NCNZ Ethical and Legal Frameworks

Question 1

What are the four fundamental ethical principles that guide nursing practice in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice

Answer

Honesty, loyalty, respect, and competence

Answer

Efficiency, effectiveness, economy, and equity

Answer

Authority, responsibility, accountability, and delegation

Question 2

What is the NZ nurse's legal obligation regarding mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Nurses must report suspected abuse or neglect of children, vulnerable adults, and older persons through appropriate channels

Answer

Reporting is only required if the nurse directly witnesses the abuse

Answer

There is no mandatory reporting requirement for nurses in NZ

Answer

Nurses should only report if the patient asks them to

Question 3

Under NZ law, what is the legal status of a nurse's clinical documentation?

Accepted Answer

It is a legal document that can be used as evidence in court, disciplinary proceedings, and coroner's inquests

Answer

It is an informal record with no legal standing

Answer

It is only legally relevant if signed by a doctor

Answer

Clinical notes are destroyed after 2 years and have no ongoing legal value

Question 4

What does the NZ principle of 'professional boundaries' mean in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining appropriate limits in the nurse-patient relationship to protect the patient from exploitation and ensure professional conduct

Answer

Never speaking to patients about non-clinical topics

Answer

Keeping a physical distance of at least one metre from patients at all times

Answer

Not caring about patients emotionally to remain objective

Question 5

What is the NZ legal requirement for nurses regarding scope of practice?

Accepted Answer

Nurses must only practise within their defined scope of practice and within their individual competence

Answer

Nurses can perform any procedure as long as they feel confident

Answer

Scope of practice only applies to nurse practitioners

Answer

There is no legally defined scope of practice for nurses in NZ

Question 6

What is the NZ nurse's ethical obligation regarding end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Provide compassionate care that respects the patient's wishes, dignity, and cultural needs, including supporting palliative care and advance directives

Answer

Avoid end-of-life discussions as they upset patients

Answer

Focus solely on curative treatment until the moment of death

Answer

End-of-life decisions are exclusively for doctors and families