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?

• ACheck the patient is safe, then report the error openly and document it✓
• BKeep it to yourself so that the colleague does not get into trouble over it
• CCorrect the records so the error is not visible
• DWait until the end of the shift to mention it informally

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 ever questioning it
• BPassing responsibility to senior staff at all times
• COnly being responsible for the tasks that are written into the care plan
• DBeing answerable for one's own decisions, actions and omissions✓

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?

• ARespect the patient's wishes and keep the information confidential✓
• BRecord in the notes that the patient is being difficult about their relatives
• CTell the relatives the diagnosis anyway, because they are close family members
• DShare the diagnosis only with the closest relative and no one else in the family

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?

• APerform the task anyway, but record in the notes that they were unsure of it
• BDecline and explain they lack the competence, seeking support or training✓
• CAttempt the task to appear competent and helpful
• DDelegate the task straight away to a healthcare assistant working on the ward

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?

• ASitting a written NMC examination once every five years in order to stay on the register
• BRenewing registration once each year by paying the annual fee, with no other requirements
• CSubmitting an enhanced criminal record check to the NMC every three years and nothing else
• DCompleting practice hours, CPD, reflective accounts and feedback every three years✓

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.