Chapter 01: An Introduction to the Ethics and the Law: A Perspective for Nurses
Keatings: Ethical & Legal Issues in Canadian Nursing, 4th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following mandates that nurses have a basic understanding of the Canadian legal system?
a. Provincial and federal nursing bodies
b. The Supreme Court of Canada
c. Provincial nursing labor unions
d. The Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, 1990
ANS: A
Feedback
A Correct! Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies, have certain requirements
related to nurses’ knowledge/skill, which includes knowledge of the legal
system.
B Incorrect—The Supreme Court, which is the final court of appeal in Canada, is
not involved in the regulation of health care professionals.
C Incorrect—Labour unions do not focus on nursing standards and knowledge;
rather, they represent the collective bargaining rights of nurses.
D Incorrect—This Act is relevant to nursing in that it regulates the prescribing,
dispensing, and handling of drugs. It does not mandate the knowledge nurses
require about the legal system.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
2. Identify one of the reasons why nurses need to have an understanding of ethics.
a. Nurses do not share the same perspectives regarding health care with other health
care professionals.
b. Morality and care are at the heart of nursing practice.
c. Ethics provides a clear answer to nurses regarding the correct course of action.
d. Convincing family members of compassionate courses of action is best done by
nurses.
ANS: B
Feedback
A Incorrect—Professional values may be shared across multiple professions, and
perspectives on issues may be similar. When views on an issue differ, then
knowledge of ethics assists in clarifying and defending one’s position to others.
B Correct! One reason for nurses studying ethics is that morality and care are at the
heart of nursing practice.
C Incorrect—Ethical theories can provide a framework for the exploration of the
ethical questions and moral issues faced in health care. These theories guide how
morality is understood within the sphere of nursing practice and the
nurse–patient or nurse–client relationship. Ethical theories and frameworks can
assist/guide nurses as they consider multiple options to choose the best or the
least wrong course of action.
D Incorrect—Nurses as members of the health care team are in a strong position to
support families. They respect the values and beliefs of clients and families and
support them in decision making regarding the right course of action.
DIF: Cognitive level: Synthesis
Keatings: Ethical & Legal Issues in Canadian Nursing, 4th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following mandates that nurses have a basic understanding of the Canadian legal system?
a. Provincial and federal nursing bodies
b. The Supreme Court of Canada
c. Provincial nursing labor unions
d. The Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, 1990
ANS: A
Feedback
A Correct! Provincial and territorial regulatory bodies, have certain requirements
related to nurses’ knowledge/skill, which includes knowledge of the legal
system.
B Incorrect—The Supreme Court, which is the final court of appeal in Canada, is
not involved in the regulation of health care professionals.
C Incorrect—Labour unions do not focus on nursing standards and knowledge;
rather, they represent the collective bargaining rights of nurses.
D Incorrect—This Act is relevant to nursing in that it regulates the prescribing,
dispensing, and handling of drugs. It does not mandate the knowledge nurses
require about the legal system.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
2. Identify one of the reasons why nurses need to have an understanding of ethics.
a. Nurses do not share the same perspectives regarding health care with other health
care professionals.
b. Morality and care are at the heart of nursing practice.
c. Ethics provides a clear answer to nurses regarding the correct course of action.
d. Convincing family members of compassionate courses of action is best done by
nurses.
ANS: B
Feedback
A Incorrect—Professional values may be shared across multiple professions, and
perspectives on issues may be similar. When views on an issue differ, then
knowledge of ethics assists in clarifying and defending one’s position to others.
B Correct! One reason for nurses studying ethics is that morality and care are at the
heart of nursing practice.
C Incorrect—Ethical theories can provide a framework for the exploration of the
ethical questions and moral issues faced in health care. These theories guide how
morality is understood within the sphere of nursing practice and the
nurse–patient or nurse–client relationship. Ethical theories and frameworks can
assist/guide nurses as they consider multiple options to choose the best or the
least wrong course of action.
D Incorrect—Nurses as members of the health care team are in a strong position to
support families. They respect the values and beliefs of clients and families and
support them in decision making regarding the right course of action.
DIF: Cognitive level: Synthesis
