Chapter 17: Ethics and Law in Nursing Management

Chapter 17: Ethics and Law in Nursing Management

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

Multiple Choice

Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

____ 1. The theory of utilitarianism states that an ethical decision is based on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This theory often leaves out which of the following groups?

1.	Elderly people
2.	Those who are in a minority
3.	Patients who, for the most part, can independently care for themselves
4.	Certain ethnic groups

____ 2. You are a nurse manager on the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. You periodically make rounds, observing and checking on your staff and residents. You do this on a regular basis throughout your shift because:

1.	your facility requires you to do so.
2.	the policy manual states this as a regulation.
3.	you are responsible for the behavior of those you manage.
4.	state law requires this action.

____ 3. Your orientation as a nurse manager in a long-term care facility was done quickly. You are unsure of some of the regulations relating to your new position. As a responsible nurse manager, what should you do to remedy this situation?

1.	Review your agency regulations and know the Nurse Practice Act.
2.	When a situation comes up, ask the staff what the normal procedure is.
3.	Call the state board of nursing.
4.	Call the state department of health.

____ 4. You are a student practical nurse assigned to a medical-surgical unit. The night before going to the clinical area, you are very tired and fail to look up your patient’s diagnosis as assigned. Which of the following is appropriate?

1.	Ask your friend to quickly give you the information during shift report.
2.	Look up the information while your patient is eating breakfast.
3.	Use break time to get the information you need.
4.	Tell your instructor what happened as soon as you arrive in the clinical area.

____ 5. You are an LPN employed in your first job. A resident complains to you about the care and incompetence of a nurse on the previous shift. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?

1.	Discuss the situation with another staff member.
2.	Argue with the resident.
3.	Agree with the resident.
4.	Report the incident to your head nurse or supervisor.

____ 6. Ethical dilemmas are situations that result in a _____ of two or more fundamental values.

1.	conflict
2.	blending
3.	change
4.	discussion

____ 7. Your classmate, who is also a good friend, tells you this morning that she didn’t have time to study for the anatomy and physiology test because her daughter was sick all night. She sits next to you in class and asks you to position your answer sheet so that she can copy your answers. You reply that you are very sorry, but that you do not feel it would be appropriate behavior to do so. You suggest that your friend talk to the instructor to see if she can take the test at a later time. Your actions exhibit:

1.	ethical behavior.
2.	unethical behavior.
3.	abuse of power.
4.	deontology.

____ 8. Another term for ethical behavior is:

1.	mandatory.
2.	lawful.
3.	appropriate.
4.	ideal.

Answer Section

MULTIPLE CHOICE

ANS: 2

Use of the utilitarian approach often neglects those who are in a minority and may have special or serious needs.

PTS: 1 REF: Chapter: 17 OBJ: Objective: 2

KEY: Content Area: Ethics & Law | Integrated Processes: Caring| Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment | Cognitive Level: Knowing

ANS: 3

A nurse manager has additional legal responsibilities. As a manager, you are responsible not only for your own behavior, but also for the behavior of those whom you supervise.

PTS: 1 REF: Chapter: 17 OBJ: Objective: 3

KEY: Content Area: Ethics & Law | Integrated Processes: Caring | Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment | Cognitive Level: Applying

ANS: 1

When you obtain a management position, you must be responsible for informing yourself about laws and agency regulations that apply to your position. It is also a good idea to informally increase your knowledge through nursing journals and newspapers.

PTS: 1 REF: Chapter: 17 OBJ: Objective: 4

KEY: Content Area: Ethics & Law | Integrated Processes: Caring | Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment | Cognitive Level: Applying

ANS: 4

It is not ethical behavior for you to get the information you need from others or make do with limited information. Go to the instructor immediately so that the instructor can assist you in getting the correct information you need to provide safe patient care.