NMBI Professional Conduct

Question 1

Under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011, what grounds can trigger a fitness to practise inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Professional misconduct, poor professional performance, a health condition impairing practice, or a criminal conviction

Answer

Only a criminal conviction

Answer

Only a complaint from a patient

Answer

Only poor clinical skills

Question 2

What is the nurse's duty regarding patient confidentiality under Irish law?

Accepted Answer

To protect all patient information and only share it with authorised persons for legitimate clinical purposes, in accordance with GDPR and professional standards

Answer

Patient information can be shared freely with all healthcare staff

Answer

Confidentiality only applies to written records

Answer

Confidentiality does not apply in emergency situations

Question 3

What is 'advocacy' in the context of nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Acting on behalf of and in the best interests of patients, particularly those who are vulnerable or unable to speak for themselves

Answer

Advertising nursing services to the public

Answer

Advocating for better pay and conditions for nurses

Answer

Representing the hospital in legal proceedings

Question 4

What constitutes 'professional misconduct' for a nurse in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Conduct that falls significantly short of the standard expected of a registered nurse, including breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct, negligence, or dishonesty

Answer

Any clinical error regardless of circumstances

Answer

Being late for a shift

Answer

Disagreeing with a doctor's decision

Question 5

What is the nurse's responsibility when delegating tasks to healthcare assistants (HCAs)?

Accepted Answer

The nurse must ensure the HCA is competent to perform the task, provide appropriate supervision, and retains accountability for the overall care

Answer

Once delegated, the nurse has no further responsibility

Answer

Any task can be delegated to an HCA regardless of their training

Answer

Delegation means the HCA becomes legally responsible

Question 6

What is the correct response if a nurse witnesses a colleague practising while apparently impaired by alcohol or drugs?

Accepted Answer

Ensure immediate patient safety, report the concern to the nurse manager or supervisor, and document the observations factually

Answer

Ignore it to avoid conflict with the colleague

Answer

Confront the colleague publicly in front of patients

Answer

Post about it on social media to raise awareness