RPN Legal Practice and Scope 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An RPN is asked by a researcher to share de-identified patient data from charts for a study. The RPN should:
- Direct the researcher to the facility's IRB and privacy officer for proper authorization (Correct answer)
- Share the data since it is de-identified and poses no risk
- Obtain verbal consent from each patient before releasing data
- Refuse all research data sharing under HIPAA
Correct answer: Direct the researcher to the facility's IRB and privacy officer for proper authorization
Even de-identified data sharing for research requires proper institutional review board (IRB) approval and privacy officer authorization.
Question 2: Which of the following BEST defines 'informed consent' in nursing practice?
- The patient receives adequate information about risks, benefits, and alternatives to make a voluntary decision (Correct answer)
- The patient signs the consent form provided by the surgeon
- The nurse explains the procedure and the patient agrees verbally
- The patient is told what will happen and does not object
Correct answer: The patient receives adequate information about risks, benefits, and alternatives to make a voluntary decision
Informed consent requires disclosure of material information (risks, benefits, alternatives), patient comprehension, and voluntary agreement.
Question 3: An RPN discovers that a coworker is diverting controlled substances for personal use. The PRIMARY obligation is to:
- Report the situation to the supervisor and follow facility diversion policy (Correct answer)
- Confront the coworker privately and give them a chance to stop
- Document the observation in the patient's chart
- Ignore it unless patient harm is directly observed
Correct answer: Report the situation to the supervisor and follow facility diversion policy
Drug diversion is a patient safety and legal issue requiring immediate reporting through proper channels per facility policy.
Question 4: When can an RPN legally share a patient's mental health information with the patient's employer?
- Only when the patient provides written authorization (Correct answer)
- When the employer requests it in writing
- When the information is relevant to workplace safety
- When the physician approves the release
Correct answer: Only when the patient provides written authorization
Mental health information is especially protected and may only be released to an employer with the patient's explicit written authorization.
Question 5: An RPN signs off on care they did not personally perform in order to help a busy colleague. This constitutes:
- Falsification of medical records, a form of fraud (Correct answer)
- Acceptable team documentation practice
- A minor charting irregularity correctable with an addendum
- Legal if the colleague verbally confirms the care was done
Correct answer: Falsification of medical records, a form of fraud
Charting care that one did not personally perform or verify is falsification of medical records, which is both illegal and a serious professional violation.
Question 6: A patient withdraws consent for a procedure after signing the consent form but before the procedure begins. The RPN should:
- Halt preparation, notify the physician, and document the withdrawal of consent (Correct answer)
- Proceed because the form was already signed
- Ask the patient to reconsider and explain the medical risks of refusal before stopping
- Transfer responsibility to the physician to manage the situation
Correct answer: Halt preparation, notify the physician, and document the withdrawal of consent
Consent can be withdrawn at any time before a procedure begins; the RPN must stop, notify the provider, and document.
Question 7: Which action would place an RPN at risk for a charge of battery?
- Administering an injection after the patient clearly refused it (Correct answer)
- Explaining a procedure to a patient before obtaining consent
- Documenting care before it is completed
- Delegating a task to an unlicensed assistive personnel
Correct answer: Administering an injection after the patient clearly refused it
Battery involves intentional, unauthorized physical contact; administering treatment after a patient's clear refusal constitutes battery.
RPN Legal Practice and Scope 5
An RPN is asked by a researcher to share de-identified patient data from charts for a study.
The RPN should: