Professional and Ethical Practice Flashcards

A competent patient refuses a recommended dialysis treatment. What is the nurse's primary ethical obligation?

Answer: Respect the patient's autonomous decision after ensuring informed understanding

Autonomy requires respecting a competent patient's informed refusal of treatment.

Which ethical principle is violated when a nurse withholds the truth about a poor prognosis from a patient who wants to know?

Answer: Veracity

Veracity is the duty to tell the truth and not deceive patients.

A nurse notices a colleague diverting opioids. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Report the concern through proper institutional channels

Drug diversion endangers patients and must be reported per facility policy and licensure duties.

The ethical principle of justice in critical care primarily concerns:

Answer: Fair and equitable allocation of resources and care

Justice addresses fairness in distributing care and resources among patients.

A family asks the nurse to not tell the patient about a cancer diagnosis. The best response is to:

Answer: Explore the patient's wishes about how much information they want to receive

Patient autonomy includes the right to decide how much information they wish to know.

Which document allows a patient to designate someone to make healthcare decisions if they become incapacitated?

Answer: Durable power of attorney for healthcare

A durable power of attorney for healthcare appoints a surrogate decision-maker.

Nonmaleficence is best demonstrated when a nurse:

Answer: Double-checks a high-alert medication dose before administration

Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm, exemplified by preventing medication errors.