholds professional and ethical boundaries?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the gift, explaining that the professional relationship and the patient's success are the true rewards.

Answer

Accept the gift to avoid hurting the patient's feelings during a vulnerable time.

Answer

Accept the watch but immediately turn it over to the unit manager to be used for the patient care fund.

Answer

Suggest the patient mail the gift to the nurse's home to avoid a scene at the facility.