Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer emphasizes that sexual misconduct towards patients or in the workplace raises serious concerns about a nurse's ability to deliver safe and competent care. This understanding is crucial because it highlights the inherent power imbalance in the nurse-patient relationship, where the patient may feel pressured to consent due to vulnerability or trust in their caregiver.

The board's Disciplinary Sanction Policy is designed to uphold the highest professional standards, ensuring patient safety and welfare. Engaging in any form of sexual misconduct can compromise the therapeutic relationship, leading to potential harm for the patient and undermining the integrity of the nursing profession. Nurses are entrusted with a duty to provide care devoid of personal interests that could overshadow the patient's needs, making this adherence to ethical standards non-negotiable.

The focus on sexual misconduct as a violation of professional conduct reflects the commitment to protect patients and uphold the trust placed in nursing professionals. Addressing these behaviors is seen as necessary not only for individual patient safety but also for maintaining public confidence in the nursing profession as a whole.