Chapter 2: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing - Nurselytic

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Patients have expectations regarding the health care services they receive. In 1972, the American Hospital Association (AH
A) developed the Patient's Bill of Rights. The Self-Determination Act, American Hospital Association's Standards of Care, and The Joint Commission's rights and responsibilities do not address patients' expectations regarding health care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The doctrine of informed consent refers to full disclosure of the facts the patient needs to make an intelligent (informed) decision before any invasive treatment or procedure is performed. A physical assessment, interview, and surgical checklist are not required before this procedure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse has an ethical and legal duty to protect information about a patient and preserve confidentiality. Some disclosures are legal and anticipated, and may not be subject to the rules of confidentiality. None of the information in a chart is considered secret.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The law stipulates that the health care professional is required to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. The report should be given to a supervisor or directly to the police, according to agency policy. When acting in good faith to report mandated information (e.g., certain communicable diseases or gunshot wounds), the health care professional is protected from liability.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The best defense against a lawsuit is to provide compassionate and competent nursing care. Carrying malpractice insurance is prudent, but it will not avoid a lawsuit. Spending time with patients and answering call lights quickly will not necessarily help avoid a lawsuit.