Chapter 2: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing - Nurselytic

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a DNR order is written in the chart, the nurse has a duty to follow the order. Questioning the health care provider, seeking advice from the family, and discussing it with the patient are not legal obligations of the nurse.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should not abandon the patient, but ask for another assignment.