Exam 1: An Introduction to the Ethics and the Law: a Perspective for Nurses

A nurse is justified in accessing the chart of a friend who is a patient on another unit because she is aware of her friend's serious allergy to antibiotics and wants to make sure this is documented.

Through the Canada Health Act, the federal government is given authority over health care in Canada.

In addition to having obligations to clients, nurses also have rights regarding what they can expect as professionals.

A resident in long-term has been deteriorating for a number of days. His daughter has been with him most of the time and is exhausted. The nurse encourages her to go home to get some rest. A few hours later, it becomes clear to the staff that death is imminent. Appreciating how exhausted the daughter is, the nurse is justified in not disturbing her.

Which of the following mandates that nurses have a basic understanding of the Canadian legal system?

Why is it advantageous for nurses to have knowledge of ethical theories and principles?

The field of ethics is gaining greater prominence, in part, because of the growing sophistication of science and technology.

Why must nurses be familiar with the legal system?

What existing legislation has been influenced by the shifting of Canadian values over time?

Identify one of the reasons why nurses need to have an understanding of ethics.