Next Professional Standards and Ethics 2

Question 1

A nurse discovers that a colleague has been falsifying patient medication records. What is the nurse's primary ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to the appropriate supervisor or authority

Answer

Nurses have an ethical and legal obligation to report unsafe or unethical practices that could harm patients, regardless of collegial relationships.

Question 2

Which principle of biomedical ethics requires healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of the patient?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Beneficence means taking positive actions to promote patient well-being and act in their best interest.

Question 3

A patient refuses a blood transfusion based on religious beliefs, even though it is medically necessary. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal and respect the patient's decision after ensuring informed refusal

Answer

Competent adult patients have the right to refuse treatment; nurses must document the informed refusal and respect the decision.

Question 4

What does the principle of nonmaleficence specifically require of healthcare professionals?

Accepted Answer

Avoid causing unnecessary harm to patients

Answer

Nonmaleficence means 'do no harm' — professionals must avoid actions that could cause unnecessary harm or suffering.

Question 5

A nurse is asked by a pharmaceutical company representative to promote their medication to patients in exchange for gifts. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Decline and report the offer to hospital administration as a conflict of interest

Answer

Accepting gifts from pharmaceutical companies creates a conflict of interest that can compromise professional objectivity and patient care.

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