Professional Standards and Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real RELIAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Standards and Ethics flashcards as text
Which action best demonstrates the ethical principle of justice in healthcare delivery?
Answer: Allocating resources and care equitably regardless of a patient's background or ability to pay
Justice requires fair and equitable treatment for all patients without discrimination based on status, identity, or financial means.
A colleague tells you they have been drinking before their shift. The most appropriate action is to:
Answer: Report the situation to a supervisor or charge nurse immediately to protect patient safety
An impaired colleague poses a direct safety risk to patients; immediate reporting is both an ethical and professional obligation.
Maintaining professional boundaries with patients primarily serves to:
Answer: Protect the therapeutic relationship, prevent exploitation, and ensure objective care
Professional boundaries define appropriate relationships that protect patients from exploitation and preserve the integrity of care.
A patient discloses experiencing domestic violence during an assessment. The clinician's first priority should be:
Answer: Ensuring the patient's immediate safety and providing information about available resources
Safety planning and connection to resources are the immediate priorities when a patient discloses domestic violence.
What is the ethical responsibility of a healthcare professional who makes a medication error?
Answer: Document and report the error, notify the provider and patient, and follow facility protocol
Transparency and accountability require reporting errors regardless of outcome, to enable corrective action and prevent recurrence.
Which of the following is a key element required for legally valid informed consent?
Answer: The patient must voluntarily agree after receiving information about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives
Valid informed consent requires disclosure of relevant information, patient comprehension, and a voluntary decision free from coercion.
In healthcare ethics, 'nonmaleficence' obligates providers to:
Answer: Avoid causing harm or minimizing harm when providing care
Nonmaleficence is the principle of 'do no harm,' requiring providers to avoid actions that cause unnecessary injury or suffering.