Chapter 12 Legal And Ethical Responsibilities

Chapter 12  Legal And Ethical Responsibilities

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The nurse is reviewing the different types of laws. An example of administrative law that affects nursing is:
a.
civil rights acts.
c.
nurse practice acts.
b.
substance abuse laws.
d.
negligence laws.

ANS: C
Under administrative law, state boards of nursing are given the power to further delineate the rules and regulations governing nursing as set forth in nurse practice acts. The other choices are incorrect.

PTS: 1 DIF: Analysis REF: Table 12-1 Types of Public Law| Sources of Law

2. Which of the following situations would be covered under criminal law?
a.
The nurse injures a client while performing a procedure.
b.
A client’s hospitalization is prolonged because of an action on the part of the nurse.
c.
The nurse breaks a client’s false teeth.
d.
The nurse takes narcotics from the narcotics cabinet for personal use.

ANS: D
The nurse who takes narcotics from the narcotics cabinet for personal use would be covered under criminal law. The other choices would be covered under contract or tort law.

PTS: 1 DIF: Analysis REF: Sources of Law

3. The nurse is concerned that she is going to be sued for negligence. Negligence is defined as:
a.
the failure of an individual to provide care that a reasonable person would ordinarily use in a similar circumstance.
b.
improper discharge of professional duties or failure to meet the standards of acceptable care, which result in harm to another person.
c.
an intentional and unlawful offer to touch a person in an offensive, insulting, or physically intimidating manner.
d.
an obligation one has incurred or might incur through any act or failure to act.

ANS: A
Negligence is the failure of an individual to provide care that a reasonable person would ordinarily use in a similar circumstance. Malpractice is the improper discharge of professional duties or failure to meet the standards of acceptable care, which result in harm to another person. Assault is an intentional and unlawful offer to touch a person in an offensive, insulting, or physically intimidating manner. Liability is an obligation one has incurred or might incur through any act or failure to act.

PTS: 1 DIF: Analysis REF: Legal Liability in Nursing

4. When a negligence case is brought against a nurse, it is necessary to prove liability. Which element is not essential for proof of liability?
a.
Duty
c.
Injury
b.
Witnesses
d.
Causation

ANS: B
Proof of liability includes duty, breach of duty, injury, and causation. Witnesses are not included as proof of liability.

PTS: 1 DIF: Analysis REF: Legal Liability in Nursing

5. A nurse is being sued. During this suit, the “reasonable person” standard is being addressed. This standard asks:
a.
what a reasonable nurse would do in a similar situation.
b.
if the action taken was reasonable in the eyes of the plaintiff.
c.
if the institution’s standards were reasonable.
d.
what the public considers to be a reasonable action.

ANS: A
Courts usually apply the reasonable personal standard during a malpractice suit and this standard asks “what would a reasonable nurse do in a similar situation?” The other choices do not describe the reasonable person standard.

PTS: 1 DIF: Analysis REF: Legal Liability in Nursing