Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

According to the Code of Ethics, what is the nursing profession responsible for?

1. Making political statements

2. Protecting physician interests

3. Articulating nursing values and shaping social policy

4. Focusing solely on acute bedside nursing

The correct answer is: Articulating nursing values and shaping social policy

The nursing profession, as outlined in the Code of Ethics, plays a vital role in articulating the values and principles inherent in nursing practice. This responsibility extends beyond individual patient care to include a broader commitment to the health and well-being of communities. By shaping social policy, nurses influence systemic changes that can improve health outcomes, ensure equitable access to care, and advocate for vulnerable populations. This involves engaging in public health initiatives, participating in policy discussions, and contributing to legislation that promotes public health, thus fulfilling a critical aspect of their professional duty. In contrast, focusing solely on acute bedside nursing limits the scope of nursing practice and overlooks the essential roles nurses play in community health, education, and advocacy. Making political statements, while an individual choice for some nurses, does not represent a professional responsibility derived from the Code of Ethics. Protecting physician interests does not align with the foundational ethical principles of advocacy, autonomy, and social justice integral to nursing, which are aimed at prioritizing the health interests of patients and communities rather than serving any one profession.