Free The NMC Code and Professional Accountability MCQs with Answers

50 The NMC Code and Professional Accountability MCQs from International Nursing Practice, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

The NMC Code is organised around prioritising people, practising effectively, preserving safety, and promoting professionalism and trust. Accountability includes working within competence, obtaining consent, communicating clearly, keeping accurate records, maintaining confidentiality, delegating safely, raising concerns and acting with candour, while distinguishing personal professional responsibility from organisational policy.

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50 questions · page 3 of 3

Fairly easy
  • A. Remove the results and mention the change informally
  • B. Keep the results complete and report the request
  • C. Ask a colleague to decide which results to remove
  • D. Delay the audit until the ward reaches its target

Explanation: The nurse must be honest and maintain the integrity of professional information.

Correct answer: Keep the results complete and report the request
Fairly easy
  • A. Give the medicine using the usual ward instructions
  • B. Ask another nurse to interpret the instruction
  • C. Clarify the instruction before giving the medicine
  • D. Document the uncertainty after giving the medicine

Explanation: The nurse must obtain clear information before carrying out an intervention.

Correct answer: Clarify the instruction before giving the medicine
  • A. Respond privately but avoid discussing patient care
  • B. Accept the contact because the admission has ended
  • C. Set a clear professional boundary and stop personal contact
  • D. Ask the former patient to contact the nurse through work

Explanation: Professional boundaries can remain relevant after direct care ends, particularly where a power imbalance or vulnerability exists.

Correct answer: Set a clear professional boundary and stop personal contact
Fairly easy
  • A. Use personal experience instead of research evidence
  • B. Check reliable evidence and stay within professional competence
  • C. Repeat the information supplied by the event organiser
  • D. Give the advice but state that it is probably correct

Explanation: Nurses must maintain their knowledge and skills and provide information supported by reliable evidence.

Correct answer: Check reliable evidence and stay within professional competence
  • A. Confirm the admission but give no clinical details
  • B. Refuse to confirm the information and follow local policy
  • C. Ask the journalist to call back after visiting hours
  • D. Provide the information if the journalist gives a convincing reason

Explanation: A patient's identity and presence in a healthcare setting are confidential information.

Correct answer: Refuse to confirm the information and follow local policy
Fairly easy
  • A. Sign the record because the colleague plans to complete it soon
  • B. Sign the record if the colleague accepts responsibility
  • C. Refuse to sign and report the inaccurate request
  • D. Leave the form unsigned but say nothing further

Explanation: Signing a false record is dishonest and could place patients at risk by misrepresenting competence.

Correct answer: Refuse to sign and report the inaccurate request
Fairly easy
  • A. Tell the patient that staff preferences cannot be considered
  • B. Respect the request and arrange the available competent nurse
  • C. Ask the patient to explain the request to the whole team
  • D. Proceed immediately because clinical treatment always overrides preference

Explanation: The NMC Code requires nurses to treat people as individuals and respect their preferences, dignity and privacy.

Correct answer: Respect the request and arrange the available competent nurse
Fairly easy
  • A. Use the source if patients find it easy to understand
  • B. Present both sources without explaining the difference
  • C. Use current reliable guidance and correct the misinformation
  • D. Avoid discussing the treatment so the conflict is hidden

Explanation: Nurses must give information that is accurate, evidence based and appropriate to the person's needs.

Correct answer: Use current reliable guidance and correct the misinformation
  • A. Complete the activity and leave the record unchanged
  • B. Ask the colleague to correct the entry at the next shift
  • C. Assess the patient, arrange the required care and raise the concern
  • D. Delete the colleague's entry and document only the completed activity

Explanation: The immediate priority is the patient's safety and the care that remains outstanding.

Correct answer: Assess the patient, arrange the required care and raise the concern
Fairly easy
  • A. Share the details after removing the patient's name
  • B. Share the details if the discussion group is private
  • C. Decline to share the case and protect the patient's confidentiality
  • D. Share the details if the case has already been discharged

Explanation: Removing a name does not necessarily prevent a patient from being identified, especially when unusual details are included.

Correct answer: Decline to share the case and protect the patient's confidentiality