Professional Values & Accountability

A nurse witnesses a colleague administer the wrong dose of a medicine to a patient. According to the NMC Code, what is the most appropriate immediate action?

• ASay nothing to avoid getting the colleague into trouble
• BCheck the patient is safe, then report the error openly and document it✓
• CWait until the end of the shift to mention it informally
• DCorrect the records so the error is not visible

Answer: The NMC Code requires nurses to act in the patient's best interests and be open and honest when something goes wrong, known as the duty of candour. Patient safety is assessed first, then the error is reported and accurately documented.

Under the NMC Code, what does professional accountability primarily mean for a registered nurse?

• AFollowing any instruction given by a doctor without question
• BBeing answerable for one's own decisions, actions and omissions✓
• COnly being responsible for tasks written in the care plan
• DPassing responsibility to senior staff at all times

Answer: Accountability means a registered nurse is answerable for their own decisions, actions and omissions and can justify them. This applies regardless of who gave an instruction.

A patient asks a nurse not to share their diagnosis with their visiting relatives. What should the nurse do?

• ATell the relatives anyway because they are family
• BRespect the patient's wishes and keep the information confidential✓
• CShare the information only with the closest relative
• DDocument that the patient is being difficult

Answer: The NMC Code requires nurses to respect a person's right to confidentiality and to share information only with consent or where there is a lawful reason. A competent adult's decision about who is told their diagnosis must be respected.

A nurse is asked to undertake a clinical task they have not been trained to perform. What is the correct response under the NMC Code?

• AAttempt the task to appear competent and helpful
• BDecline and explain they lack the competence, seeking support or training✓
• CDelegate it immediately to a healthcare assistant
• DPerform it but document that they were unsure

Answer: The NMC Code requires nurses to recognise and work within the limits of their competence. They must not undertake tasks they are not trained or competent to perform and should seek appropriate support or training.

Which of the following best reflects the NMC requirement to revalidate?

• ARenewing registration every year with no further requirements
• BCompleting practice hours, CPD, reflective accounts and feedback every three years✓
• CSitting a written examination every five years
• DSubmitting a criminal record check only

Answer: NMC revalidation occurs every three years and requires evidence including 450 practice hours, 35 hours of CPD, practice-related feedback, reflective accounts and confirmation. It demonstrates continued fitness to practise.