NSG 310/NSG310 Exam 3 V2 | Introduction
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who decides to stop chemotherapy despite a poor prognosis.
The nurse supports the patient’s right to make this decision. Which ethical principle is being
demonstrated?
A. Beneficence
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Autonomy
D. Justice
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and
making their own healthcare choices. The nurse’s role is to ensure the patient has the
information needed to make an informed decision and to respect that decision. This
principle remains central even if the healthcare provider disagrees with the patient’s
choice.
2. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
A. The duty to do good for the patient.
B. The duty to act fairly and distribute resources equally.
,C. The duty to tell the truth.
D. The duty to do no harm.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Nonmaleficence is the ethical obligation to protect patients from
harm or potential harm. In nursing practice, this includes avoiding negligence and ensuring
that the benefits of a treatment outweigh the risks. Nurses must constantly weigh their
actions to ensure they do not cause unnecessary suffering.
3. A nurse tells a patient they will return in 15 minutes to check their pain level and follows
through on that promise. This is an example of:
A. Veracity
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Fidelity involves being faithful to commitments and keeping
promises made to patients. This principle builds trust in the nurse-patient relationship,
which is essential for effective therapeutic care. By returning when promised, the nurse
demonstrates professional reliability and respect for the patient’s time.
, 4. Which legal term describes a nurse failing to provide the standard of care that a reasonably
prudent nurse would provide in a similar situation?
A. Assault
B. Battery
C. Libel
D. Negligence
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Negligence is a type of unintentional tort that occurs when a
professional’s conduct falls below the established standard of care. To prove negligence,
one must establish duty, breach of duty, causation, and actual injury. It is critical for nurses
to adhere to institutional policies and professional guidelines to avoid such legal issues.
5. A nurse observes a colleague taking a patient’s narcotic medication for personal use. What
is the nurse’s primary ethical and legal responsibility?
A. Confront the colleague and offer to help them.
B. Report the observation to the nurse manager or supervisor.
C. Ignore the situation to maintain a good working relationship.
D. Wait to see if it happens again before taking action.
Correct Answer: B
to Professional Nursing Exam Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who decides to stop chemotherapy despite a poor prognosis.
The nurse supports the patient’s right to make this decision. Which ethical principle is being
demonstrated?
A. Beneficence
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Autonomy
D. Justice
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and
making their own healthcare choices. The nurse’s role is to ensure the patient has the
information needed to make an informed decision and to respect that decision. This
principle remains central even if the healthcare provider disagrees with the patient’s
choice.
2. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
A. The duty to do good for the patient.
B. The duty to act fairly and distribute resources equally.
,C. The duty to tell the truth.
D. The duty to do no harm.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Nonmaleficence is the ethical obligation to protect patients from
harm or potential harm. In nursing practice, this includes avoiding negligence and ensuring
that the benefits of a treatment outweigh the risks. Nurses must constantly weigh their
actions to ensure they do not cause unnecessary suffering.
3. A nurse tells a patient they will return in 15 minutes to check their pain level and follows
through on that promise. This is an example of:
A. Veracity
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Fidelity involves being faithful to commitments and keeping
promises made to patients. This principle builds trust in the nurse-patient relationship,
which is essential for effective therapeutic care. By returning when promised, the nurse
demonstrates professional reliability and respect for the patient’s time.
, 4. Which legal term describes a nurse failing to provide the standard of care that a reasonably
prudent nurse would provide in a similar situation?
A. Assault
B. Battery
C. Libel
D. Negligence
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Negligence is a type of unintentional tort that occurs when a
professional’s conduct falls below the established standard of care. To prove negligence,
one must establish duty, breach of duty, causation, and actual injury. It is critical for nurses
to adhere to institutional policies and professional guidelines to avoid such legal issues.
5. A nurse observes a colleague taking a patient’s narcotic medication for personal use. What
is the nurse’s primary ethical and legal responsibility?
A. Confront the colleague and offer to help them.
B. Report the observation to the nurse manager or supervisor.
C. Ignore the situation to maintain a good working relationship.
D. Wait to see if it happens again before taking action.
Correct Answer: B
