Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

In what situation would a nurse be required to report to the Texas BON?

1. If they witness minor infractions

2. If a patient requests confidentiality

3. If they observe unsafe practices

4. If they disagree with a physician's treatment plan

The correct answer is: If they observe unsafe practices

A nurse is required to report to the Texas Board of Nursing if they observe unsafe practices. This duty is rooted in the overarching ethical and legal responsibility to protect patient safety and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession. When unsafe practices are observed, it may indicate potential harm to patients or a deviation from standard care that could lead to adverse outcomes. The Texas BON emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe nursing practices, and reporting such incidents is a critical component of ensuring accountability within the healthcare system. By reporting unsafe practices, nurses help to foster an environment where patient safety is prioritized, and appropriate actions can be taken to address any violations or lapses that could affect the quality of care. Such reporting mechanisms are essential in both safeguarding patients and maintaining professional standards within nursing as mandated by the BON. In contrast, witnessing minor infractions does not typically rise to the level of a reportable incident, while a patient's request for confidentiality relates to patient rights rather than misconduct. Similarly, disagreement with a physician's treatment plan may require discussion and collaboration, but it does not automatically necessitate a report to the BON unless it is contributing to unsafe practice.