LPN Ethical, Legal & Professional Standards 3

Question 1

Which action by an LPN constitutes professional boundary violation?

Accepted Answer

Providing personal contact information and meeting a patient socially outside work

Answer

Forming personal social relationships with patients outside the professional context crosses therapeutic boundaries and is considered a boundary violation.

Question 2

What is the legal term for intentionally touching a patient without consent, even if no harm results?

Accepted Answer

Battery

Answer

Battery is the intentional, unconsented touching of another person; in healthcare, performing a procedure without consent can constitute battery.

Question 3

A family member asks the LPN not to tell the patient about a terminal diagnosis. How should the LPN respond?

Accepted Answer

Explain that the patient has the right to know their own diagnosis

Answer

Patients have the right to truthful information about their own health (veracity), and the LPN should explain this right while involving the care team.

Question 4

Which scenario best describes negligence by an LPN?

Accepted Answer

Failing to raise side rails on a fall-risk patient who then falls

Answer

Failing to follow the standard of care (raising side rails for a fall-risk patient) that results in patient harm meets the legal definition of negligence.

Question 5

An LPN receives an order that seems unsafe. After clarifying with the physician, the LPN still believes it is dangerous. What is the best action?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to carry out the order and notify the charge nurse or supervisor

Answer

LPNs have both a legal and ethical obligation to refuse orders they believe are unsafe and must escalate to the charge nurse or supervisor.

(LPN) Certified Practical Nurse Practice Test

(LPN) Certified Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN Ethical, Legal & Professional Standards 3