Dimensions of Nursing Practice
Q&A with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse life-saving blood transfusions due to
religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is being applied?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Autonomy is the ethical principle that recognizes a patient’s right to
self-determination and independent decision-making. The nurse acts as an advocate by
honoring the patient’s choices even when they conflict with clinical recommendations.
Supporting autonomy is a foundational aspect of professional nursing practice and patient-
centered care.
2. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
A. The obligation to avoid causing harm
,B. The duty to do good for the patient
C. The fair distribution of resources
D. Remaining faithful to one’s commitments
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Nonmaleficence is the ethical duty of the healthcare provider to do no
harm to the patient. It requires nurses to protect patients from danger and minimize risks
associated with care interventions. This principle is often balanced with beneficence to
ensure that the benefits of a treatment outweigh the potential risks.
3. A nurse ensures that all patients on a unit receive the same quality of care regardless of
their socioeconomic status. This is an example of:
A. Justice
B. Veracity
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Justice refers to the principle of fairness and equality in the
distribution of healthcare resources and treatments. It mandates that nurses treat all
individuals equitably without bias regarding race, gender, or financial status. Implementing
,justice helps eliminate health disparities and ensures moral integrity within the healthcare
system.
4. Which legal term refers to a threat of bodily harm or a display of force that causes
reasonable apprehension in the victim?
A. Battery
B. Negligence
C. Malpractice
D. Assault
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Assault is defined as an intentional threat or action that causes a
person to fear they are about to be touched in an offensive or harmful way. No actual
physical contact is required for an action to be considered assault in a legal context. Nurses
must be careful with their verbal and non-verbal communication to avoid accusations of
making threats.
5. A nurse performs a physical procedure on a patient without obtaining informed consent.
Which legal violation has occurred?
A. Fidelity
B. Libel
C. Slander
, D. Battery
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Battery is the actual intentional and unauthorized physical contact
with a person without their consent. In nursing, this can occur if a procedure is performed
against a patient’s will or without proper legal authorization. Respecting physical
boundaries and obtaining consent are essential to avoiding legal consequences and
protecting patient rights.
6. What are the four essential elements required to prove nursing malpractice?
A. Assault, Battery, Fraud, and Defamation
B. Intent, Harm, Error, and Neglect
C. Policy, Violation, Injury, and Reporting
D. Duty, Breach, Causation, and Damages
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: To prove malpractice, a plaintiff must demonstrate that a
professional relationship existed (Duty) and that the nurse failed to meet the standard of
care (Breach). Furthermore, it must be proven that the breach directly caused the injury
(Causation) and resulted in actual loss (Damages). All four elements must be present for a
legal claim of malpractice to be successful.