Legal and Ethical Behavior

Question 1

What is the purpose of legal and ethical guidelines in healthcare?

Answer 1

To protect patients and healthcare providers while ensuring high-quality care.

Following legal and ethical standards promotes safety and trust.

Question 2

What are the FIVE ethical principles in healthcare?

Answer 2

1. Autonomy
2. Justice
3. Beneficence
4. Nonmaleficence
5. Fidelity

These guide ethical decision-making in patient care.

Question 3

What ethical principle allows a patient to choose their own clothing, regardless of appearance?

Answer 3

Autonomy

Autonomy, or self-determination, allows patients to make personal choices as long as they are mentally competent.

Question 4

What ethical principle emphasizes treating all patients with respect and dignity?

Answer 4

Justice

Justice in healthcare means providing fair and equal treatment to all patients, irrespective of personal biases.

Question 5

What is an advance directive?

Answer 5

A legal document stating a patient’s healthcare preferences.

Guides medical decisions if the patient is incapacitated. Includes living wills and durable power of attorney.

Question 6

Define:

a living will

Answer 6

A document outlining a patient’s preferences for medical treatment.

Guides care decisions if a patient becomes unable to communicate.

Question 7

What is medical durable power of attorney?

Answer 7

A legal document appointing someone to make healthcare decisions if the patient cannot.

Ensures the patient’s wishes are respected.

Question 8

List THREE behaviors that can result in legal or disciplinary action.

Answer 8

1. Neglect
2. Abuse
3. Confidentiality breaches

These behaviors can lead to termination or legal consequences.

Question 9

List TWO common signs of elder abuse.

Answer 9

1. Unexplained bruises.
2. Fearful behavior.

Elder abuse should be reported immediately.

Question 10

List TWO risk factors for resident abuse.

Answer 10

1. Caregiver stress.
2. Patient dependency.

Identifying risk factors helps prevent abuse.

Question 11

Define:

physical abuse

Answer 11

Intentional infliction of harm through force.

Includes hitting, slapping, and improper restraint use.

Question 12

Define:

emotional abuse

Answer 12

Actions that cause psychological harm, such as threats or humiliation.

Emotional abuse is as harmful as physical abuse.

Withdrawal and fearfulness are some signs of emotional abuse.

Question 13

What should a CNA do if they witness abuse?

Answer 13

Report it immediately to a supervisor.

Reporting abuse is a legal and ethical obligation.

Question 14

What type of wrongful act is characterized by a lack of intent to cause harm?

Answer 14

Unintentional tort

It occurs when a person fails to act as a reasonable person would, leading to harm without intent, such as negligence.

Question 15

Define:

negligence

Answer 15

It is the failure to act in a careful or competent manner, resulting in harm to a person or their property.

Example: Faiure to turn a comatose patient resulting in pressure sores.

Question 16

How can CNAs prevent negligence?

Answer 16

• Follow care plans.
• Document properly.
• Report concerns.

Negligence can lead to serious patient harm.

Question 17

What term describes confining a patient to a specific area against their will?

Answer 17

Involuntary seclusion

It restricts a patient’s freedom, which can lead to ethical and legal issues if done improperly.

Question 18

What is the legal term for the unlawful restriction of a person’s freedom of movement?

Answer 18

False imprisonment

It involves restricting someone’s liberty, such as using physical restraints without justification or preventing a patient from leaving a facility.

Question 19

List TWO examples of financial exploitation.

Answer 19

1. Stealing money.
2. Unauthorized use of a patient’s credit card.

Financial abuse must be reported immediately.

Question 20

True or False:

It is acceptable to accept expensive gifts from patients.

Answer 20

False

Accepting gifts may be considered unethical or exploitation.

Question 21

What is the role of an ethics committee?

Answer 21

A group that helps resolve ethical dilemmas in healthcare.

Ethics committees ensure fair and just decisions.

Question 22

How does ethical behavior impact patient care?

Answer 22

It ensures fairness, respect, and dignity for all patients.

Ethical care fosters trust and safety.

Question 23

Why is professional behavior important in healthcare?

Answer 23

It ensures patient trust and safety.

Unprofessional actions can lead to legal consequences.

Question 24

List TWO examples of professional misconduct.

Answer 24

1. Falsifying records.
2. Patient neglect.

Misconduct can result in disciplinary action.

Question 25

# Define: **fraud** in healthcare

Answer 25

Intentionally misleading or deceiving **for financial gain**. ## Footnote Fraudulent documentation or billing is illegal.

Question 26

How can a CNA report **suspected fraud**?

Answer 26

Notify a **supervisor** or **compliance officer**. ## Footnote Fraud can result in severe penalties for healthcare providers.

Question 27

List TWO examples of **ethical dilemmas** in healthcare.

Answer 27

1. End-of-life decisions. 1. Refusal of treatment. ## Footnote Ethical dilemmas require careful consideration and consultation.

Question 28

What could **bathing** a patient **against their will** be classified as?

Answer 28

Battery ## Footnote Battery involves any form of physical contact without consent, including unwanted medical procedures. Performing care without consent may be considered battery.

Question 29

What is the **difference** between *assault and battery*?

Answer 29

* **Assault**: The threat of harm. * **Battery**: Actual physical contact. ## Footnote Both are considered abuse and are illegal.

Question 30

Why should CNAs **follow facility policies**?

Answer 30

To ensure **legal compliance** and **patient safety**. ## Footnote Policies guide ethical and professional behavior.

Question 31

What is the **difference** between *slander and libel*?

Answer 31

* **Slander**: Damaging someone's reputation through **spoken** falseholds. * **Libel**: Damaging someone's reputation through **written** falseholds. ## Footnote Slander is verbal defamation, whereas libel is written defamation. Both involve making false statements that harm a person’s reputation.

Question 32

# Fill in the blank: CNAs must always **act with** \_\_\_\_\_\_ and **integrity**.

Answer 32

honesty ## Footnote Ethical care is based on trust and transparency.

Question 33

What **aiding** and **abetting**?

Answer 33

It is being **complicit in an unlawful action**, which includes not reporting abusive behavior witnessed in a healthcare setting. ## Footnote You are participating in an unlawful act by failing to report the observed behavior.

Question 34

# Define: **whistleblowing** in healthcare

Answer 34

**Reporting** unethical or illegal actions in a facility. ## Footnote Whistleblowers help protect patients from harm.

Question 35

What should CNAs do to ensure **ethical decision-making**?

Answer 35

* Follow policies. * Seek guidance. * Prioritize patient well-being. ## Footnote Ethical care requires ongoing education and awareness. It should prioritize patient welfare over personal gain, focusing on fairness, respect, and potential harm to the patient.

Question 36

What does the term ‘**scope of practice**’ refer to in healthcare?

Answer 36

The **legal limits and tasks** you are permitted to perform as a healthcare worker. ## Footnote Understanding your scope of practice is crucial to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulations.

Question 37

Under what condition can a CNA **refuse to perform a task**?

Answer 37

If it is **outside** their scope of practice. ## Footnote Refusing tasks based on personal dislike or workload is not valid; the refusal must be rooted in the legal limits of the CNA’s role.

Question 38

List any THREE examples of tasks that are **not within** CNAs scope of practice.

Answer 38

1. Administering medications. 1. Inserting a catheter. 1. Adjusting IV rate. ## Footnote Only qualified personnel administer medications. CNAs should not adjust IV rates without proper authority. CNAs can monitor and report on catheter function but cannot perform insertions, which require higher qualifications.

Question 39

What should you do if you suspect a fellow CNA is **under alcohol influence at work**?

Answer 39

You are obligated to **report your observations** to the charge nurse immediately. ## Footnote Patient safety is paramount, and reporting concerns about a colleague’s fitness for duty is part of your ethical responsibilities.

Question 40

How can a CNA ensure **accurate documentation**?

Answer 40

* Record care immediately. * Use objective language. * Never alter records. ## Footnote Documentation errors can lead to legal issues.

Question 41

How can CNAs prevent legal issues **in documentation**?

Answer 41

* Use factual statements. * Avoid assumptions. * Follow facility protocols. ## Footnote Accurate documentation ensures legal protection.

Question 42

# True or False: A nurse assistant should **follow verbal orders** without documentation.

Answer 42

False ## Footnote Orders should be documented to ensure accountability.

Question 43

What should a CNA do if they make a **documentation error**?

Answer 43

**Correct it** properly and report the mistake. ## Footnote Altering records is illegal and unethical.

Question 44

Who **regulates nursing practice** and defines the roles of nursing assistants?

Answer 44

Nurse practice acts. ## Footnote These acts outline the responsibilities, education, and certification necessary for nursing assistants.