Ethics exam

Question 1

What is the veterinary nurses oath?

Answer 1

• Pursue work of the profession with integrity
• Accept responsibilities to public, clients, profession and RCVS
• Above all ensure health and welfare of animals

Question 2

Who does an RVN have responsibilities to under the RCVS code of conduct?

Answer 2

• Animals
• Clients
• Colleague
• Profession
• RCVS
• Public

Question 3

What is the aim of the RCVS code of conduct?

Answer 3

• Maintains professionalism
• Protects the public and patients

Question 4

What are the 5 principles of practice?

Answer 4

• Professional competence
• Honesty and integrity
• Independence and impartiality
• Client confidentiality and trust
• Professional accountability

Question 5

What responsibilities do RVNs have towards animals under the RCVS code of conduct?

Answer 5

• Animal health and welfare first priority
• Stay within own area of competence
• Provide appropriate and adequate care
• Provide emergency first aid and pain relief according to skills
• Administer medication responsibly
• Communicate with colleagues to ensure animal health and welfare
• Ensure clinical governance forms part of professional activities

Question 6

What responsibilities do RVNs have towards clients under the RCVS code of conduct?

Answer 6

• Be open and honest, respect needs and requirements
• Provide independent and impartial advice
• Provide appropriate information
• Communicate effectively, ensure informed consent is obtained
• Keep clear and accurate records
• Only disclose information to 3rd party if consent is gained or animal welfare/public interest is compromised
• Respond promptly and courteously to complaints and criticism

Question 7

What responsibilities do RVNs have towards the profession under the RCVS code of conduct?

Answer 7

• Take reasonable steps to address adverse physical or mental health or performance that could impair fitness to practice
• If concerned, must take steps to ensure animals not at risk and public protected
• Must maintain and develop knowledge and skills (CPD)
• Ensure all activities are covered by professional indemnity insurance or equivalent
• Must not hold selves or others as having expertise they cannot substantiate

Question 8

What responsibilities do RVNs have towards the veterinary team under the RCVS code of conduct?

Answer 8

• Work together and with other members to coordinate care of animals
• Must ensure tasks are only delegated to those with appropriate competence and registration
• Must not impede colleagues seeking to comply with legislation
• Must communicate effectively within the team

Question 9

What responsibilities do RVNs have towards the RCVS under the RCVS code of conduct?

Answer 9

• Must be entered onto the register
• Provide PSP or CPD records when requested
• Disclose cautions or convictions
• Comply with reasonable requests as part of professional regulation
• Report any persons who continue to practice despite removal sanctions

Question 10

What responsibilities do RVNs have towards the public under the RCVS code of conduct?

Answer 10

• Protection of public health and animal health and welfare, consider any impacts actions would have on environment
• Report facts and opinions honestly
• Promote and advertise products and services professionally
• Comply with legislation
• Not engage in any activity likely to bring profession into disrepute or undermine public confidence in the profession