NUR3829
Ethical & Legal
Issues
EXAM Q & A
2024
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed
with terminal cancer and has expressed a wish to end his
life with medical assistance. The nurse's personal beliefs are
opposed to euthanasia. What is the most appropriate action
for the nurse to take in this situation?
a) Refuse to participate in the patient's care and request a
different assignment.
b) Try to persuade the patient to change his mind and seek
palliative care instead.
c) Respect the patient's autonomy and support his decision,
while maintaining professional boundaries.
d) Report the patient's request to the ethics committee and
the legal authorities.
*Answer: c) Respect the patient's autonomy and support his
decision, while maintaining professional boundaries.*
, Rationale: The nurse has a duty to respect the patient's right
to self-determination and to provide compassionate care,
even if the nurse disagrees with the patient's choice. The
nurse should not impose his or her own values on the
patient or abandon the patient. The nurse should also not
interfere with the patient's legal right to request medical
assistance in dying, unless there is evidence of coercion or
lack of capacity. The nurse should consult with the ethics
committee and the legal authorities only if there is
uncertainty or conflict about the patient's request.
2. A nurse is working in a long-term care facility that has
implemented a policy of mandatory influenza vaccination
for all staff members. The nurse has a history of severe
allergic reaction to the vaccine and has a medical exemption
from her physician. However, the facility's administrator
has threatened to fire the nurse if she does not comply with
the policy. What is the best course of action for the nurse to
take in this situation?
a) Accept the risk of anaphylaxis and get vaccinated
anyway.
b) Quit her job and look for another position elsewhere.
c) File a complaint with the human rights commission and
seek legal advice.
d) Agree to wear a mask and follow infection control
measures during flu season.
*Answer: c) File a complaint with the human rights
commission and seek legal advice.*
Rationale: The nurse has a right to refuse a medical
intervention that poses a serious threat to her health and
well-being. The facility's policy of mandatory vaccination
may be discriminatory and violate the nurse's human rights,
Ethical & Legal
Issues
EXAM Q & A
2024
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed
with terminal cancer and has expressed a wish to end his
life with medical assistance. The nurse's personal beliefs are
opposed to euthanasia. What is the most appropriate action
for the nurse to take in this situation?
a) Refuse to participate in the patient's care and request a
different assignment.
b) Try to persuade the patient to change his mind and seek
palliative care instead.
c) Respect the patient's autonomy and support his decision,
while maintaining professional boundaries.
d) Report the patient's request to the ethics committee and
the legal authorities.
*Answer: c) Respect the patient's autonomy and support his
decision, while maintaining professional boundaries.*
, Rationale: The nurse has a duty to respect the patient's right
to self-determination and to provide compassionate care,
even if the nurse disagrees with the patient's choice. The
nurse should not impose his or her own values on the
patient or abandon the patient. The nurse should also not
interfere with the patient's legal right to request medical
assistance in dying, unless there is evidence of coercion or
lack of capacity. The nurse should consult with the ethics
committee and the legal authorities only if there is
uncertainty or conflict about the patient's request.
2. A nurse is working in a long-term care facility that has
implemented a policy of mandatory influenza vaccination
for all staff members. The nurse has a history of severe
allergic reaction to the vaccine and has a medical exemption
from her physician. However, the facility's administrator
has threatened to fire the nurse if she does not comply with
the policy. What is the best course of action for the nurse to
take in this situation?
a) Accept the risk of anaphylaxis and get vaccinated
anyway.
b) Quit her job and look for another position elsewhere.
c) File a complaint with the human rights commission and
seek legal advice.
d) Agree to wear a mask and follow infection control
measures during flu season.
*Answer: c) File a complaint with the human rights
commission and seek legal advice.*
Rationale: The nurse has a right to refuse a medical
intervention that poses a serious threat to her health and
well-being. The facility's policy of mandatory vaccination
may be discriminatory and violate the nurse's human rights,
