Ethics and Legal Aspects in Nursing # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which principle of nursing ethics emphasizes doing good for the patient?

Autonomy
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Justice
Explanation - Beneficence is the ethical principle that focuses on actions that promote the well-being of patients.
Correct answer is: Beneficence

Q.2 A nurse respects a patient's right to make their own decisions. Which ethical principle is being followed?

Autonomy
Fidelity
Veracity
Confidentiality
Explanation - Autonomy refers to respecting the patient's right to make informed choices about their own care.
Correct answer is: Autonomy

Q.3 Which legal term refers to failure to provide care that a reasonably prudent nurse would provide?

Malpractice
Battery
Assault
Negligence
Explanation - Negligence is the failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent nurse would provide in a similar situation.
Correct answer is: Negligence

Q.4 Maintaining patient privacy and not disclosing personal information without consent is an example of:

Fidelity
Veracity
Confidentiality
Beneficence
Explanation - Confidentiality requires nurses to protect patient information and share it only with authorized personnel.
Correct answer is: Confidentiality

Q.5 A nurse tells the truth to a patient about their condition. This practice is called:

Veracity
Non-maleficence
Justice
Autonomy
Explanation - Veracity is the ethical principle of truthfulness and honesty in professional practice.
Correct answer is: Veracity

Q.6 Which law protects a nurse who reports suspected child abuse in good faith?

Tort Law
Mandatory Reporting Law
Contract Law
Criminal Law
Explanation - Mandatory reporting laws protect healthcare professionals from legal liability when reporting suspected abuse in good faith.
Correct answer is: Mandatory Reporting Law

Q.7 Failing to administer a prescribed medication resulting in patient harm can be considered:

Negligence
Assault
Battery
Libel
Explanation - Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to carry out their duties properly, leading to patient harm.
Correct answer is: Negligence

Q.8 Which ethical principle requires a nurse to avoid causing harm to patients?

Beneficence
Autonomy
Non-maleficence
Justice
Explanation - Non-maleficence means 'do no harm' and requires nurses to avoid actions that could injure the patient.
Correct answer is: Non-maleficence

Q.9 A nurse administers a treatment without patient consent. This can legally be considered:

Battery
Assault
Negligence
Defamation
Explanation - Battery is the intentional and unauthorized physical contact with a patient, such as administering treatment without consent.
Correct answer is: Battery

Q.10 Treating all patients fairly and distributing healthcare resources equally is an example of which ethical principle?

Justice
Fidelity
Beneficence
Veracity
Explanation - Justice in healthcare ensures fairness in the distribution of resources and treatment for all patients.
Correct answer is: Justice

Q.11 A nurse keeps a promise made to a patient. Which principle is being demonstrated?

Fidelity
Autonomy
Justice
Beneficence
Explanation - Fidelity refers to faithfulness to duties, obligations, and promises in nursing practice.
Correct answer is: Fidelity

Q.12 Documentation of patient care must be accurate and timely primarily to:

Support legal protection and continuity of care
Meet insurance requirements
Share information with family only
Comply with hospital hierarchy
Explanation - Accurate documentation ensures patient safety, continuity of care, and legal protection for healthcare providers.
Correct answer is: Support legal protection and continuity of care

Q.13 Informed consent requires that the patient receives:

Only the benefits of treatment
Information on risks, benefits, and alternatives
Approval from the family only
A verbal agreement without explanation
Explanation - Informed consent requires that patients are given complete information to make an educated decision about their treatment.
Correct answer is: Information on risks, benefits, and alternatives

Q.14 A nurse threatens a patient with treatment if they refuse. This is considered:

Assault
Battery
Negligence
Fidelity
Explanation - Assault is the act of threatening a patient with harm or unwanted treatment, creating fear of imminent harm.
Correct answer is: Assault

Q.15 Which legal term involves a civil wrong resulting in harm or injury to a patient?

Tort
Misdemeanor
Felony
Assault
Explanation - A tort is a civil wrong, such as negligence or malpractice, where a patient suffers harm due to the actions or omissions of a healthcare professional.
Correct answer is: Tort

Q.16 A nurse refuses to provide care based on personal beliefs, risking patient harm. This violates which principle?

Beneficence
Autonomy
Veracity
Justice
Explanation - Beneficence requires nurses to act in the best interest of the patient; refusing care can violate this ethical principle.
Correct answer is: Beneficence

Q.17 Which document guides ethical nursing practice and sets professional standards?

Code of Ethics
Patient Bill of Rights
Hospital Policy Manual
Legal Contract
Explanation - The Code of Ethics provides guidance for professional behavior, decision-making, and ethical standards in nursing practice.
Correct answer is: Code of Ethics

Q.18 A nurse discloses patient information without consent, causing harm. This is an example of:

Breach of Confidentiality
Negligence
Assault
Battery
Explanation - Breach of confidentiality occurs when patient information is shared without authorization, violating legal and ethical standards.
Correct answer is: Breach of Confidentiality

Q.19 Which principle requires nurses to be loyal and faithful to their professional duties?

Fidelity
Autonomy
Beneficence
Justice
Explanation - Fidelity emphasizes loyalty and faithfulness to the patient, colleagues, and the nursing profession.
Correct answer is: Fidelity

Q.20 A nurse falsifies patient records. This can result in:

Legal action and loss of license
Increased patient trust
Improved workflow
Nothing serious
Explanation - Falsifying records is unethical and illegal, which may lead to professional sanctions and legal consequences.
Correct answer is: Legal action and loss of license

Q.21 Which ethical principle focuses on fairness and equality in distributing healthcare?

Justice
Autonomy
Beneficence
Veracity
Explanation - Justice in healthcare ensures equitable treatment and resource allocation among patients.
Correct answer is: Justice

Q.22 Ignoring a nurse's duty and causing patient harm may lead to:

Malpractice
Fidelity
Veracity
Beneficence
Explanation - Malpractice is professional negligence by a healthcare provider that results in patient harm.
Correct answer is: Malpractice

Q.23 A patient has the right to refuse treatment. Respecting this right is guided by:

Autonomy
Non-maleficence
Beneficence
Justice
Explanation - Respecting patient autonomy involves honoring their decisions regarding treatment, even if it differs from the nurse's opinion.
Correct answer is: Autonomy

Q.24 A nurse advocates for a patient’s rights and needs. This reflects which aspect of ethical nursing?

Advocacy
Beneficence
Fidelity
Veracity
Explanation - Nursing advocacy involves supporting and protecting the patient’s rights and best interests.
Correct answer is: Advocacy