LVN Legal and Ethical Practice

Question 1

What is the scope of practice for an LVN?

Accepted Answer

Performing basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician, as defined by state law

Answer

Independent practice without supervision

Answer

Prescribing medications

Answer

Performing surgery

Question 2

What is informed consent and the LVN's role?

Accepted Answer

The LVN ensures consent is documented but cannot obtain informed consent — that is the provider's responsibility

Answer

LVNs obtain all consents

Answer

Consent is not required

Answer

Only surgeons handle consent

Question 3

What are mandatory reporting requirements for LVNs?

Accepted Answer

LVNs must report suspected abuse, neglect, certain communicable diseases, and unsafe practice

Answer

Reporting is optional

Answer

Only report criminal activity

Answer

Only report to family members

Question 4

What is professional negligence in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Failure to provide care that meets the standard expected of a reasonably competent nurse in similar circumstances

Answer

Any mistake a nurse makes

Answer

Only medication errors

Answer

Only errors causing death

Question 5

What is the nurse's role in patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Protecting patient information from unauthorized disclosure as required by law and professional ethics

Answer

Sharing information with anyone who asks

Answer

Confidentiality is optional

Answer

Only doctors handle confidentiality

Question 6

What is the difference between delegation and assignment?

Accepted Answer

Delegation transfers authority for a task to another; assignment distributes work within someone's existing scope

Answer

They are the same

Answer

Only doctors delegate

Answer

LVNs cannot delegate any tasks