LVN Ethical Standards & Legal Responsibilities 5

Question 1

An LVN overhears two nurses loudly discussing a patient's HIV status in a public hallway. The LVN should:

Accepted Answer

Address the breach and remind colleagues to maintain confidentiality

Answer

LVNs have a professional and ethical obligation to uphold patient confidentiality and address violations by colleagues.

Question 2

Which action constitutes negligence rather than battery?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Negligence involves failure to meet the standard of care causing harm; failing to use fall precautions is a classic example of nursing negligence.

Question 3

A patient requests a copy of their medical records. Under HIPAA, the covered entity must provide access:

Accepted Answer

Within 30 days of the request (with a possible 30-day extension)

Answer

HIPAA requires covered entities to provide patients access to their PHI within 30 days, with one 30-day extension if needed.

Question 4

An LVN is floated to a unit where they have no experience with the patient population. The LVN's best response is to:

Accepted Answer

Inform the supervisor of their limitations and request appropriate orientation or adjusted assignment

Answer

LVNs must communicate competency limitations honestly; accepting tasks beyond their training jeopardizes patient safety and their license.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes an ethical dilemma in nursing?

Accepted Answer

A situation where two or more ethical principles conflict and no clear solution exists

Answer

An ethical dilemma occurs when equally compelling ethical principles conflict, making a clear 'right' decision impossible without some moral cost.

(LVN) Licensed Vocational Nurses Certification Practice Test