You pick the legal, honest next step when rights, consent, or a policy collide with a request. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the LPN exams exam guide or more LPN exams practice questions.
Five ethics questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
A nurse working in a hospital administers a medication to the wrong client and is sued by the client. Under contract law, which liability occurs when the hospital is additionally identified as a defendant in the legal action? Select one that does not apply
A. Vicarious liability
B. Borrowed servant
C. Captain of the ship
D. Respondeat superior
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Borrowed servant
Rationale A: Vicarious liability applies in this situation. Vicarious liability applies when accountability for a wrong is assigned to a person or entity that did not directly cause an injury but has a contractual relationship with the person who did cause the wrong. The nurse is still liable for his or her own actions. Rationale B: A borrowed servant does not apply to this situation. A borrowed servant applies when an employer directs a nurse to work for a second employer (e.g., agency nurse); the second employer is held accountable for the nurse's actions. Rationale C: The liability of Captain of the ship applies in this situation. The liability of Captain of the ship occurs when a health-care provider is held liable for a nurse who is working under the direction of the health-care provider. The nurse is still liable for his or her own actions. Rationale D: Respondeat superior refers to 'Let the master answer' and applies in this situation. When an agency hires a nurse, the nurse functions as a representative of the institution and must perform within its policies and procedures; the hospital is responsible for the actions of the nurse. The nurse is still liable for his or her own actions. [Inferred for Choice E: Quasi-intentional tort is not related to this situation. An example of a quasi-intentional tort is making false statements, verbally (slander) or in writing (libel), about another person that harm the person's reputation (defamation of character) or holds the person up to ridicule or contempt.]
Question 2
A client living in Oregon has been receiving hospice care in the home. One day, the client tells the nurse, 'Dying takes forever. I hate it that I am a burden to my family. I can't stand this anymore. Can you help me end my life?' The nurse's personal ethical values do not include complying with this client's request. Which is the nurse's best response?
A. I will inform your primary health-care provider of your desire to die.'
B. Your family members probably do not consider you a burden.'
C. Let's talk a little more about your wanting to die.'
D. Nurses cannot participate in assisted suicide.'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Let's talk a little more about your wanting to die.'
Rationale A: This statement eventually may be made, but at this time it is not the priority. By this response, the nurse is functioning as a client advocate without violating personal values against assisted suicide. In states such as Oregon, Washington, and Vermont, Colorado, and California and in the District of Columbia, primary health-care providers can prescribe medications that may be used by clients to cause their own deaths; this is called assisted suicide. Certain criteria must be met, depending on the state, such as being 18 years of age or older, having a terminal illness with fewer than 6 months to live, being capable of self-administering the medication, and meeting specific psychiatric criteria (e.g., counseling, no psychiatric diagnosis, exploration of palliative options). Nurses do not have the legal or ethical right or obligation to help clients die. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics states that nurses should not participate in assisted suicide or euthanasia. Rationale B: This minimizes the client's concerns. Also, the nurse may not know if this is a true statement; the family members may believe that caring for a dying family member is a burden. Rationale C: This statement is an open-ended question that encourages the client to discuss feelings and explore future options, including assisted suicide. Rationale D: Although this may be a true statement, it does not meet the client's physical or emotional needs. This statement focuses on the nurse rather than the client.
Question 3
A nurse is informed that a credentialing team has arrived and is in the process of assessing the quality of care delivered at the hospital. Which organization is associated with the credentialing of hospitals?
A. The Joint Commission
B. National League for Nursing
C. American Nurses Association
D. National Council Licensure Examination
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — The Joint Commission
Rationale A: The Joint Commission (formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) evaluates health-care organizations' compliance with standards stipulated by The Joint Commission. Accreditation indicates that the organization has the capabilities to provide quality care. In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies and insurance companies require accreditation by The Joint Commission. Rationale B: The National League for Nursing (NLN) fosters the development and improvement of nursing education and nursing service. Rationale C: The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the national professional organization for nursing in the United States. Its purposes are to promote high standards of nursing practice and to support the educational and professional advancement of nurses. Rationale D: In the United States, graduates of educational programs that prepare students to become Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Professional Nurses must successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination-PN (NCLEX-PN®) and the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN®), respectively, as part of the criteria for licensure.
Question 4
Why has there been an increase in the number of acute and chronically ill people residingin the community who need professional nursing care?
A. Shorter length of stay in long-term care facilities
B. Increase in ambulatory surgery
C. Decrease in the use of outpatient clinics
D. Increase in length of stay in emergency departments
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Shorter length of stay in long-term care facilities
The correct answer is A, the shorter length of stay in long-term care facilities. This has led to an increase in the number of acute and chronically ill people in the community needing professional nursing care because individuals are being discharged from long-term care facilities sooner than before. Consequently, these individuals require ongoing nursing care and support once they return to the community. This change in healthcare practices has resulted in a higher demand for professional nursing care services outside of institutional settings.
Summary:
- Choice B (Increase in ambulatory surgery) is incorrect as it does not directly lead to an increase in the number of individuals needing professional nursing care in the community.
- Choice C (Decrease in the use of outpatient clinics) is incorrect as a decrease in outpatient clinic use does not necessarily result in more individuals needing professional nursing care in the community.
- Choice D (Increase in length of stay in emergency departments) is incorrect as it focuses on emergency care rather than the transition of individuals from long-term care facilities to the
Question 5
The nurse is discussing the importance of evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) with a group of students. Which statement by a student indicates understanding of this process?
A. "EBDM is a one-step process to make clinical decisions.â€Â
B. "EBDM utilizes subjective decision-making.â€Â
C. "EBDM uses interventions with replicable results.â€Â
D. "EBDM relies on past nursing experiences.â€Â
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — "EBDM uses interventions with replicable results.â€Â
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
1. Evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) involves using interventions with replicable results based on high-quality research evidence.
2. By utilizing interventions with replicable results, healthcare providers can ensure consistency and effectiveness in patient care.
3. This process helps in making informed decisions that are based on scientific evidence rather than personal biases or experiences.
4. Choosing interventions with replicable results leads to better patient outcomes and improved quality of care.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Incorrect. EBDM is not a one-step process; it involves multiple steps including identifying a clinical question, searching for evidence, appraising the evidence, and applying it to practice.
B: Incorrect. EBDM aims to minimize subjective decision-making by relying on objective research evidence rather than personal opinions.
D: Incorrect. While past nursing experiences can inform decision-making, EBDM emphasizes the use of current research evidence to guide practice.
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Question 6
A nurse implements an education program that incorporates computer games to reinforce learning for a group of older adults. Although the research demonstrates evidence of improved retention of this information, the nurse experiences exactly the opposite with this group. Which of the following is the most likely cause of such poor outcomes?
A. Failure to consider client and setting differences
B. Inadequate incorporation of evidence into practice
C. Inferior quality of the available research evidence
D. Lack of skills when evaluating the evidence
Correct answer:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Failure to consider client and setting differences is the most likely cause because older adults may have different learning preferences and capabilities compared to other age groups.
2. Older adults may not be familiar or comfortable with computer games, leading to poor outcomes despite research evidence suggesting effectiveness.
3. Considering client and setting differences is crucial in implementing successful educational programs tailored to the specific needs of the target population.
Summary:
B: Inadequate incorporation of evidence into practice is incorrect because the research evidence has shown improved retention, indicating that the evidence was appropriately incorporated.
C: Inferior quality of the available research evidence is incorrect as the research demonstrated evidence of improved retention.
D: Lack of skills when evaluating the evidence is incorrect as the issue lies more with understanding the specific needs and preferences of the older adult population.
A student nurse about to graduate is actively developing a personal ethical foundation for nursing practice. Place the following actions in the order in which they should progress.
1. Clarify personal values and beliefs.
2. Integrate one's personal ethical foundation within the ethics of the profession.
3. Identify ethical issues when working.
4. Work continuously to improve ethical decision-making abilities.
5. Identify a personal ethical foundation.
A. 1,2,3,4,5
B. 5,4,2,1,3
C. 1,3,5,2,4
D. 1,5,3,4,2
Correct answer:
Rationale A: A nurse must know oneself before helping others. The first step is to identify the nurse's personal values and beliefs. Rationale C: Once values and beliefs are explored, then a basis for an ethical foundation of nursing practice can be identified for oneself. Rationale E: After a nurse identifies a personal ethical foundation, it should be compared to the ethics of the nursing profession (American Nurses Association Code of Ethics). This ensures that the nurse works within the standards of the nursing profession. Rationale B: Identifying ethical issues when working in the nursing profession facilitates nursing actions that preserve personal integrity while meeting the needs of clients without imposing personal values or beliefs onto clients or their family members. Rationale D: Working continuously to improve ethical decision-making abilities is an ongoing process that builds on the previous steps. [Note: Correct answer is the order 1,5,2,3,4, represented as A,C,E,B,D for the choices listed.]
A nurse must administer a medication. Which should the nurse do first?
A. Verify the prescription for accuracy.
B. Check the client's identification armband.
C. Ensure the medication is in the medication cart.
D. Determine the appropriateness of the prescribed medication.
Correct answer:
Rationale A: The administration of medications is a dependent function of the nurse. The primary health-care provider's prescription should be verified for accuracy. The prescription must include the name of the client, the name of the drug, the size of the dose, the route of administration, the number of times per day to be administered, and any related parameters. Rationale B: Although checking the client's identification armband is essential for the safe administration of a medication, it is not the first step when preparing to administer a medication to a client. Rationale C: Although ensuring that the medication is available may be done as a time-management practice, it is not the first step when preparing to administer a medication to a client. Rationale D: A nurse is legally responsible for the safe administration of medications; therefore, the nurse should assess if a medication prescription is reasonable. However, this is not the first step when preparing to administer a medication to a client.
A community health nurse is determining the best way to address an outbreak of a new infectious disease using evidence-based practice (EBP). Which of the following actions would the nurse most likely take?
A. Review policies and procedures.
B. Review outcomes of clinical trials.
C. Review several nursing textbooks.
D. Review reputable sites on the Internet.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Review outcomes of clinical trials. In addressing an outbreak of a new infectious disease, evidence-based practice involves using the best available evidence to make informed decisions. Clinical trials provide valuable data on the effectiveness of treatments and interventions for specific diseases. By reviewing outcomes of clinical trials, the nurse can make evidence-based decisions on the most effective strategies to address the outbreak.
Incorrect choices:
A: Reviewing policies and procedures may provide guidance on organizational protocols but may not offer specific evidence on the most effective interventions for the new infectious disease.
C: Reviewing nursing textbooks may provide general information but may not offer the most up-to-date and specific evidence on the new infectious disease.
D: Reviewing reputable sites on the Internet can be helpful, but the information may vary in quality and reliability compared to the evidence obtained from clinical trials.
A nurse is coordinating an initiative in the community to make sure that the healthcare needs
A. Which federal agency should this nurse contact, as it is directly involved with the health and healthcare of refugees and asylees in the United States?
B. United States Department of Health and Human Services
C. National Institutes of Health
D. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Correct answer:
Step 1: The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for overseeing the health and well-being of all Americans, including refugees and asylees.
Step 2: HHS administers programs such as Medicaid and the Refugee Health Program to address the healthcare needs of refugees and asylees.
Step 3: By contacting HHS, the nurse can access resources, funding, and support specifically tailored to meet the healthcare needs of refugees and asylees in the community.
Summary:
- Choice A is incorrect as it asks about a specific federal agency for refugees and asylees, which is not the primary responsibility of that agency.
- Choice C, National Institutes of Health, focuses more on medical research and grants rather than direct healthcare services for refugees and asylees.
- Choice D, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, is more focused on improving healthcare quality and efficiency, not specifically geared towards the healthcare needs of refugees and asylees.
A primary health-care provider asks a nurse to witness informed consents by several clients. Which client identified by the nurse is unable to give an informed consent for surgery?
A. 16-year-old boy who is married
B. 50-year-old woman who is confused
C. 55-year-old woman who is depressed
D. 50-year-old woman who does not speak English
Correct answer:
Rationale A: Legally, individuals younger than 18 years old can provide informed consent if they are married, pregnant, parents, members of the military, or emancipated. Rationale B: A person who is confused is unable to understand the risks and benefits associated with making an informed decision. In this situation, a person designated as a health-care proxy or legal guardian has to make decisions for the confused individual. Rationale C: A depressed person is capable of making health-care decisions until proven to be mentally incompetent. Rationale D: This person can provide informed consent after interventions ensure that the person understands the facts and risks concerning the treatment. Rationale E: This person is considered functionally competent and able to make decisions for himself. There is no indication that the client is impaired because of grieving. [Inferred for Choice E: '94-year-old man who recently suffered the death of his spouse' since not explicitly listed in answers.]
A client sustained a serious injury as a result of malpractice by a nurse. Several legal elements must be met to prove the nurse committed malpractice in a civil suit. Which statement is associated with the element of causation?
A. A nurse-client relationship existed between the nurse and the client.
B. A nurse's omission or commission of an act failed to meet standards of care.
C. A nurse's action or inaction was the immediate reason for the plaintiff's injury.
D. A nurse Could not have known that the action or inaction could result in harm or injury to the client.
Correct answer:
Rationale A: A nurse-client relationship existed between the nurse and the client refers to the element of duty, not causation. Rationale B: A nurse's omission or commission of an act failed to meet standards of care refers to the element of breach of duty, not causation. Rationale C: A nurse's action or inaction was the immediate reason for the plaintiff's injury is directly related to causation, as it establishes the link between the nurse's action and the injury. Rationale D: A nurse should have known that the action or inaction could result in harm or injury to the client also relates to causation, as it implies foreseeability of the harm caused by the action or inaction. Rationale E: A nurse's action or inaction that did not meet a standard of care resulted in a client experiencing pain, suffering, and disability pertains to causation, as it describes the harm resulting from the nurse's actions. [Inferred for Choice E since not explicitly listed in answers.]
Which action will the public health team take during the Exposure Assessment stage of the EPA's four- step risk assessment following a train derailment resulting in a toxic chemical spill?
A. Identifying potential negative outcomes due to exposure to the toxic chemicals
B. Identifying how the amount of exposure relates to the severity of negative health outcomes
C. Quantifying the extent, frequency, and length of contact of the community with the toxic chemicals
D. Determining how the toxic chemicals are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body
Correct answer:
During the Exposure Assessment stage, the public health team quantifies the extent, frequency, and duration of contact of the community with the toxic chemicals. This is crucial to determine the potential health risks posed by the exposure. By quantifying these factors, the team can assess the level of risk to the community accurately.
Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on identifying negative outcomes rather than quantifying exposure levels. Choice B is incorrect as it relates exposure amount to health outcomes, which is more relevant in the Dose-Response Assessment stage. Choice D is incorrect as it pertains to the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion stage, which comes after exposure assessment.
In summary, choice C is correct as it directly aligns with the purpose of Exposure Assessment, while the other choices are either not relevant to this stage or belong to different stages of the risk assessment process.
A high school graduate has decided to pursue a career in public health nursing. Which represents the minimum educational credential that this student will need to obtain entry into public health nursing practice?
A. Associate's
B. Baccalaureate
C. Master's
D. Doctorate
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Baccalaureate. A baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) is the minimum educational credential required for entry into public health nursing practice. This level of education provides the necessary knowledge and skills to address the complex healthcare needs of communities. A BSN program includes coursework in public health nursing, community health, epidemiology, and health promotion. It also prepares students for leadership roles and critical thinking in public health settings.
Summary:
A: An associate's degree in nursing may allow entry into general nursing practice but is not sufficient for public health nursing due to the specialized knowledge required.
C: A master's degree in nursing is not the minimum requirement for entry-level public health nursing practice.
D: A doctorate in nursing is not necessary for entry-level public health nursing practice and is typically pursued for advanced practice roles.
A student nurse is about to graduate from an accredited nursing program. Which does the student nurse understand is an action unrelated to a state Nurse Practice Act?
A. Setting guidelines for nurses' salaries in the state
B. Establishing reciprocity for licensure between states
C. Determining minimum requirements to be licensed as a nurse
D. Maintaining a list of nurses who can legally practice in the state
Correct answer:
Rationale A: Setting guidelines for nurses' salaries in the state is unrelated to a state Nurse Practice Act, which focuses on defining the scope of practice, licensure requirements, and standards, not compensation. Rationale B: Establishing reciprocity for licensure between states is related to Nurse Practice Acts, as they often include provisions for recognizing licenses from other states. Rationale C: Determining minimum requirements to be licensed as a nurse is a core function of a state Nurse Practice Act. Rationale D: Maintaining a list of nurses who can legally practice in the state is typically managed by a State Board of Nursing under the Nurse Practice Act. Rationale E: Providing legal counsel for a nurse who is being sued for malpractice is not a function of a Nurse Practice Act; nurses must seek their own legal representation or rely on employer-provided counsel. [Inferred for Choice E since not explicitly listed in answers.]
LPN exams ethics practice questions for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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