NURS (FUNDAMENTAL): Ch 7 NCLEX Legal
Dimensions of Nursing UPDATED ACTUAL
Questions and CORRECT Answers
The nurse educator is presenting a lecture on the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Which situations, if identified by
the nursing staff, would indicate to the educator that the staff understands which actions about the Occupational Safety
and Health Act?
a) Helps reduce workforce injuries and illness in the workplace
b) Acts as an information clearing house for nurses who engage in unprofessional conduct
c) Protects nurses who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction or have communicable diseases
d) Requires nurses to report abuse of infants, children, and adults of all ages - CORRECT ANSWER a) Helps
reduce workforce injuries and illness in the workplace
A medical surgical client is in the radiology department. The client's cousin arrives on the medical surgical unit and asks
to speak with the nurse caring for his cousin. The visitor asks the nurse to provide a brief outline of the client's illness.
Which response, if given by the nurse, would demonstrate application of legal safeguard in her practice?
a) "Do you have any identification proving you are related to the client?"
b) "I cannot give you that information due to client confidentiality."
c) "I will call the client and ask his permission."
d) "I'm busy right now, but can talk later." - CORRECT ANSWER "I cannot give you that information due to
client confidentiality."
Explanation:
Sharing a client's information without his or her consent is an invasion of privacy. The nurse cannot give out the
information even if the client proves a relationship or at a later time without the client's consent. It is inappropriate to call
the client to ask for permission.
Four sources of law exist at both the federal and state level: - CORRECT ANSWER - constitutions
- statutory law
- administrative law
- common law
What is law? - CORRECT ANSWER A standard or rule of conduct established and enforced by the government
that is intended chiefly to protect the rights of the public.
Having recently completed a specialty nursing program in neonatal care, a nurse is now preparing to leave her current
position on a medical unit and begin providing care in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The nurse has
completed which of the following processes of credentialing? - CORRECT ANSWER Certification
A client states that his recent fall was caused by the fact that his scheduled antihypertensive medications were mistakenly
administered by two different nurses, an event that is disputed by both of the nurses identified by the client. Which
measure should the nurses prioritize when anticipating that legal action may follow? - CORRECT
ANSWER Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident.
The nursing faculty is lecturing on unintentional and intentional torts. The faculty asks a nursing student to provide an
example of an unintentional tort. Which example, if provided by the student, would indicate the student has a clear
understanding of torts? - CORRECT ANSWER A nurse gives a medication and client has an adverse reaction.
Unintentional tort occurs when the nurse did not intend harm, but harm occurred (administration of medication and client
has an adverse reaction).
A medical surgical client is in the radiology department. The client's cousin arrives on the medical surgical unit and asks
to speak with the nurse caring for his cousin. The visitor asks the nurse to provide a brief outline of the client's illness.
Which response, if given by the nurse, would demonstrate application of legal safeguard in her practice?
a) "Do you have any identification proving you are related to the client?"
b) "I cannot give you that information due to client confidentiality."
, c) "I will call the client and ask his permission."
d) "I'm busy right now, but can talk later." - CORRECT ANSWER "I cannot give you that information due to
client confidentiality."
Explanation:
Sharing a client's information without his or her consent is an invasion of privacy. The nurse cannot give out the
information even if the client proves a relationship or at a later time without the client's consent. It is inappropriate to call
the client to ask for permission.
A student nurse is assisting an elderly patient to ambulate following hip replacement surgery, and the patient falls and
reinjures the hip. Who is potentially responsible for the injury to this patient?
a) The nurse instructor
b) The hospital
c) All of the above
d) The student nurse - CORRECT ANSWER c) All of the above
A client is in a persistent vegetative state. The client has no immediate family and is a ward of the state. Under these
circumstances, who will speak on this client's behalf? - CORRECT ANSWER Surrogate decision maker
While riding in the elevator, a nurse discusses the HIV-positive status of a client with other colleagues. The nurse's action
reflects: - CORRECT ANSWER invasion of privacy.
The health care facility is involved in litigation by four clients. When reviewing the cases, which legal case would the
nurse attorney identify to best describe malpractice?
a) The nurse administers amoxicillin (Amicar) to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with
resulting respiratory arrest.
b) The nurse using proper mechanics assists a client to a locked bed. He slips and breaks his left femur.
c) The nurse applies an ice pack to a client's lower back without an order and he feels better.
d) The nurse administered the wrong medication to the client, who had one episode of vomiting 5 minutes after
consuming the medication with no further adverse reactions. - CORRECT ANSWER The nurse administers
amoxicillin (Amicar) to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with resulting respiratory
arrest
Explanation:
All elements of liability are in place for administering amoxicillin to a client with documented allergies to penicillin: the
nurse had a duty, but breached it when giving the medication. There also was causation (amoxicillin) and harm (seizures
and respiratory arrest). The nurse is negligent when applying an ice pack without an order. The nurse used proper
mechanics, so the client fall is an accident even though harm occurred. Giving the wrong medication could be cause for
malpractice, but there was no harm
A client is in a persistent vegetative state. The client has no immediate family and is a ward of the state. Under these
circumstances, who will speak on this client's behalf? - CORRECT ANSWER Surrogate decision maker
The health care facility is involved in litigation by four clients. When reviewing the cases, which legal case would the
nurse attorney identify to best describe malpractice?
a) The nurse administers amoxicillin (Amicar) to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with
resulting respiratory arrest.
b) The nurse using proper mechanics assists a client to a locked bed. He slips and breaks his left femur.
c) The nurse applies an ice pack to a client's lower back without an order and he feels better.
d) The nurse administered the wrong medication to the client, who had one episode of vomiting 5 minutes after
consuming the medication with no further adverse reactions. - CORRECT ANSWER The nurse administers
amoxicillin (Amicar) to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with resulting respiratory
arrest
Explanation:
All elements of liability are in place for administering amoxicillin to a client with documented allergies to penicillin: the
nurse had a duty, but breached it when giving the medication. There also was causation (amoxicillin) and harm (seizures
and respiratory arrest). The nurse is negligent when applying an ice pack without an order. The nurse used proper
,mechanics, so the client fall is an accident even though harm occurred. Giving the wrong medication could be cause for
malpractice, but there was no harm
What is public law? - CORRECT ANSWER Public law is law in which the government is involved directly.
Constitution - CORRECT ANSWER Indicate how the federal and state governments are created; give authority and
state the principles and provisions for establishing specific laws
Which is not true regarding Nurse Practice Acts?
a) They describe what medications nurses can prescribe.
b) They vary among states.
c) They were established to describe legitimate nursing function.
d) They define the boundaries of the functions of a nurse. - CORRECT ANSWER They describe what medications
nurses can prescribe.
Explanation:
Prescribing and dispensing medications are not legal practices for registered nurses, with the exception of nurses in
advance practice roles.
Statutory law - CORRECT ANSWER Enacted by a legislative body; must be in keeping w/both the federal
constitution and state constitution. Ex include the Nurse Practice Acts.
What is private law? - CORRECT ANSWER Private law is also called CIVIL LAW. It includes laws relating to
contracts; ownership of property, and the PRACTICE OF NURSING, MEDICINE, PHARMACY and DENTISTRY.
A nurse working in a coronary care unit resuscitates a client who had expressed wishes not to be resuscitated. Which tort
has the nurse committed?
a) Libel
b) Assault
c) Slander
d) Battery - CORRECT ANSWER d) Battery
When the nurse informs a client's employer of his autoimmune deficiency disease, the nurse is committing the tort of: -
CORRECT ANSWER Invasion of privacy
Which is not true regarding Nurse Practice Acts?
a) They describe what medications nurses can prescribe.
b) They vary among states.
c) They were established to describe legitimate nursing function.
d) They define the boundaries of the functions of a nurse. - CORRECT ANSWER They describe what medications
nurses can prescribe.
Explanation:
Prescribing and dispensing medications are not legal practices for registered nurses, with the exception of nurses in
advance practice roles.
When the nurse inserts an ordered urinary catheter into the client's urethra after the client has refused the procedure, and
then the client suffers an injury, the client may sue the nurse for which type of tort? - CORRECT
ANSWER Battery
Battery is the actual carrying out of such a threat (unlawful touching of a person's body). A nurse may be sued for battery
if there is failure to obtain consent for a procedure.
A legal document that states a client's health-related wishes — such as a preference for pain management if the client
becomes terminally ill — and also allows the client's daughter to direct his care, is a(an): - CORRECT
ANSWER advance directive.
, A client informs the nurse that he is leaving the health care facility because he is not satisfied with the treatment. The
nurse knows that the client's treatment is incomplete and further testing and evaluations are scheduled. Which action by
the nurse would be most appropriate to prevent false imprisonment?
a) Restrain the client to prevent him from leaving.
b) Tell the client that he will not be able to get access again.
c) Ask the client to sign a release without medical approval.
d) Call the physician to speed up the discharge process. - CORRECT ANSWER Ask the client to sign a release
without medical approval.
Explanation:
If a client wants to leave the health care facility, the nurse should ask him to sign a release stating that he left without
medical approval. The nurse cannot restrain the client because it amounts to false imprisonment. Calling the physician is
not an appropriate measure. Telling the client that he may not be able to access the health care facility again is an
inappropriate response because health care is a right and the client can access it whenever necessary.
Administrative law - CORRECT ANSWER Rules & regulations made by administrative agencies in conformity
with enacted law; boards of nursing are administrative agencies at the state level
What is criminal law? - CORRECT ANSWER A type of public law that concerns state and federal criminal statutes
which define criminal actions such as murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, theft and illegal possession of drugs.
In comparison with licensure, which measures entry-level competence, what does certification validate?
a) more than 10 years of nursing practice
b) specialty knowledge and clinical judgment
c) innocence of any disciplinary violation
d) ability to practice in more than one area - CORRECT ANSWER b) specialty knowledge and clinical judgment
A nurse witnesses a traffic accident and dresses the open wounds sustained by a child. Later, in the hospital, the child
develops complications from an infection in the wound. The family holds the nurse responsible for the complications and
attempts to file a lawsuit. Which statement is true regarding the Good Samaritan law? - CORRECT ANSWER The
Good Samaritan law will provide legal immunity to the nurse
A client informs the nurse that he is leaving the health care facility because he is not satisfied with the treatment. The
nurse knows that the client's treatment is incomplete and further testing and evaluations are scheduled. Which action by
the nurse would be most appropriate to prevent false imprisonment?
a) Restrain the client to prevent him from leaving.
b) Tell the client that he will not be able to get access again.
c) Ask the client to sign a release without medical approval.
d) Call the physician to speed up the discharge process. - CORRECT ANSWER Ask the client to sign a release
without medical approval.
Explanation:
If a client wants to leave the health care facility, the nurse should ask him to sign a release stating that he left without
medical approval. The nurse cannot restrain the client because it amounts to false imprisonment. Calling the physician is
not an appropriate measure. Telling the client that he may not be able to access the health care facility again is an
inappropriate response because health care is a right and the client can access it whenever necessary.
A nurse witnesses a traffic accident and dresses the open wounds sustained by a child. Later, in the hospital, the child
develops complications from an infection in the wound. The family holds the nurse responsible for the complications and
attempts to file a lawsuit. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Good Samaritan law? - CORRECT
ANSWER The Good Samaritan law will provide legal immunity to the nurse.
When the nurse informs a client's employer of his autoimmune deficiency disease, the nurse is committing the tort of -
CORRECT ANSWER Invasion of privacy
The nurse fails to contact the physician regarding a client who had an open-reduction internal fixation of the tibia and has
experienced increasing leg pain (unrelieved by pain medication) for the past 4 hours. Which element of liability has been
violated?
a) Breach of duty
Dimensions of Nursing UPDATED ACTUAL
Questions and CORRECT Answers
The nurse educator is presenting a lecture on the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Which situations, if identified by
the nursing staff, would indicate to the educator that the staff understands which actions about the Occupational Safety
and Health Act?
a) Helps reduce workforce injuries and illness in the workplace
b) Acts as an information clearing house for nurses who engage in unprofessional conduct
c) Protects nurses who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction or have communicable diseases
d) Requires nurses to report abuse of infants, children, and adults of all ages - CORRECT ANSWER a) Helps
reduce workforce injuries and illness in the workplace
A medical surgical client is in the radiology department. The client's cousin arrives on the medical surgical unit and asks
to speak with the nurse caring for his cousin. The visitor asks the nurse to provide a brief outline of the client's illness.
Which response, if given by the nurse, would demonstrate application of legal safeguard in her practice?
a) "Do you have any identification proving you are related to the client?"
b) "I cannot give you that information due to client confidentiality."
c) "I will call the client and ask his permission."
d) "I'm busy right now, but can talk later." - CORRECT ANSWER "I cannot give you that information due to
client confidentiality."
Explanation:
Sharing a client's information without his or her consent is an invasion of privacy. The nurse cannot give out the
information even if the client proves a relationship or at a later time without the client's consent. It is inappropriate to call
the client to ask for permission.
Four sources of law exist at both the federal and state level: - CORRECT ANSWER - constitutions
- statutory law
- administrative law
- common law
What is law? - CORRECT ANSWER A standard or rule of conduct established and enforced by the government
that is intended chiefly to protect the rights of the public.
Having recently completed a specialty nursing program in neonatal care, a nurse is now preparing to leave her current
position on a medical unit and begin providing care in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The nurse has
completed which of the following processes of credentialing? - CORRECT ANSWER Certification
A client states that his recent fall was caused by the fact that his scheduled antihypertensive medications were mistakenly
administered by two different nurses, an event that is disputed by both of the nurses identified by the client. Which
measure should the nurses prioritize when anticipating that legal action may follow? - CORRECT
ANSWER Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident.
The nursing faculty is lecturing on unintentional and intentional torts. The faculty asks a nursing student to provide an
example of an unintentional tort. Which example, if provided by the student, would indicate the student has a clear
understanding of torts? - CORRECT ANSWER A nurse gives a medication and client has an adverse reaction.
Unintentional tort occurs when the nurse did not intend harm, but harm occurred (administration of medication and client
has an adverse reaction).
A medical surgical client is in the radiology department. The client's cousin arrives on the medical surgical unit and asks
to speak with the nurse caring for his cousin. The visitor asks the nurse to provide a brief outline of the client's illness.
Which response, if given by the nurse, would demonstrate application of legal safeguard in her practice?
a) "Do you have any identification proving you are related to the client?"
b) "I cannot give you that information due to client confidentiality."
, c) "I will call the client and ask his permission."
d) "I'm busy right now, but can talk later." - CORRECT ANSWER "I cannot give you that information due to
client confidentiality."
Explanation:
Sharing a client's information without his or her consent is an invasion of privacy. The nurse cannot give out the
information even if the client proves a relationship or at a later time without the client's consent. It is inappropriate to call
the client to ask for permission.
A student nurse is assisting an elderly patient to ambulate following hip replacement surgery, and the patient falls and
reinjures the hip. Who is potentially responsible for the injury to this patient?
a) The nurse instructor
b) The hospital
c) All of the above
d) The student nurse - CORRECT ANSWER c) All of the above
A client is in a persistent vegetative state. The client has no immediate family and is a ward of the state. Under these
circumstances, who will speak on this client's behalf? - CORRECT ANSWER Surrogate decision maker
While riding in the elevator, a nurse discusses the HIV-positive status of a client with other colleagues. The nurse's action
reflects: - CORRECT ANSWER invasion of privacy.
The health care facility is involved in litigation by four clients. When reviewing the cases, which legal case would the
nurse attorney identify to best describe malpractice?
a) The nurse administers amoxicillin (Amicar) to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with
resulting respiratory arrest.
b) The nurse using proper mechanics assists a client to a locked bed. He slips and breaks his left femur.
c) The nurse applies an ice pack to a client's lower back without an order and he feels better.
d) The nurse administered the wrong medication to the client, who had one episode of vomiting 5 minutes after
consuming the medication with no further adverse reactions. - CORRECT ANSWER The nurse administers
amoxicillin (Amicar) to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with resulting respiratory
arrest
Explanation:
All elements of liability are in place for administering amoxicillin to a client with documented allergies to penicillin: the
nurse had a duty, but breached it when giving the medication. There also was causation (amoxicillin) and harm (seizures
and respiratory arrest). The nurse is negligent when applying an ice pack without an order. The nurse used proper
mechanics, so the client fall is an accident even though harm occurred. Giving the wrong medication could be cause for
malpractice, but there was no harm
A client is in a persistent vegetative state. The client has no immediate family and is a ward of the state. Under these
circumstances, who will speak on this client's behalf? - CORRECT ANSWER Surrogate decision maker
The health care facility is involved in litigation by four clients. When reviewing the cases, which legal case would the
nurse attorney identify to best describe malpractice?
a) The nurse administers amoxicillin (Amicar) to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with
resulting respiratory arrest.
b) The nurse using proper mechanics assists a client to a locked bed. He slips and breaks his left femur.
c) The nurse applies an ice pack to a client's lower back without an order and he feels better.
d) The nurse administered the wrong medication to the client, who had one episode of vomiting 5 minutes after
consuming the medication with no further adverse reactions. - CORRECT ANSWER The nurse administers
amoxicillin (Amicar) to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with resulting respiratory
arrest
Explanation:
All elements of liability are in place for administering amoxicillin to a client with documented allergies to penicillin: the
nurse had a duty, but breached it when giving the medication. There also was causation (amoxicillin) and harm (seizures
and respiratory arrest). The nurse is negligent when applying an ice pack without an order. The nurse used proper
,mechanics, so the client fall is an accident even though harm occurred. Giving the wrong medication could be cause for
malpractice, but there was no harm
What is public law? - CORRECT ANSWER Public law is law in which the government is involved directly.
Constitution - CORRECT ANSWER Indicate how the federal and state governments are created; give authority and
state the principles and provisions for establishing specific laws
Which is not true regarding Nurse Practice Acts?
a) They describe what medications nurses can prescribe.
b) They vary among states.
c) They were established to describe legitimate nursing function.
d) They define the boundaries of the functions of a nurse. - CORRECT ANSWER They describe what medications
nurses can prescribe.
Explanation:
Prescribing and dispensing medications are not legal practices for registered nurses, with the exception of nurses in
advance practice roles.
Statutory law - CORRECT ANSWER Enacted by a legislative body; must be in keeping w/both the federal
constitution and state constitution. Ex include the Nurse Practice Acts.
What is private law? - CORRECT ANSWER Private law is also called CIVIL LAW. It includes laws relating to
contracts; ownership of property, and the PRACTICE OF NURSING, MEDICINE, PHARMACY and DENTISTRY.
A nurse working in a coronary care unit resuscitates a client who had expressed wishes not to be resuscitated. Which tort
has the nurse committed?
a) Libel
b) Assault
c) Slander
d) Battery - CORRECT ANSWER d) Battery
When the nurse informs a client's employer of his autoimmune deficiency disease, the nurse is committing the tort of: -
CORRECT ANSWER Invasion of privacy
Which is not true regarding Nurse Practice Acts?
a) They describe what medications nurses can prescribe.
b) They vary among states.
c) They were established to describe legitimate nursing function.
d) They define the boundaries of the functions of a nurse. - CORRECT ANSWER They describe what medications
nurses can prescribe.
Explanation:
Prescribing and dispensing medications are not legal practices for registered nurses, with the exception of nurses in
advance practice roles.
When the nurse inserts an ordered urinary catheter into the client's urethra after the client has refused the procedure, and
then the client suffers an injury, the client may sue the nurse for which type of tort? - CORRECT
ANSWER Battery
Battery is the actual carrying out of such a threat (unlawful touching of a person's body). A nurse may be sued for battery
if there is failure to obtain consent for a procedure.
A legal document that states a client's health-related wishes — such as a preference for pain management if the client
becomes terminally ill — and also allows the client's daughter to direct his care, is a(an): - CORRECT
ANSWER advance directive.
, A client informs the nurse that he is leaving the health care facility because he is not satisfied with the treatment. The
nurse knows that the client's treatment is incomplete and further testing and evaluations are scheduled. Which action by
the nurse would be most appropriate to prevent false imprisonment?
a) Restrain the client to prevent him from leaving.
b) Tell the client that he will not be able to get access again.
c) Ask the client to sign a release without medical approval.
d) Call the physician to speed up the discharge process. - CORRECT ANSWER Ask the client to sign a release
without medical approval.
Explanation:
If a client wants to leave the health care facility, the nurse should ask him to sign a release stating that he left without
medical approval. The nurse cannot restrain the client because it amounts to false imprisonment. Calling the physician is
not an appropriate measure. Telling the client that he may not be able to access the health care facility again is an
inappropriate response because health care is a right and the client can access it whenever necessary.
Administrative law - CORRECT ANSWER Rules & regulations made by administrative agencies in conformity
with enacted law; boards of nursing are administrative agencies at the state level
What is criminal law? - CORRECT ANSWER A type of public law that concerns state and federal criminal statutes
which define criminal actions such as murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, theft and illegal possession of drugs.
In comparison with licensure, which measures entry-level competence, what does certification validate?
a) more than 10 years of nursing practice
b) specialty knowledge and clinical judgment
c) innocence of any disciplinary violation
d) ability to practice in more than one area - CORRECT ANSWER b) specialty knowledge and clinical judgment
A nurse witnesses a traffic accident and dresses the open wounds sustained by a child. Later, in the hospital, the child
develops complications from an infection in the wound. The family holds the nurse responsible for the complications and
attempts to file a lawsuit. Which statement is true regarding the Good Samaritan law? - CORRECT ANSWER The
Good Samaritan law will provide legal immunity to the nurse
A client informs the nurse that he is leaving the health care facility because he is not satisfied with the treatment. The
nurse knows that the client's treatment is incomplete and further testing and evaluations are scheduled. Which action by
the nurse would be most appropriate to prevent false imprisonment?
a) Restrain the client to prevent him from leaving.
b) Tell the client that he will not be able to get access again.
c) Ask the client to sign a release without medical approval.
d) Call the physician to speed up the discharge process. - CORRECT ANSWER Ask the client to sign a release
without medical approval.
Explanation:
If a client wants to leave the health care facility, the nurse should ask him to sign a release stating that he left without
medical approval. The nurse cannot restrain the client because it amounts to false imprisonment. Calling the physician is
not an appropriate measure. Telling the client that he may not be able to access the health care facility again is an
inappropriate response because health care is a right and the client can access it whenever necessary.
A nurse witnesses a traffic accident and dresses the open wounds sustained by a child. Later, in the hospital, the child
develops complications from an infection in the wound. The family holds the nurse responsible for the complications and
attempts to file a lawsuit. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Good Samaritan law? - CORRECT
ANSWER The Good Samaritan law will provide legal immunity to the nurse.
When the nurse informs a client's employer of his autoimmune deficiency disease, the nurse is committing the tort of -
CORRECT ANSWER Invasion of privacy
The nurse fails to contact the physician regarding a client who had an open-reduction internal fixation of the tibia and has
experienced increasing leg pain (unrelieved by pain medication) for the past 4 hours. Which element of liability has been
violated?
a) Breach of duty
