4 Legal and Ethical Nursing Practice Free Online FlashCards

How do law and professional ethics differ in nursing?

Law establishes enforceable duties and limits; ethics guide what nurses ought to do. Ethical care may require more than meeting the legal minimum.

What does autonomy require nurses to respect?

Autonomy is respect for a person’s right to make informed choices, including refusing care.

What makes a patient’s consent informed and voluntary?

Informed consent is a voluntary choice made by a person with decision-making capacity who understands the intervention’s purpose, material risks and benefits, and alternatives, including no treatment.

What should a nurse do if a patient has unanswered consent questions?

If the patient is confused, pressured, unable to understand, or has unanswered questions, pause and contact the responsible clinician rather than relying on the form.

Name three ways nurses protect patient privacy.

Access records only for legitimate work duties, verify recipients before sharing information, and avoid conversations where others can overhear.

Does HIPAA’s minimum necessary standard apply to provider-to-provider treatment disclosures?

HIPAA’s minimum necessary standard does not apply to provider-to-provider disclosures for treatment. Other uses and disclosures remain subject to applicable conditions.

How should nurses document a patient’s reported symptom?

Document promptly, accurately, and objectively. Distinguish observed facts from patient statements, such as recording “Patient states, ‘I feel dizzy’” rather than presenting it as an observed finding.

What is the purpose of nursing advocacy?

Advocacy protects a patient’s rights, safety, dignity, and participation. Nurses can raise concerns and escalate unresolved safety issues through the appropriate chain of command.

What is negligence in nursing?

Negligence is failure to use the care a reasonably prudent professional would use in similar circumstances, resulting in harm.

What is beneficence in nursing practice?

Beneficence means acting to promote the patient’s well-being.

What does nonmaleficence ask nurses to do?

Nonmaleficence means avoiding preventable harm.

What does justice mean in patient care?

Justice means treating people fairly and allocating care without unjust discrimination.