Chapter 1 Introduction to Nursing Law and Ethics

Chapter 1  Introduction to Nursing Law and Ethics

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which of the following has mandated that nurses are to have a basic understanding of the Canadian legal system?
a.
Provincial and federal nursing bodies
b.
The Supreme Court of Canada
c.
Provincial nursing labour unions
d.
The Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, 1990

ANS: A
Correct A: Provincial and federal regulatory bodies, as well as the Canadian Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses have certain requirements related to nurses’ knowledge and skill.

Incorrect B: The Supreme Court is not involved in this mandate.
Incorrect C: Labour unions do not focus on nursing standards and knowledge.
Incorrect D: This act is relevant but is specific to drugs and pharmacies, not legal issues in general.

DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: p. 5

2. Why do nurses need to have an understanding of ethics?
a.
Nurses do not share the same perspectives of health care with other health care professionals.
b.
Morality and care are at the heart of nursing practice.
c.
Ethics enables nurses to choose the correct course of action.
d.
Convincing family members of compassionate courses of action is best done by nurses.

ANS: B
Correct B: Nurses study ethics because morality and care are at the heart of nursing practice.

Incorrect A: Professional values may be shared across multiple professions.
Incorrect C: Ethics allows nurses to consider multiple options and to choose the best course of action.
Incorrect D: Nurses often know the family best, but this statement is not necessarily true.

DIF: Cognitive level: Synthesis REF: p. 8

3. Why is it advantageous for nurses to have knowledge of ethical theories and principles?
a.
It encourages nurses to critique others’ points of view.
b.
It allows nurses to justify and defend their positions on a situation.
c.
It allows nurses to use rhetoric to convince an interdisciplinary team.
d.
It allows nurses to convince patients to choose comfort measures only.

ANS: B
Correct B: It is appropriate for nurses to justify and defend positions on an ethical patient situation. Often the nurse knows the patient best and has relevant information to contribute to the decision-making process.

Incorrect A: Knowledge gives nurses the opportunity to see flaws in the thinking of others but does not encourage critique. Positions are, however, open to critique by others with knowledge.
Incorrect C: Rhetoric is inappropriate to use in a professional discussion.
Incorrect D: This may not be appropriate and is not the role of the nurse alone.

DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: p. 9

4. Why must nurses be familiar with the legal system?
a.
Some nursing actions are governed by the law.
b.
Nurses’ decisions may not be supported by the law.
c.
Nurses are sometimes at risk for litigation.
d.
All of the above.

ANS: D
Correct D: Reserved or controlled acts, and the administration of narcotics, are two examples of nursing actions governed by law. A nurse may think an action is “ethical,” but it may not be legal. Nurses’ decisions sometimes have untoward consequences, and errors or omissions may lead to negligence claims.

Incorrect A: Reserved or controlled acts, and the administration of narcotics, are two examples of nursing actions governed by law. A nurse may think an action is “ethical,” but it may not be legal. Nurses’ decisions sometimes have untoward consequences, and errors or omissions may lead to negligence claims.
Incorrect B: Reserved or controlled acts, and the administration of narcotics, are two examples of nursing actions governed by law. A nurse may think an action is “ethical,” but it may not be legal. Nurses’ decisions sometimes have untoward consequences, and errors or omissions may lead to negligence claims.
Incorrect C: Reserved or controlled acts, and the administration of narcotics, are two examples of nursing actions governed by law. A nurse may think an action is “ethical,” but it may not be legal. Nurses’ decisions sometimes have untoward consequences, and errors or omissions may lead to negligence claims.

DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: p. 4