Ethical and Legal Considerations in Nursing Leadership and Management Quiz

Question 1

A patient refuses informed consent for a medical procedure. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and explore alternative options

Answer

Document the refusal and proceed with the procedure

Question 2

A nurse who suspects a colleague of behaving unethically or illegally should:

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Ignore the behavior as it is not their responsibility

Question 3

A patient with a terminal illness asks to stop all medical treatment and let nature take its course. Which ethical principle should guide the nurse's response in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy (Respect for patient's wishes)

Answer

Non-maleficence (Do no harm)

Answer

Beneficence (Do good)

Answer

Justice (Fairness)

Question 4

As a nurse leader, what is your primary ethical responsibility when obtaining informed consent from patients?

Accepted Answer

Ensure they comprehend the treatment's risks and benefits.

Answer

Have them sign the consent form.

Answer

Document the consent process thoroughly.

Answer

Obtain consent from their family.

Question 5

When delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs), the nurse leader's primary legal duty is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure that UAPs are competent and qualified to perform delegated tasks

Answer

Provide direct supervision of UAPs during all delegated tasks

Answer

Perform all complex nursing tasks themselves

Answer

Document all delegation decisions

Question 6

In a situation where a patient's family requests to withhold life-saving treatment against the patient's wishes, the nurse manager should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Patient's autonomy

Answer

Family's wishes

Question 7

The primary objective of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is:

Accepted Answer

Protect patient confidentiality

Answer

Ensure access to health insurance

Question 8

A potential ethical dilemma in managing a diverse workforce for nurse leaders is:

Accepted Answer

Varying values and beliefs about patient care

Answer

Differences in educational backgrounds

Question 9

The Joint Commission's primary focus in healthcare quality is on:

Accepted Answer

Patient safety and quality outcomes

Answer

Staff satisfaction and retention

Answer

Patient experience and satisfaction

Answer

Financial performance and cost-effectiveness

Question 10

The ethical principle that requires nurses to prioritize the patient's well-being above all else is:

Accepted Answer

Beneficence: acting in the best interest of the patient

Answer

Autonomy: respecting the patient's right to make decisions

Answer

Justice: ensuring fair and equitable treatment

Answer

Non-maleficence: avoiding harm to the patient

Question 11

When a patient has the capacity to make decisions and declines life-saving treatment after being fully informed, the legal principle that supports their right to do so is:

Accepted Answer

Patient autonomy: respecting the patient's right to make healthcare decisions

Answer

Informed consent: ensuring the patient understands the treatment and its implications

Answer

Confidentiality: protecting the patient's privacy and medical information

Answer

Beneficence: acting in the best interest of the patient

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a potential ethical conflict that nurses may commonly encounter in their practice?

Accepted Answer

Always adhering to established professional standards and protocols

Answer

Providing care to patients with values that differ from their own

Answer

Allocating limited resources fairly among patients with varying needs

Answer

Balancing the patient's autonomy with their well-being and potential risks

Question 13

The nurse's primary obligation when a patient shares confidential information is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality unless legally obligated to disclose it

Answer

Share the information with the healthcare team

Answer

Seek guidance from a supervisor before disclosing the information

Answer

Document the conversation but not hold it in confidence

Question 14

Which principle of distributive justice prioritizes equal distribution of healthcare resources among all individuals?

Accepted Answer

Egalitarianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Rawlsianism

Answer

Libertarianism

Question 15

Which ethical principle underscores the patient's autonomy and right to make informed healthcare decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 16

Unauthorized disclosure of patient medical information violates which legal principle?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Battery

Answer

Assault

Answer

Negligence

Question 17

Which defense is not applicable in a negligence case?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Contributory negligence

Answer

Statute of limitations

Answer

Assumption of risk

Question 18

In which situation should a nurse obtain informed consent from a patient?

Accepted Answer

Prior to any invasive procedure

Answer

Only when the patient is lucid

Answer

When the patient's healthcare proxy is present

Answer

Never

Question 19

According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patient privacy is a:

Accepted Answer

Protected right

Answer

Insurance coverage for all Americans

Question 20

When facing an ethical dilemma, what is the initial step a nurse should take?

Accepted Answer

Seek consultation with a supervisor or an ethics committee

Answer

Pray for guidance

Question 21

The ethical principle of non-maleficence requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Do no harm

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 22

In a situation where a patient declines recommended treatment, which ethical principle should guide the nurse manager's response?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy

Answer

Autonomy

Question 23

The legal document used to obtain a patient's consent for medical treatment is known as:

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Question 24

Potential consequences of violating HIPAA regulations include:

Accepted Answer

Civil penalties and criminal charges

Answer

Criminal charges

Question 25

When caring for a patient with a history of substance abuse who is experiencing severe pain, what should a nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Call the physician for guidance

Answer

Withhold pain medication until the patient can be assessed for substance abuse

Question 26

The ethical principle of justice requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Treat all patients fairly and equitably

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 27

When a patient's family requests a treatment that the nurse believes is not in the patient's best interest, what is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Inform the family of the risks and benefits of the treatment, and provide evidence to support the decision

Answer

Inform the family member that the treatment is not indicated and provide evidence to support the decision

Question 28

Which of the following actions would be a clear violation of a patient's right to privacy?

Accepted Answer

Posting a patient's name, diagnosis, and treatment plan on a public bulletin board

Answer

Discussing a patient's medical condition with family members without their explicit consent

Answer

Leaving a patient's chart unattended in a secure location within the healthcare facility

Answer

Informing another healthcare professional involved in the patient's care about their condition

Question 29

A patient with a terminal illness requests that the nurse withhold information about their condition from their family. Which ethical principle should primarily guide the nurse's decision?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy (respecting the patient's wishes)

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Justice (fairness and equity)

Question 30

Which of the following actions would constitute a breach of patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Posting a patient's personal information, including their diagnosis, on the internet without their knowledge or consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's medical history with other healthcare professionals directly involved in their care

Answer

Sharing a patient's medical records with their family members after obtaining their explicit consent

Answer

Reporting a suspected case of child abuse to the appropriate authorities, as required by law

Question 31

A nurse manager is faced with a patient who is refusing a medically necessary treatment. What is the most appropriate course of action for the nurse manager?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and honor their refusal

Answer

Coerce the patient into accepting the treatment, even against their will

Answer

Override the patient's decision and administer the treatment without their consent

Answer

Contact the patient's family and attempt to persuade them to pressure the patient into accepting the treatment

Question 32

A nurse manager is responsible for creating a work environment that is free from discrimination. Which of the following actions would be considered discriminatory?

Accepted Answer

Denying employment to a nurse based on their age

Answer

Hiring only nurses who meet specific experience requirements

Answer

Promoting a nurse to a leadership position based on their qualifications and performance

Answer

Offering flexible work arrangements to nurses with childcare responsibilities

Question 33

A nurse manager discovers evidence suggesting that a nurse may be misusing opioids. According to ethical and legal guidelines, what should the nurse manager do first?

Accepted Answer

Document the suspicions and initiate an internal investigation

Answer

Confront the nurse directly with the accusations

Answer

Report the nurse to the state nursing board immediately

Answer

Ignore the situation and hope it will resolve itself

Question 34

A nurse is asked to provide medical information about a patient to their family. However, the patient has not consented to the release of this information. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Obtain the patient's consent before releasing the information

Answer

Provide the information without the patient's consent

Answer

Refuse to provide any information to the family

Answer

Contact the patient's healthcare proxy for permission to release the information

Question 35

A patient with a terminal illness decides to refuse life-sustaining treatment. The nurse should respect this decision because it aligns with the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 36

Which legal doctrine holds healthcare providers accountable for negligence that causes harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Malpractice

Answer

Battery

Answer

Assault

Answer

Defamation

Question 37

The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) primarily defines the scope of practice for:

Accepted Answer

Nursing

Answer

Medicine

Answer

Pharmacy

Answer

Social work

Question 38

In the context of ethical decision-making, the principle of beneficence primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Promoting the well-being and preventing harm to others

Answer

Distributing benefits and burdens equitably

Answer

Avoiding situations that may lead to conflicts of interest

Answer

Respecting individuals' choices and decisions

Question 39

A nurse leader faces a challenging situation where their personal beliefs clash with established nursing ethics. What should be their FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Ask a trusted colleague, mentor, or supervisor for guidance.

Answer

Follow their personal beliefs, even if it goes against ethical guidelines.

Answer

Quit their leadership role.

Answer

Make decisions based only on their personal beliefs.

Question 40

Which ethical principle emphasizes the nurse's primary duty to protect and advocate for the rights and best interests of patients?

Accepted Answer

Patient Advocacy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed Consent

Question 41

Which ethical principle guides nurses to prioritize avoiding harm to patients as a fundamental responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 42

Maintaining patient privacy is a cornerstone of ethical healthcare practice. Which federal regulation is primarily responsible for protecting the confidentiality of health information?

Accepted Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)

Answer

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Question 43

Which ethical principle requires nurses to treat all patients with equality, regardless of their background or personal characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Beneficence

Question 44

In a situation where a nurse suspects unethical practices by a colleague, what is their primary ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the concerns to appropriate authorities or supervisors

Answer

Directly confront the colleague about their actions

Answer

Keep the information confidential to protect the colleague

Answer

Ignore the situation to avoid conflict

Question 45

Which legal act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)

Question 46

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of nurses fulfilling their promises and commitments to patients and colleagues?

Accepted Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 47

A patient has the right to refuse life-saving medical treatment. As a nurse, your primary responsibility in such a situation is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and provide support

Answer

Report the patient's decision to the hospital administration

Answer

Contact the patient's family and ask them to overrule the patient's decision

Answer

Argue with the patient and try to convince them to change their mind

Question 48

A nurse manager reviewing a patient's chart discovers a nurse disclosed confidential information about the patient to a family member without consent. Which ethical principle was violated?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 49

A patient, based on religious beliefs, refuses a blood transfusion. The nurse manager supports this decision. Which ethical principle is upheld?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 50

A staff nurse provides substandard care due to personal issues. To ensure patient safety, which legal principle should the nurse manager prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Duty to care

Answer

Patient's rights

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 51

A nurse manager leads a staff meeting to discuss a recent medication error. Which approach best promotes a culture of safety and learning?

Accepted Answer

Focus on system factors that contributed to the error.

Answer

Ignore the error to avoid creating a negative atmosphere.

Answer

Blame the nurse for the error.

Answer

Publicly reprimand the nurse involved in the error.

Question 52

A patient requests discharge against medical advice (AMA). What is the nurse manager's ethical obligation in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient fully understands the risks and consequences of leaving AMA.

Answer

Force the patient to stay in the hospital.

Answer

Discharge the patient immediately without further explanation.

Answer

Contact the patient's family to convince them to stay.

Question 53

A nurse manager notices inconsistencies in a staff nurse's documentation. Which legal principle is primarily at risk?

Accepted Answer

Accurate record keeping

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Patient's rights

Answer

Informed consent

Question 54

A patient expresses concerns about their care. Which ethical principle should the nurse manager prioritize in addressing these concerns?

Accepted Answer

Patient advocacy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 55

A nurse manager is developing a new policy regarding restraint use on the unit. Which ethical consideration should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Least restrictive measures

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Staff convenience

Answer

Patient preference

Question 56

A nurse manager is delegating tasks to a newly licensed nurse. Which legal principle should guide the nurse manager's decision?

Accepted Answer

Scope of practice

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Patient's rights

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 57

A nurse manager is mediating a conflict between two staff nurses. Which conflict resolution strategy would be most effective in promoting a collaborative work environment?

Accepted Answer

Mediation

Answer

Avoidance

Answer

Competition

Answer

Accommodation