A registered nurse (RN) who usually uses public transportation has not renewed her driver’s license. During a recent car trip with a friend, she took over driving when her friend became tired. Which of the following is true?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: She may lose her RN license for driving without a license. As a registered nurse, she is held to a high standard of professional conduct. Driving without a valid license is illegal and unethical, potentially endangering herself and others. This behavior could be viewed as a violation of professional ethics, leading to disciplinary action by the licensing board. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the legal and ethical implications of driving without a valid license for a healthcare professional. A nurse should always adhere to legal and ethical standards to maintain the trust and integrity of the profession.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moral distress. Moral distress occurs when individuals know the ethically correct action to take but are constrained from doing so due to various reasons, such as organizational constraints or lack of support. In this scenario, the nurses feel unease and discomfort due to an ethical issue, indicating a conflict between their moral values and actions. The unit manager addressing the issue at the team meeting suggests that the nurses are experiencing moral distress. A: Moral suffering is a broader term encompassing various negative emotions related to moral issues, not specifically the conflict between knowing the right action and being unable to act on it like in moral distress. C: Ethical dilemma refers to a situation where individuals must choose between conflicting moral principles, which is not explicitly described in the scenario. D: Veracity refers to truthfulness or honesty and is not directly related to the nurses' uneasiness and discomfort in dealing with the ethical issue.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autonomy. Autonomy is the ethical principle that emphasizes respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the RN respects the patient's autonomy by providing all necessary information and allowing the patient to choose whether or not to accept a blood transfusion, despite the potential risks. This decision-making process aligns with the patient's right to self-determination. Summary of other choices: B: Nonmaleficence - Focuses on avoiding harm to the patient, but in this case, the patient's autonomy takes precedence over nonmaleficence. C: Beneficence - Involves acting in the patient's best interest, but in this scenario, the patient's autonomy to make decisions is the primary focus. D: Distributive justice - Concerns fair distribution of resources, which is not directly relevant to the patient's right to autonomy in decision-making.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Statutory laws. Statutory laws are specific laws enacted by a legislative body, such as state Nurse Practice Acts, that regulate nursing practice. These laws outline the scope of practice, licensure requirements, and standards of care for nurses. Common laws (B) are based on court decisions and may not specifically govern nursing practice. Administrative laws (C) deal with regulations set by administrative agencies, not specific to nursing. Constitutional laws (D) are related to the constitution and its interpretation, not directly governing nursing practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: The Patient Self-Determination Act requires healthcare providers, including nurses, to inform clients of their right to create an advance directive. Step 2: New nurse graduates need to understand this legal requirement to comply with ethical and legal standards. Step 3: By discussing this requirement with new nurse graduates, they will be better equipped to provide information and support to clients regarding advance directives. Step 4: This step is crucial in ensuring that clients' autonomy and right to self-determination are respected. Step 5: Option A is the correct answer as it directly relates to the legal obligation of nurses in discussing advance directives with clients. Summary: Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific legal requirement outlined in the Patient Self-Determination Act for informing clients about their right to create an advance directive.