Chapter 5: Legislation: The Client’s Rights and Your Rights

Wilk: Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Fifth Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The touching of a person without their consent is unauthorized. The touching may not cause
harm to the person, but forcing care on an unwilling patient would be:
a. Assault
b. Battery
c. Invasion of privacy
d. Libel
ANS: B

Feedback
A Incorrect. The definition of assault is intentionally attempting or threatening to
touch a person without consent, causing the person to fear bodily harm.
B Correct. Touching a person without that person’s consent is the correct
definition of battery.
C Incorrect. The definition of invasion of privacy is violating a person’s right not
to have their name, photograph, private affairs, health information, or any
personal information exposed or made public without consent.
D Incorrect. The definition of libel is making false statements in print or writing or
through pictures or drawings.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: Assault and Battery

OBJ: 5: Describe how negligence, defamation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of
privacy apply to the support worker’s job.

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 2. A nurse yells at an unruly patient and quickly walks toward them while grasping a key. The
nurse then threatens that if the patient does not calm down, he will be locked in a room by
himself. This describes which intentional tort?
a. Assault
b. Battery
c. Invasion of privacy
d. Defamation
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. Threatening to touch a person without that person’s consent is the
correct definition of assault.
B Incorrect. The definition of battery is touching a person without that person’s
consent.
C Incorrect. The definition of invasion of privacy is violating a person’s right not
to have their name, photograph, private affairs, health information, or any
personal information exposed or made public without consent.
D Incorrect. The definition of defamation is injuring the name and reputation of a
person by making false statements to a third party.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: Assault and Battery

OBJ: 5: Describe how negligence, defamation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of
privacy apply to the support worker’s job.

3. Which of the following should guide a support worker’s actions in determining what they can
or cannot do?
a. Ethics
b. Torts
c. Civil law
d. Legislation
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. Ethics are the rules of conduct that guide society when deciding what is
right and what is wrong, and what is good and what is bad.
B Incorrect. A tort is a wrongful act committed by one person against another
person or their property. An example of an unintentional tort is negligence.
C Incorrect. Civil law deals with relationships between people.
D Incorrect. Legislation is a body of laws that govern the behaviour of a country’s
residents.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Legislation: The Client’s Rights and Your Rights
OBJ: 1: Explain the basic rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the
provincial and territorial human rights codes.

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 4. A nurse is trying to prevent a patient from meeting with their loved ones. The nurse threatens
not to give the patient food or medicine if they do not abide by this restriction. The nurse’s
actions are an example of which intentional tort?
a. Slander
b. Invasion of privacy
c. Negligence
d. False imprisonment
ANS: D

Feedback
A Incorrect. Slander is orally or verbally making false statements that are harmful.
B Incorrect. Invasion of privacy is violating a person’s right not to have their
name, photograph, private affairs, health information, or any personal
information exposed or made public without consent.
C Incorrect. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act in a careful or competent
manner, which results in harm to a person or their property.
D Correct. False imprisonment is the unlawful restraint or restriction of a person’s
freedom of movement.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: False Imprisonment

OBJ: 5: Describe how negligence, defamation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of
privacy apply to the support worker’s job.

5. Candace, a Canadian citizen, has been accused of a crime and yet still receives medical care
and fair treatment while awaiting her day in court. Which of the following terms describes
how these entitlements are formally recognized in law?
a. Moral rights
b. Rights
c. Legislation
d. Legal rights
ANS: D

Feedback
A Incorrect. Moral rights are based on a sense of fairness or ethics.
B Incorrect. Rights are not based on written laws. They are based on moral
principles (e.g., commitments should be honoured, and secrets should be kept).
C Incorrect. Legislation is a body of laws that govern the behaviour of a country’s
residents.
D Correct. Legal rights are rights that are formally recognized in law. They are
based on rules and principles outlined in the law and enforced by society.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Legislation: The Client’s Rights and Your Rights OBJ: 2: Describe client rights.

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 6. Protecting a client’s right to privacy involves which of the following actions?
a. Sharing information about them only with your close friends
b. Allowing visitors to remain in the room while care is being given
c. Exposing the client’s entire body in order to provide the needed treatment or
procedure
d. Using a screen to shield the client when providing personal care
ANS: D

Feedback
A Incorrect. Sharing client information with anyone is prohibited because the
client’s information is confidential.
B Incorrect. Allowing visitors to remain in the room when care is being given does
not afford the client any privacy.
C Incorrect. Exposing the client’s entire body during a treatment or procedure is
not an example of protecting privacy.
D Correct. Using a screen when giving care is an example of protecting client
privacy.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Respecting the Client’s Right to Privacy
OBJ: 3: Identify ways support workers can respect their client’s rights.

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 7. A support worker walks into the resident’s room and sees that the resident’s feet are exposed
and feel cold. Which of the following actions by the support worker demonstrates a respect for
the resident’s right to dignity?
a. Explaining to the resident what the worker is going to do and getting consent.
b. Getting the resident’s informed consent in writing.
c. Refusing to perform a task that involves touching the resident.
d. Making sure the task was delegated by a nurse.
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. Support workers can avoid a charge of assault and battery and respect a
client’s dignity by explaining to the client what they are going to do and getting
consent. Assault is defined as intentionally attempting or threatening to touch a
person without their consent, causing the person to fear bodily harm.
B Incorrect. To get the client’s consent, the support worker should explain the
procedure before doing it. Getting written consent is not always necessary.
C Incorrect. Touching a client is a part of the support worker’s role; therefore,
refusing to perform a task that involves touching a client is not an appropriate
option.
D Incorrect. Whether a procedure is delegated or not, client consent (written or
verbal) is always necessary.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Respecting the Client’s Right to Dignity
OBJ: 3: Identify ways support workers can respect their client’s rights.

8. Gennie, a student support worker, notices another support worker laughing at the resident as
they enter the dining room because the resident is wearing two different-coloured running
shoes. Which of the following best describes respecting the resident’s right to dignity?
a. Never laugh at the resident.
b. Tell the resident to go back to their room because they are not properly dressed.
c. Scold the resident and tell them to change their running shoes.
d. Make eye contact with the resident.
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. Never laugh at the client.
B Incorrect. Never embarrass the client.
C Incorrect. Never scold the client.
D Incorrect. Make eye contact with the client if it is culturally appropriate, and
listen attentively.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Respecting the Client’s Right to Dignity
OBJ: 3: Identify ways support workers can respect their client’s rights.

Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved. 5
 9. A resident could not get to the bathroom in time and soiled her clothing with urine and feces.
Later, to prevent a similar accident from happening in the dining room, the support worker
makes this client stay in her room. What is this an example of?
a. Negligence
b. False imprisonment
c. Neglect
d. Physical abuse
ANS: B

Feedback
A Incorrect. Negligence occurs when a person fails to act in a careful or competent
manner and thereby harms the client or damages property. Negligence is
unintentional. The support worker purposely made the client stay in her room.
B Correct. Unlawful restraint or restriction of a person’s freedom of movement is
false imprisonment.
C Incorrect. Not attending to a client’s needs is neglectful; however, this is not the
best answer.
D Incorrect. Since there is no actual physical abuse, this is not the right answer.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: False Imprisonment

OBJ: 5: Describe how negligence, defamation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of
privacy apply to the support worker’s job.

10. Which term refers to saying things that will deliberately offend another person?
a. Gossip
b. Defamation
c. Being rude
d. Harassment
ANS: D

Feedback
A Incorrect. Gossip may sometimes be offensive to others, but that is not
necessarily the intention, so this is not the best answer.
B Incorrect. Defamation is injuring the name and reputation of a person by making
false statements about them to a third party. This is not the best answer.
C Incorrect. Saying things that offend another person may be rude; however, this is
not the best answer.
D Correct. Harassment means troubling, tormenting, offending, or worrying a
person through one’s behaviour or comments.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: Human Rights Legislation

OBJ: 7: List the types of legislation that address support workers’ rights and duties.

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 11. A support worker notices a bruise on the resident’s hand during morning care. The support
worker can share this information with which of the following people?
a. The client’s family
b. Co-workers
c. The nurse
d. Visitors
ANS: C

Feedback
A Incorrect. Sharing information with the client’s family would be a breach of
confidentiality. This is also not within the role of the support worker.
B Incorrect. Sharing information with co-workers not involved in the client’s care
is inappropriate and a breach of confidentiality. Talk about the client only with
other members of the health care team who need to know.
C Correct. Sharing information with the nurse is expected, as the nurse relies on
the support worker to share observations regarding the client.
D Incorrect. Sharing information about a client or resident with visitors would be
highly inappropriate and a breach of confidentiality.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Respecting the Client’s Right to Privacy
OBJ: 3: Identify ways support workers can respect their client’s rights.

12. Jeffrey, a new resident to Baker Street Long-Term Care Facility, is in the process of filling out
an advance care directive. Which of the following statements best describes this document?
a. This document is signed after a client passes away.
b. The support worker is usually involved in this process.
c. It is a legal document about end-of-life care.
d. The support worker needs to sign this document.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Incorrect. These documents are signed before the client passes away, ahead of
time, often when the client is admitted to a facility.
B Incorrect. The support worker is usually not involved with an advance care
directive.
C Correct. Advance care directives are legal documents that allow clients to
convey their decisions about their own end-of-life care.
D Incorrect. The support worker does not need to and should not sign this
document.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: Advance Directive

OBJ: 2: Describe client rights.

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 13. Which of the following statements best describes the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms?
a. It is part of the provincial constitution.
b. It applies only to provincial law.
c. It lists the basic rights and freedoms of older persons only.
d. It lists the basic rights and freedoms of all Canadians.
ANS: D

Feedback
A Incorrect. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is federal legislation
and applies to all provinces and territories.
B Incorrect. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is federal legislation
and applies to all provinces and territories.
C Incorrect. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is federal legislation
that applies to all Canadians, regardless of age.
D Correct. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is federal legislation
that applies to all Canadians, regardless of where they live, and lists the basic
rights and freedoms to which all Canadians are entitled.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Basic Human Rights in Canada
OBJ: 1: Explain the basic rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the
provincial and territorial human rights codes.

14. Halina is the estate trustee of her father’s affairs. Which statement best describes what Halina
is allowed to do on her father’s behalf?
a. She is known as the executrix and can make funeral arrangements for her
deceased father.
b. She is known as the executor and can make funeral arrangements for her deceased
father.
c. She is known as the exectra and can make funeral arrangements for her deceased
father.
d. She is known as the execufemme and can make funeral arrangements for her
deceased father.
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. In most provinces and territories, the estate trustee is known an
executrix if the person is a woman.
B Incorrect. In most provinces and territories, the estate trustee is known as an
executor if the person is a man.
C Incorrect. This is not a legal term.
D Incorrect. This is not a legal term.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: After the Client Dies

OBJ: 2: Describe client rights.

Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved. 8
 15. A physiotherapist has obtained informed consent from a client before the client participates in
the treatment plan. What does the client need to know and understand in order to give
informed consent?
a. Whether visitors are allowed during the treatment
b. All information relevant to the treatment
c. Their blood type
d. That the treatment applies only in the community setting
ANS: B

Feedback
A Incorrect. If a client wants to give consent to a visitor being present during a
procedure, then that is allowed, but this is not considered to be part of giving
informed consent.
B Correct. For someone to make an informed decision and then provide informed
consent, all accurate and complete information relevant to the procedure must be
provided to the person who has to make the decision and provide the consent.
C Incorrect. Information about blood type is not necessary to give informed
consent.
D Incorrect. The treatment setting is not relevant to giving informed consent.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: The Right to Give or Withhold Informed Consent OBJ: 2: Describe client rights.

16. Which statement about occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation is correct?
a. It does not protect the support worker when providing home care.
b. Not all provinces have this type of legislation.
c. It does not apply to supervisors.
d. It is enforceable only in-home care settings.
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. The OH&S legislation does not protect support workers when they are
providing home care.
B Incorrect. All provinces and territories have OH&S legislation.
C Incorrect. OH&S legislation applies to all workers in the environment.
D Incorrect. OH&S legislation is not enforceable in a home care environment.

PTS: 1 DIF: Remembering

REF: Occupational Health and Safety
OBJ: 7: List the types of legislation that address support workers’ rights and duties.

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 17. Which of the following statements about the Access to Information Act is correct?
a. It allows citizens to demand records from federal bodies.
b. It replaces the Privacy Act.
c. It is a provincial law.
d. Complaints can be directed to the Complaints Commissioner.
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. This act allows citizens to demand their personal records from federal
bodies.
B Incorrect. The Privacy Act is another federal law that governs access to
information and privacy.
C Incorrect. This is a federal law.
D Incorrect. This law is enforced by the Information Commissioner of Canada, and
complaints can be directed to this person.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: Freedom of Information

OBJ: 5: Describe how negligence, defamation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of
privacy apply to the support worker’s job.

18. Because Agnes, a support worker, fails to check the temperature of the bath water, her client is
burned. What is this is an example of?
a. Battery
b. Negligence
c. Defamation
d. Harassment
ANS: B

Feedback
A Incorrect. Battery is the actual intentional touching of a client without the
client’s consent.
B Correct. Agnes was negligent because she failed to act in a careful or competent
manner, which resulted in harm to a person.
C Incorrect. Defamation is injuring the name and reputation of a person by making
false statements to a third party.
D Incorrect. Harassment means troubling, tormenting, offending, or worrying a
person through one’s behaviour or comments.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: Negligence

OBJ: 5: Describe how negligence, defamation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of
privacy apply to the support worker’s job.

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 19. Which of the following statements about the substitute decision maker for property is correct?
a. The federal government can assign one.
b. This is not a legally binding position.
c. This person makes decisions based on their own interests, not the client’s
interests.
d. This person cannot make personal care decisions for a client.
ANS: D

Feedback
A Incorrect. If a client does not have a substitute decision maker for property, the
provincial or territorial court may appoint someone to act as one. The appointed
person would be legally bound to act in the client’s best interests.
B Incorrect. The appointed person would be legally bound to act in the client’s best
interests.
C Incorrect. The appointed person would be legally bound to act in the client’s best
interests.
D Correct. The appointed person cannot make personal care decisions for a client
unless a separate document is signed identifying that person as the substitute
decision maker for personal care.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Substitute Decision Maker for Property OBJ: 2: Describe client rights.

20. Which statement is true about the substitute decision maker for health care?
a. This person is always a family member.
b. This person is always the nurse.
c. This person is also called the power of attorney.
d. This person is always the Attorney General.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Incorrect. The assigned person can be a family member (e.g., next of kin) but
does not have to be.
B Incorrect. The nurse looking after the client should not be assigned as the
substitute decision maker. That would be a conflict of interest.
C Correct. In some provinces and territories, the substitute decision maker for
health care is referred to as the power of attorney (POA).
D Incorrect. The Attorney General is a legal advisor to government, not a person
who acts as a substitute decision maker for health care.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: Advance Directive

OBJ: 2: Describe client rights.

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 21. Joseph is a patient in a Catholic hospital. He has been told that he cannot bring his Jewish
artifacts into his hospital room. This is a violation of which of his rights according to the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
a. Freedom of conscience and religion
b. The right to vote
c. Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression
d. The right to life, liberty, and security
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. This is a violation of Joseph’s freedom of conscience and religion.
B Incorrect. This does not apply.
C Incorrect. This does not apply.
D Incorrect. This does not apply.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Basic Human Rights in Canada
OBJ: 1: Explain the basic rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the
provincial and territorial human rights codes.

22. Which statement accurately describes the Human Rights Act?

a. It is provincial legislation based on the Canadian Human Rights Act.
b. It is federal legislation based on the Canadian Human Rights Act.
c. It is provincial legislation based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms.
d. It is the same throughout Canada.
ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct. The Human Rights Act is based on the Canadian Human Rights Act and
applies to the respective province or territory.
B Incorrect. The Human Rights Act is provincial and territorial legislation and
applies to the respective province or territory.
C Incorrect. It is not based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
D Incorrect. The Human Rights Act is provincial and territorial legislation that
applies to the respective province or territory.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Basic Rights of People Receiving Health Services
OBJ: 1: Explain the basic rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the
provincial and territorial human rights codes.

Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved. 12
 23. Many long-term care acts, regulations, standards, and facility policies recognize that residents
have rights. Which of the following statements describes these rights?
a. Residents do not have the right to be properly sheltered, fed, clothed, and
groomed.
b. Residents do not have the right to have their families present 24 hours per day if
they are dying.
c. Residents have the right to keep and display personal possessions, pictures, and
furnishings in their rooms.
d. Residents have the right to be emotionally, physically, sexually, and financially
mishandled.
ANS: C

Feedback
A Incorrect. This right is represented in many long-term care acts.
B Incorrect. Residents do have the right to have their families present 24 hours per
day if they are dying.
C Correct. This right is represented in many long-term care acts.
D Incorrect. This is not a right represented in any long-term care acts.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: British Columbia’s Residents’ Bill of Rights OBJ: 2: Describe client rights.

24. A resident rings the call bell. Which of the following does the support worker do first?
a. Looks up the abbreviations in the client’s care plan prior to answering the call bell
b. Goes to check on the resident to see what they need
c. Checks with the supervisor to clarify the care plan
d. Allows another support worker answer the call bell because she knows the
resident
ANS: B

Feedback
A Incorrect. If you needed to look up abbreviations in the client’s care plan, you
would not do this first before answering the call. Instead, you should look them
up at a later time.
B Correct. This is the best answer. Checking on the resident is the first priority if
they ring the call bell. Inaction could result in negligence.
C Incorrect. Checking with the supervisor to clarify the care plan, if this is
required, would be done after checking on the resident.
D Incorrect. Letting another support worker answer the call bell because she knows
the resident is not appropriate nor is it a team-oriented action.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding

REF: Examples of Negligent Acts Committed by Support Workers
OBJ: 5: Describe how negligence, defamation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of
privacy apply to the support worker’s job.

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 MULTIPLE RESPONSE

1. Which of the following examples describes negligence? (Select all that apply.)
a. The client care plan states to leave three bed rails up; the support worker leaves up
only two, and the client falls out of bed.
b. The client rings the call bell, no one answers, and the client suffers a heart attack.
c. A client begins to cry in the shower, and the support worker tells her to shut up.
d. A support worker leaves the bed in a high position and a confused client breaks a
hip trying to get out of the bed.
ANS: A, B, D
Feedback
A Correct. This is an example of negligence.
B Correct. This is an example of negligence.
C Incorrect. This is not an example of negligence. This is emotional abuse.
D Correct. This is an example of negligence.

PTS: 1 DIF: Understanding REF: Negligence

OBJ: 5: Describe how negligence, defamation, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and invasion of
privacy apply to the support worker’s job.

Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved. 14