Ethical, Legal & Professional Standards Flashcards

A patient with dementia is agitated and the LPN applies wrist restraints without an order to prevent the patient from pulling out an IV. This action is:

Answer: A potential false imprisonment violation requiring a physician order first

Restraints require a physician's order except in emergencies, and applying them without an order can constitute false imprisonment.

Which ethical framework supports the idea that the correct action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people?

Answer: Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism judges the morality of an action based on its outcomes and aims to maximize overall benefit.

An LPN co-signs a procedure in the chart that they did not personally observe. This constitutes:

Answer: Fraudulent charting

Signing documentation for care you did not personally provide or observe is fraudulent charting, which is illegal and unethical.

When a patient's family asks whether their loved one has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, and the patient has not authorized disclosure, the LPN should:

Answer: Redirect the family to speak with the physician or charge nurse about disclosure

Code status is protected health information; without patient authorization, the LPN should redirect the family to appropriate team members who can handle consent properly.

The concept of respondeat superior means that:

Answer: An employer can be held legally responsible for the negligent acts of employees performed within the scope of employment

Respondeat superior is the legal doctrine holding employers vicariously liable for employees' negligent acts committed in the course of employment.

Which action by an LPN reflects the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?

Answer: Withholding a medication known to cause serious allergic reactions in a patient

Nonmaleficence means 'do no harm'; withholding a medication known to cause a serious allergic reaction prevents potential harm to the patient.

A patient who is alert and oriented decides to leave the hospital against medical advice (AMA). The LPN should:

Answer: Have the patient sign the AMA form, educate about risks, and notify the charge nurse and physician

A competent patient has the legal right to leave AMA; the LPN must document the event, have the AMA form signed, educate about risks, and notify the team.