LEGAL/ETHICS PRACTICE QUESTIONS (NCLEX STYLE)

LEGAL/ETHICS PRACTICE QUESTIONS (NCLEX STYLE) A registered nurse arrives at work and is told to "float" to the ICU for the day because the ICU is understaffed and needs an additional nurse to care for the clients. The nurse has never worked in the ICU. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action? A. refuse to float in the ICU B. call the hospital lawyer C. call the nursing supervisor D. report to the ICU and identify tasks that can be safely performed Answer: D Rationale - floating is acceptable and legal practice. The nurse floated to a unit until will be given orientation; be assigned to care for stable patients or those with conditions similar to her training experience. The nurse practice acts are an example of civil law. A. True B. False Answer: False Rationale: Nurse practice acts fall under Statutory law The client's right to refuse treatment is an example of _________ laws. civil Miss Magu, an 88-year old woman, believes that life should not be prolonged when hope is gone. She has decided that she does not want extraordinary measures taken when her life is at its end. Because she feels this way, she has talked with her daughter about her desires, completing a living will and left directions with her physician. This is an example of: A. Affirming a value B. Choosing a value C. Prizing a value D. Reflecting a value C. Prizing a value As an advocate for the client, the nurse must make sure that "safe, effective care" is given in conformity with the A. Nurse Practice Act (NPA). B. American Nursing Association (ANA) C. National Council for Lisensure Examinations D. State Board of Licensure A. Nurse Practice Act (NPA). The nurse puts a restraint jacket on a client without the client's permission and without the physicians order. The nurse may be guilty of assault. A. True B. False Rationale: B. False Battery is physical in nature. Assault is a threat. The nurse is obligated to follow a physicians order unless: A. The order is a verbal order B. The order is illegible C. The order has not been transcribed D. The order is an error, violates hospital policy, or would be detrimental to the client is an error, violates hospital policy, or would be detrimental to the client. D. The order The nurse notes that an advance directive is in the client's medical record. Which of the following statements represents the best description of guidelines a nurse would follow in this case? A. A durable power of attorney for health care is invoked only when the client has a terminal condition or is in a persistent vegetative state B. A living will allows an appointed person to make health care decisions when the client is in an incapacitated state. C. A living will is invoked only when the client has a terminal condition or is in a persistent vegetative state. D. The client cannot make changes in the advance directive once the client is admitted into the hospital. C. A living will is invoked only when the client has a terminal condition or is in a persistent vegetative state. Rationale: A living will directs the client's healthcare in the event of a terminal illness or condition. A durable power of attorney is invoked when the client is no longer able to make decisions on his or her own behalf. The client may change an advance directive at any time. A student nurse who is employed as a nursing assistant may perform any functions that she taught in school. A. True B. False Rationale: B. False You may only perform functions that you are licensed to perform while on the job. A primary care provider's orders indicated that a surgical consent form needs to be signed. Since the nurse was not present when the primary care provider discussed the surgical procedure, which statement "best" illustrates the nurse fulfilling the client advocate role? 1. "The doctor has asked that you sign the consent form." 2. "Do you have any questions about the procedure?" 3. "What were you told about the procedure you are going to have?" 4. "Remember that you can change your mind and cancel the procedure." Rationale: Answer: #3 This is the best answer because the nurse is assessing the client's level of knowledge as a result of the discussion with the primary care provider. Based on this assessment, the nurse may initiate other actions (call the primary care provider if the client has any questions) Although the client refused the procedure, the nurse insisted and inserted a nasogastric tube in the right nostril. The administrator of the hospital decides to settle the lawsuit because the nurse is most likely to be found guilty of which of the following?