Next Professional Standards and Ethics 5

Question 1

A nurse is asked to witness a patient signing an informed consent form but realizes the patient does not understand the procedure. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse to witness the signature and notify the physician that the patient lacks understanding

Answer

Sign the witness form since the physician already explained the procedure

Answer

Ask the patient to sign anyway and document that education was provided

Answer

Have a family member explain the procedure before witnessing the signature

Question 2

A nurse is experiencing compassion fatigue that is affecting their ability to provide safe care. The ethical course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Seek support and report their impaired state to a supervisor

Answer

Continue working to avoid burdening coworkers

Answer

Take a short break and return without informing anyone

Answer

Request to care only for patients with minor conditions

Question 3

When two ethical principles conflict — such as patient autonomy versus beneficence — the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Use ethical frameworks and consult the ethics committee to reach a balanced decision

Answer

Always prioritize beneficence over patient autonomy

Answer

Defer entirely to the physician's judgment

Answer

Apply whichever principle is easier to implement in the given situation

Question 4

Which behavior best demonstrates a nurse's professional accountability?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging errors, reporting them, and participating in corrective action

Answer

Completing required tasks without documentation to save time

Answer

Avoiding difficult patients to maintain personal wellbeing

Answer

Following only the orders that align with personal judgment

Question 5

A patient with dementia is no longer able to make decisions. Who has the legal authority to make healthcare decisions on their behalf?

Accepted Answer

The legally designated healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare

Answer

The patient's primary nurse

Answer

The senior physician assigned to the case

Answer

The patient's closest blood relative, regardless of legal designation

Question 6

What is the purpose of a professional code of ethics in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To provide a framework for ethical decision-making and define professional obligations

Answer

To outline the disciplinary procedures for license revocation

Answer

To establish billing and reimbursement guidelines for nursing services

Answer

To replace state nurse practice acts in regulatory matters

Question 7

A nurse suspects a colleague may be diverting controlled substances for personal use. The nurse's ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the concern to a supervisor immediately to protect patients and the colleague

Answer

Confirm the suspicion by gathering undeniable proof before reporting

Answer

Confront the colleague privately and give them the opportunity to self-report

Answer

Ignore the suspicion unless a patient is directly harmed