RPN Legal Practice and Scope 4

Question 1

Which element is NOT required to establish nursing negligence in a malpractice lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

Proof of the nurse's intent to harm the patient

Answer

Negligence does not require intent to harm; it requires duty, breach, causation, and damages — intent is irrelevant.

Question 2

An RPN floats to an unfamiliar unit and is asked to perform a skill they have not been trained for. The correct response is to:

Accepted Answer

Inform the charge nurse of the limitation and request assignment of a qualified nurse for that task

Answer

RPNs must practice only within their competence; when assigned tasks beyond training, they must communicate limitations and seek reallocation.

Question 3

When caring for a minor patient, consent for routine treatment is typically obtained from:

Accepted Answer

A parent or legal guardian

Answer

For minors, informed consent for routine treatment must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian, with exceptions for emancipated minors or emergencies.

Question 4

An RPN restrains a patient without a physician's order or the patient's consent. This may constitute:

Accepted Answer

False imprisonment and battery

Answer

Restraining a patient without proper authority constitutes false imprisonment, and any unwanted physical contact may constitute battery.

Question 5

Which type of law primarily governs the RPN's professional license and scope of practice?

Accepted Answer

Administrative/regulatory law via the state nursing practice act

Answer

Nursing licensure and scope of practice are regulated through administrative law, specifically the state nursing practice act and its implementing regulations.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Legal Practice and Scope 4