RPN Legal Practice and Scope 5

Question 1

An RPN is asked by a researcher to share de-identified patient data from charts for a study. The RPN should:

Accepted Answer

Direct the researcher to the facility's IRB and privacy officer for proper authorization

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The patient receives adequate information about risks, benefits, and alternatives to make a voluntary decision

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Report the situation to the supervisor and follow facility diversion policy

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Only when the patient provides written authorization

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Falsification of medical records, a form of fraud

Answer

Charting care that one did not personally perform or verify is falsification of medical records, which is both illegal and a serious professional violation.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Legal Practice and Scope 5