Ethics and Legal Responsibilities Flashcards

A nurse aide suspects a coworker is stealing pain medication from residents. The aide should:

Answer: Report the suspicion to the supervisor or administrator immediately

Suspicion of medication diversion is a serious concern that must be reported immediately to a supervisor—waiting for proof could harm residents.

When a nurse aide witnesses an incident involving a resident, proper documentation should be:

Answer: Objective, factual, and completed promptly after the incident

Proper documentation must be objective, factual, and completed in a timely manner to ensure an accurate legal record.

A resident's roommate asks the nurse aide about the resident's diagnosis. The nurse aide should:

Answer: Decline to share and explain that information is private

HIPAA protects all patient health information; the nurse aide must decline to share a resident's diagnosis with the roommate.

A nurse aide tells a resident, 'If you don't cooperate, I'll put you in restraints.' This statement is an example of:

Answer: Verbal abuse and threatening behavior

Threatening a resident with restraints as punishment is verbal abuse and a form of emotional abuse that violates resident rights.

Which of the following actions protects a nurse aide from accusations of theft?

Answer: Reporting and documenting any found money or valuables to the charge nurse

Reporting and documenting found valuables to the charge nurse creates an official record that protects the aide from theft accusations.

Which behavior best demonstrates ethical conduct for a nurse aide?

Answer: Treating all residents equally regardless of their behavior or background

Ethical conduct requires treating all residents with equal dignity and respect regardless of their personality, behavior, or background.

A nurse aide is asked to witness a resident signing a legal document. The aide should:

Answer: Refuse and refer the matter to the charge nurse or facility administration

Nurse aides should not witness legal documents as it may create conflicts of interest and liability; this should be referred to administration.