Professional Responsibility State Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT listed as a main legal issue in nursing?

1. Confidentiality and privacy

2. Freedom from harm

3. The right to be fully informed

4. Duty to inform all family members of treatment decisions

The correct answer is: Duty to inform all family members of treatment decisions

The choice identifying the duty to inform all family members of treatment decisions as not being one of the main legal issues in nursing is accurate because this obligation is not universally mandated nor does it typically fall under the primary legal considerations that nurses confront. In the realm of nursing, core legal issues often include confidentiality and privacy, ensuring that patient information is protected; the freedom from harm, which encompasses the legal duty to provide safe and competent care; and the right to be fully informed, which pertains to the patient’s entitlement to receive adequate information regarding their treatment options and risks. These foundational principles are enshrined in various healthcare regulations and ethical guidelines, emphasizing the responsibilities healthcare providers have toward their patients. However, while communication with family regarding treatment may arise in practice, the requirement to inform all family members about treatment decisions can conflict with patient autonomy, privacy rights, and consent laws. The decision about who to inform is generally guided by the patient’s preferences or legal directives, rather than a blanket legal duty. Thus, while family involvement can be important, it is not a primary legal issue in nursing on the same level as confidentiality, freedom from harm, or the right to be informed.