TCRN Professional and Legal Issues Flashcards

A trauma nurse suspects a patient is a victim of human trafficking. The priority nursing action is to:

Answer: Assess the patient privately, screen using a validated tool, and report to appropriate authorities per facility policy

Private assessment using a validated trafficking screening tool, followed by reporting per policy, is the safest and most effective evidence-based response.

Which action violates a trauma patient's right to confidentiality?

Answer: Discussing a patient's injuries with a curious coworker who is not involved in the patient's care

Sharing patient information with staff who have no care-related need-to-know violates HIPAA and the patient's right to privacy.

A trauma nurse disagrees with a physician's treatment plan for ethical reasons. The most appropriate course of action is to:

Answer: Express concerns to the physician, document the discussion, and use the ethics committee if unresolved

Ethical disagreements should be addressed through direct professional communication and escalation to ethics resources when needed, while continuing safe patient care.

What is the primary purpose of peer review in trauma nursing practice?

Answer: To evaluate clinical performance and identify opportunities for improvement without punitive intent

Peer review in a just culture context is a quality improvement process focused on learning and improvement, not punishment.

A TCRN is caring for a minor trauma patient whose parents disagree about treatment. The nurse should:

Answer: Follow facility legal counsel guidance and, if urgent, provide stabilizing care while the dispute is resolved

In emergencies, stabilizing care proceeds regardless of parental disagreement; custody and consent disputes are resolved through legal channels.

Which scenario represents a conflict of interest that a trauma nurse must disclose or avoid?

Answer: Accepting gifts from a medical device company while making product recommendations to the unit

Accepting gifts from industry while influencing product decisions creates a conflict of interest that must be disclosed or avoided to maintain professional integrity.

Which statement accurately describes the nurse's role regarding informed consent for a trauma procedure?

Answer: The nurse may witness the patient's signature after the physician has provided the information and the patient verbalizes understanding

The nurse's witnessing role confirms the patient signed voluntarily and appeared competent; the responsibility for the informed consent discussion belongs to the procedure provider.