NCLEX-RN 7 Flashcards
6 cards from real NCLEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 NCLEX-RN 7 flashcards as text
A nurse who discloses a patient's diagnosis to a family member without the patient's consent has violated which ethical principle?
Answer: Confidentiality
Confidentiality requires that patient information be kept private and shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know and have been authorized by the patient. Sharing a diagnosis without consent is a direct violation of this principle.
Which of the following best describes the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?
Answer: Avoiding actions that cause harm
Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. It is often summarized by the Latin phrase 'primum non nocere,' meaning 'first, do no harm,' and it guides nurses to weigh potential risks of any intervention.
A nurse is caring for a competent adult patient who refuses a blood transfusion for religious reasons. The nurse's best action is to:
Answer: Notify the physician and document the patient's refusal
A competent adult has the legal and ethical right to refuse any medical treatment, including life-saving procedures. The nurse must respect this decision, notify the physician, and document the refusal thoroughly to ensure continuity of care and legal protection.
Which document allows a patient to designate another person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?
Answer: Durable power of attorney for healthcare
A durable power of attorney for healthcare (also called a healthcare proxy) legally designates a surrogate decision-maker to act on the patient's behalf when the patient cannot make their own decisions. A living will states the patient's wishes but does not name a decision-maker.
The concept of justice in nursing ethics primarily requires the nurse to:
Answer: Distribute care and resources fairly among patients
Justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, treatment, and care. It requires nurses to allocate care without discrimination based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors, ensuring every patient receives what they are rightfully due.
A patient signs a consent form for surgery but later tells the nurse they do not fully understand the procedure. The nurse's priority action is to:
Answer: Notify the surgeon so that additional explanation can be provided
Informed consent requires that the patient fully understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing. If the patient lacks understanding, the nurse must notify the surgeon or provider, who is legally responsible for obtaining true informed consent before proceeding.