NMC - Nursing Midwifery Council The NMC Code: Professionalism Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the NMC Code, which of the following actions best demonstrates the principle of 'Promote professionalism and trust'?
- Completing mandatory training on time and documenting it accurately.
- Refusing to express a personal opinion on a patient's treatment choices, even when asked directly.
- Acting as a positive role model to colleagues and upholding the reputation of the profession, both within and outside of work. (Correct answer)
- Reporting a medication error immediately in line with local policy.
Correct answer: Acting as a positive role model to colleagues and upholding the reputation of the profession, both within and outside of work.
The 'Promote professionalism and trust' theme of the NMC Code requires nurses, midwives, and nursing associates to uphold the reputation of their profession at all times. This includes displaying a personal commitment to the standards in the Code and acting as a model of integrity and leadership.
Question 2: A newly qualified nurse is asked by a senior colleague to administer an intravenous medication they have not been signed off as competent to give. Which section of the NMC Code is most relevant to guiding the nurse's actions?
- Prioritise people
- Practise effectively
- Preserve safety (Correct answer)
- Promote professionalism and trust
Correct answer: Preserve safety
The 'Preserve safety' theme of the Code explicitly states that professionals must recognise and work within the limits of their competence. Administering a medication without the required competency would be a breach of this standard, putting patient safety at risk.
Question 3: A patient's family member, who is also a nurse at a different hospital, asks to view the patient's electronic health records. The patient has not given explicit consent for this. How should the nurse respond, in line with the NMC Code?
- Allow access, as the family member is a registered professional and understands confidentiality.
- Politely decline, explaining that the duty of confidentiality under the 'Prioritise people' theme prevents sharing information without the patient's explicit consent. (Correct answer)
- Ask a senior doctor to make the decision on whether to grant access.
- Provide a verbal summary of the patient's condition to be helpful, but do not allow direct access to the records.
Correct answer: Politely decline, explaining that the duty of confidentiality under the 'Prioritise people' theme prevents sharing information without the patient's explicit consent.
The 'Prioritise people' theme of the Code requires nurses to respect people's right to privacy and confidentiality. A duty of confidentiality is owed to the patient, and information should not be shared without their informed consent, regardless of the relationship or professional status of the person requesting it.
Question 4: Which statement accurately reflects the NMC's expectation regarding professional behaviour outside of work?
- A nurse's conduct outside of work is a private matter and not subject to NMC regulation.
- Only criminal convictions obtained outside of work must be reported to the NMC.
- Nurses must not use social media to identify themselves as a registered professional.
- Behaviour in personal life, including on social media, must not damage public trust in the nursing and midwifery professions. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Behaviour in personal life, including on social media, must not damage public trust in the nursing and midwifery professions.
Under the theme 'Promote professionalism and trust', the Code is clear that professionals must behave in a way that does not damage the reputation of the profession, and this standard applies both in and out of work. This includes responsible use of social media.
Question 5: A midwife working on a busy ward notices that a colleague consistently fails to complete patient records accurately and promptly. According to the NMC Code's theme of 'Practise effectively', what is the most appropriate initial action?
- Ignore the issue, as it is the colleague's own professional responsibility.
- Report the colleague anonymously to the NMC.
- Raise the concern directly with the colleague in a constructive manner, or with a line manager if that is not appropriate. (Correct answer)
- Take over the colleague's record-keeping to ensure it is done correctly.
Correct answer: Raise the concern directly with the colleague in a constructive manner, or with a line manager if that is not appropriate.
The 'Practise effectively' theme includes standards on accurate record-keeping and working cooperatively. It is also linked to 'Preserve safety' and raising concerns. The appropriate professional action is to address the issue to prevent potential harm, initially at a local level if possible, by speaking with the colleague or a manager.
Question 6: The four main themes of the NMC Code are: Prioritise people, Practise effectively, Preserve safety, and which of the following?
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Promote professionalism and trust (Correct answer)
- Ensure clinical competence
- Provide evidence-based care
Correct answer: Promote professionalism and trust
The NMC Code is structured around four key themes that set out the professional standards for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates. These are: Prioritise people, Practise effectively, Preserve safety, and Promote professionalism and trust.
NMC - Nursing Midwifery Council The NMC Code: Professionalism Questions and Answers 1
According to the NMC Code, which of the following actions best demonstrates the principle of 'Promote professionalism and trust'?