ATI LPN
NCLEX Questions on Legal Aspect of Health Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 16-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department by her 18-year-old boyfriend due to nausea, vomiting, and severe pain in her lower right quadrant. She also complains of some anorexia. The patient has had these symptoms for almost 12 hours. Her last menstrual period was 2 weeks ago, and she has not been sexually active in the past 2 weeks. Her temperature is $38.1°C (100.6°F), blood pressure is $110 / 70 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$, pulse is $88 / \mathrm{min}$, and respirations are $12 / \mathrm{min}$. Examination shows diffuse discomfort in her abdomen that is increased in the right lower quadrant without guarding or rebound tenderness. Pregnancy test, workup for sexually transmitted diseases, and pelvic examination are negative. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography scans show nonspecific inflammation in the area of the appendix but are not definitive for appendicitis. The patient's condition remains stable with improved pain control. However, it is recommended that she be admitted to the hospital for further observation, with consideration for possible exploratory laparotomy in the next 24 hours if she worsens. This is discussed with the patient and her boyfriend. The physician inquires about obtaining consent for further medical care. The patient says that she lives with her parents but does not want them called as 'they would find out I've been spending time with my boyfriend, and they don't approve of him.' Who is the appropriate person to sign the consent form for admission and further medical care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For a non-emergent procedure, an unemancipated minor requires parental consent.
Question 2 of 5
This court hears only cases that have been questioned and no witnesses testify and there is no jury.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An appellate court is the correct answer because it is a court that hears cases that have been questioned or appealed from a lower court. In this type of court, no witnesses testify and there is no jury present. The main function of an appellate court is to review the decisions made by lower courts and determine if any errors were made in the application of the law.
Question 3 of 5
A belief about the worth of something that serves as a principle or a standard that influences decision making is called which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A value is a belief you have about the worth of something that serves as a principle or a standard that influences decision making. Morals are private, personal, or group standards of right and wrong. Attitudes are mental dispositions or feelings toward a person, object, or idea. A belief is something that one accepts as true.
Question 4 of 5
A 60-year-old patient with a treatable form of breast cancer has decided not to pursue radiation or chemotherapy. The nurse believes that the patient should be treated. She coerces her into receiving treatment by continuing to remind the patient about her responsibilities for raising her children. What type of behavior has the nurse displayed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paternalistic behavior occurs when the nurse thinks she knows what is best for a competent patient and coerces the patient to act as she wishes rather than to act as the patient originally desired. Autonomy refers to a person's right to choose and his ability to act on that choice. Nonmaleficence is the twofold principle of doing no harm and preventing harm. Beneficence is the duty to do or promote good.
Question 5 of 5
To promote wound healing, the nurse is teaching a patient about choosing foods containing protein. Which food is an incomplete protein that should be consumed with a complementary protein?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Whole grain bread is an incomplete protein lacking all essential amino acids and should be paired with a complementary protein like legumes. Peanut butter, turkey, and cheese are also listed as incomplete or complete proteins in various contexts, but bread is a common example needing complementation. (Note: Original question allowed multiple answers; restructured to single-answer format.)