Ethical and Legal Principles Flashcards
6 cards from real NACE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Ethical and Legal Principles flashcards as text
A nurse witnesses another nurse administering a medication without checking the patient's identification. This is an example of which legal concept?
Answer: Negligence
Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to exercise the standard of care that a reasonable nurse would provide, such as failing to verify patient identification before medication administration.
A patient in a psychiatric unit attempts to leave against medical advice. The nurse physically blocks the doorway. This action may constitute which legal offense?
Answer: False imprisonment
False imprisonment occurs when a person is confined or restrained without legal authority. Unless the patient meets criteria for involuntary commitment, blocking their exit is false imprisonment.
Which principle requires nurses to treat all patients equally regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or personal beliefs?
Answer: Justice
Justice is the ethical principle of fairness and equal treatment, requiring nurses to distribute care resources impartially and without discrimination.
A nurse receives a physician's order that appears to be incorrect. What is the nurse's responsibility?
Answer: Clarify the order with the prescribing physician before carrying it out
Nurses have an independent duty to question orders that appear incorrect or potentially harmful. The nurse should clarify with the physician before proceeding.
In which situation is a nurse legally mandated to report information, even without the patient's consent?
Answer: When a patient presents with injuries consistent with child abuse
All healthcare providers are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect. This legal obligation overrides patient confidentiality.
A competent adult patient refuses a recommended surgical procedure after being fully informed of the risks and benefits. What should the nurse document?
Answer: That the patient was informed and voluntarily refused, including the information provided
The nurse should document that the patient received information about risks, benefits, and alternatives, and voluntarily refused the procedure, demonstrating informed refusal.