Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

Which of the following is a violation of professional boundaries?

1. A nurse accepts a box of candy from the patient and shares it with other staff

2. A nurse borrows money from a patient to repair the nurse's car

3. A nurse report's a patient's communicable disease to the health department

4. The patient shares a history of substance abuse that the nurse reports during shift change

The correct answer is: A nurse accepts a box of candy from the patient and shares it with other staff

Description A violation of professional boundaries occurs when a nurse behaves in a way that blurs the lines between their professional and personal relationship with a patient. In this case, the nurse accepting a box of candy from the patient and sharing it with other staff can be seen as a violation of professional boundaries because it may create a feeling of indebtedness or special treatment towards the nurse. It can also create a blurred boundary between the nurse's role as a caregiver and their personal relationship with the patient. Option B is incorrect because a nurse should never borrow money from a patient, as it creates a power imbalance and can compromise the patient's trust in the nurse's financial responsibility and professionalism. Option C is incorrect because it is the nurse's duty to report any communicable diseases to the health department for the safety of the patient and the community. This action is within the nurse's professional boundaries. Option D is incorrect because reporting a patient's history of substance abuse during a shift change is a necessary and ethically responsible action for the patient's well-being and proper care. It does not violate professional boundaries.