Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "duty to warn" in nursing refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to inform appropriate parties if a patient poses a threat to themselves or others. This principle stems from legal and ethical standards designed to protect the well-being of individuals and the public. If a nurse becomes aware that a patient has the potential to harm someone else or themselves, there is a moral and sometimes legal obligation to take action, which may include reporting the situation to law enforcement or other relevant authorities.

This duty emerges from the broader concept of patient safety and is intertwined with the principles of nonmaleficence (doing no harm) and beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest). Nurses have a responsibility to assess a patient’s risk factors and to intervene proactively when necessary to mitigate potential dangers.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of "duty to warn." The right to refuse care speaks to a patient's autonomy rather than the responsibilities of caregivers. The ability to dismiss patient concerns goes against the ethical principle of respect for the patient’s feelings and needs. Finally, the requirement to maintain confidentiality at all costs is tempered by exceptions, particularly when there is a credible risk of harm, which is at the heart of the duty to warn.