NCLEX - National Council Licensure Examination NCLEX-RN 8

Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. The nurse disagrees with this decision but proceeds to respect it. This action best demonstrates which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy is the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care, even when the healthcare provider disagrees. Respecting the patient's refusal upholds this principle.

Question 2

When a nurse administers medication and documents it accurately in the patient's chart, this action primarily reflects which component of professional nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Accountability

Answer

Accountability means the nurse takes responsibility for their actions, including documentation of care given. It requires answering for one's own nursing judgments and actions.

Question 3

A patient asks the nurse to keep a piece of information confidential from the patient's family. The nurse agrees, then later shares the information with the care team for safety reasons. Which ethical conflict does this scenario best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Fidelity versus beneficence

Answer

Fidelity refers to keeping promises and maintaining loyalty, while beneficence means acting in the patient's best interest. Sharing information for safety creates a conflict between keeping the promise (fidelity) and promoting well-being (beneficence).

Question 4

A nurse notices that a colleague is consistently administering pain medication late to patients. The most appropriate initial action by the nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

Document observations and confront the colleague professionally

Answer

The nurse should first document observations and address the concern directly with the colleague in a professional manner. This follows the chain of appropriate escalation and upholds patient advocacy without prematurely bypassing internal resolution steps.

Question 5

During shift handoff, a nurse receives report on a patient with a new DNR order. Later, the patient goes into cardiac arrest. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Withhold resuscitation in accordance with the documented DNR order

Answer

A valid, documented DNR order must be honored as it reflects the patient's advance directive and right to self-determination. Initiating CPR would violate the patient's expressed wishes.

NCLEX Practice Test

NCLEX Practice Test

NCLEX - National Council Licensure Examination NCLEX-RN 8