NCLEX - National Council Licensure Examination NCLEX-RN 12

Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a blood transfusion based on religious beliefs, even though the physician believes it is necessary.
Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by supporting the patient's decision?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the ethical principle of nonmaleficence as it applies to nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding actions that cause unnecessary harm to the patient

Answer

Providing equal care to all patients regardless of background

Answer

Keeping promises made to patients and families

Answer

Acting in the best interest of the patient at all times

Question 3

A nurse witnesses a colleague falsifying a patient's medication record. According to the ANA Code of Ethics, what is the nurse's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior through appropriate institutional channels

Answer

Confront the colleague privately before taking any further action

Answer

Document the incident in the patient's chart immediately

Answer

Contact the patient's family to inform them of the discrepancy

Question 4

Which of the following situations represents a nurse experiencing an ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

A nurse must choose between honoring a patient's DNR order and responding to family pressure to resuscitate

Answer

A nurse is unsure of the correct dose of a medication and consults a pharmacist

Answer

A nurse disagrees with a physician's choice of antibiotic but administers it as ordered

Answer

A nurse is asked to work a double shift and feels fatigued

Question 5

The concept of 'fidelity' in nursing ethics refers to the nurse's duty to:

Accepted Answer

Keep promises and honor commitments made to patients

Answer

Distribute healthcare resources equitably among all patients

Answer

Provide truthful information to patients and families

Answer

Protect the confidentiality of patient health information

Question 6

A terminally ill patient asks the nurse not to tell his family about his prognosis. Which of the following actions by the nurse best reflects the ethical principle of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Honor the patient's request and maintain confidentiality unless there is a legal obligation to disclose

Answer

Inform the family because they have a right to know

Answer

Ask the physician to speak with the family on the nurse's behalf

Answer

Document the patient's wishes and defer the decision to the ethics committee