Legal and Ethical Practice Flashcards
6 cards from real LVN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Legal and Ethical Practice flashcards as text
What is the scope of practice for an LVN?
Answer: Performing basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician, as defined by state law
LVNs provide direct patient care within legally defined boundaries under the supervision of licensed practitioners.
What is informed consent and the LVN's role?
Answer: The LVN ensures consent is documented but cannot obtain informed consent — that is the provider's responsibility
While LVNs may witness signatures and verify documentation, explaining procedures and obtaining informed consent is the provider's responsibility.
What are mandatory reporting requirements for LVNs?
Answer: LVNs must report suspected abuse, neglect, certain communicable diseases, and unsafe practice
As mandated reporters, LVNs are legally required to report suspected abuse, neglect, and other specified conditions.
What is professional negligence in nursing?
Answer: Failure to provide care that meets the standard expected of a reasonably competent nurse in similar circumstances
Negligence requires four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
What is the nurse's role in patient confidentiality?
Answer: Protecting patient information from unauthorized disclosure as required by law and professional ethics
Nurses must safeguard patient information, sharing it only with authorized individuals for legitimate care purposes.
What is the difference between delegation and assignment?
Answer: Delegation transfers authority for a task to another; assignment distributes work within someone's existing scope
Delegation involves transferring responsibility for a task, while assignment allocates work that is already within someone's scope of practice.