LVN Ethical Standards & Legal Responsibilities — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which principle is central to nursing ethics?
- Autonomy (Correct answer)
- Conformity
- Authority
- Proximity
Correct answer: Autonomy
Autonomy is a central principle in nursing ethics, emphasizing the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Nurses uphold autonomy by providing comprehensive information, respecting patient choices, and advocating for their preferences, even if they differ from the nurse's own views.
Question 2: Which legal document allows patients to outline their medical wishes in advance?
- Living trust
- Advance directive (Correct answer)
- Power of attorney
- Health insurance
Correct answer: Advance directive
An advance directive lets patients communicate their treatment preferences before they become unable to do so.
Question 3: What is the main purpose of HIPAA in healthcare?
- To regulate medical device usage
- To establish hospital pricing
- To protect patient privacy (Correct answer)
- To manage pharmacy benefits
Correct answer: To protect patient privacy
HIPAA ensures patient information remains confidential and secure.
Question 4: Which legal concept holds a nurse accountable for their actions?
- Confidentiality
- Competence
- Liability (Correct answer)
- Negligence
Correct answer: Liability
Liability refers to the legal responsibility nurses have for their decisions and actions in patient care.
Question 5: What action demonstrates a violation of patient confidentiality?
- Documenting in the patient's chart
- Discussing a patient case with a friend (Correct answer)
- Reporting vital signs
- Informing a supervisor of a safety concern
Correct answer: Discussing a patient case with a friend
Discussing patient information with unauthorized persons breaches confidentiality rules.
Question 6: What term refers to the failure to provide reasonable care resulting in harm?
- Malpractice
- Negligence (Correct answer)
- Abandonment
- Fraud
Correct answer: Negligence
Negligence is when a nurse fails to act with the expected level of care, leading to patient harm.
Question 7: Which action illustrates ethical nursing care?
- Refusing to give pain medication
- Advocating for a patient’s right to refuse treatment (Correct answer)
- Limiting patient access to records
- Withholding test results
Correct answer: Advocating for a patient’s right to refuse treatment
Advocating for a patient’s right to refuse treatment honors their autonomy and ethical standards.
Question 8: What is informed consent?
- A contract between provider and insurer
- Authorization to bill insurance
- Permission given after understanding treatment risks (Correct answer)
- Hospital visitation rights
Correct answer: Permission given after understanding treatment risks
Informed consent means the patient understands and agrees to the proposed care after being fully educated on the risks and benefits.
Question 9: What is the nurse’s duty when witnessing unethical behavior by another healthcare provider?
- Ignore the behavior
- Discuss it with the patient's family
- Report it to the appropriate authority (Correct answer)
- Document it without action
Correct answer: Report it to the appropriate authority
Nurses must report unethical or illegal actions to the appropriate authority to ensure patient safety and uphold professional standards.
LVN Ethical Standards & Legal Responsibilities
Which principle is central to nursing ethics?