Chapter 7

A nurse observes another nurse place an unused dose of narcotics in their pocket. If caught, the nurse could be charged with which type of crime? negligence felony misdemeanor tort

felony

Nurses complete incident reports as dictated by the agency protocol. What is the primary reason nurses fill out an incident report? to document everyday occurrences to improve quality of care to initiate litigation to document the need for disciplinary action

to improve quality of care

Which process evaluates and recognizes educational programs as having met certain standards? Certification Accreditation Licensure Credentialing

Accreditation

A client admitted to a mental health unit has exhibited physical behaviors that put him and others at risk. The nurse applies four-point restraints on the client without obtaining a physician's order or the client's consent. The nurse is at risk of being accused of which of the following? Negligence Malpractice Slander Battery

Battery

A nurse working in a coronary care unit resuscitates a client who had expressed wishes not to be resuscitated. Which tort has the nurse committed? Libel Slander Assault Battery

Battery

When the nurse inserts an ordered urinary catheter into the client's urethra after the client has refused the procedure, and then the client suffers an injury, the client may sue the nurse for which type of tort? Assault Battery Invasion of privacy Dereliction of duty

Battery

An oncology nurse is caring for a client suffering from metabolic encephalopathy and end stage kidney disease. The client has no known family and no advanced directives. Upon entering the room, the nurse observes the client is pale and has no spontaneous respiration. What is the priority action the nurse should take? Notify the charge nurse. Contact the physician. Call the coroner. Begin CPR.

Begin CPR.

The nurse recognizes liability requires specific elements that must be established to prove that malpractice or negligence has occurred. Identify the specific elements. Select all that apply. Breach of duty Duty Breach of confidentiality Causation Damages

Causation Damages Duty Breach of duty

A nurse fails to administer a medication that prevents seizures, and the client has a seizure. The nurse is in violation of the Nurse Practice Act. What type of law is the nurse in violation of? Criminal Supreme Federal Civil

Civil

A client is being prepared for an elective surgical procedure and the consent form has not been signed. Who should the nurse have obtain consent for the procedure? The client's family or significant other The health care provider performing the surgical procedure The nursing supervisor The perioperative nurse

The health care provider performing the surgical procedure

A medical-surgical client is in the radiology department. The client's cousin arrives on the medical-surgical unit and asks to speak with the nurse caring for his cousin. The visitor asks the nurse to provide a brief outline of the client's illness. Which response, if given by the nurse, would demonstrate application of legal safeguard in her practice? "I will call the client and ask his permission." "I'm busy right now, but can talk later." "Do you have any identification proving you are related to the client?" "I cannot give you that information due to client confidentiality."

"I cannot give you that information due to client confidentiality."

The nurse attempts to notify a health care provider about a client's elevated temperature, but does not get a response. Which statement, if documented by the nurse, would indicate that the nurse is following proper protocol for nursing documentation? 1300: Client temperature elevated. Health care provider paged, but did not respond. Administered Tylenol without an order because I knew this health care provider does not return calls. 1300: Client temperature elevated. Telephoned health care provider's service several times with no response. Will notify nursing supervisor during rounds. 1300: Client temperature elevated. Telephoned health care provider's service 3 times without a response. Tepid sponge bath given and nursing supervisor notified. 1300: Client temperature elevated. Telephoned health care provider 3 times. As usual, health care provider did not respond.

1300: Client temperature elevated. Telephoned health care provider's service 3 times without a response. Tepid sponge bath given and nursing supervisor notified.

Nurses may commit both intentional and unintentional torts when practicing within the profession. What intentional torts may occur in nursing practice? Select all that apply. A nurse places a client who is a fall risk in restraints without an order from the health care provider. A nurse does not report a change in client condition in a timely manner. A nurse threatens to hit an older client who has dementia and is screaming. A nurse forgets to put the side rails up on a crib and the toddler falls out. A nurse seeks employment in a hospital after falsifying credentials on a resume. A nurse makes disparaging remarks to the staff about a client who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

A nurse threatens to hit an older client who has dementia and is screaming. A nurse seeks employment in a hospital after falsifying credentials on a resume. A nurse places a client who is a fall risk in restraints without an order from the health care provider. A nurse makes disparaging remarks to the staff about a client who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Having recently completed a specialty nursing program in neonatal care, a nurse is now preparing to leave her current position on a medical unit and begin providing care in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The nurse has completed which of the following processes of credentialing? Validation Accreditation Licensure Certification

Certification

The nurse is concerned about a potential malpractice or negligence lawsuit regarding a client that was cared for on the unit. What specific elements must be established to prove that malpractice or negligence has occurred in this client? (Select all that apply.) Causation Breach of confidentiality Duty Misrepresentation Breach of duty Damages

Duty Breach of duty Causation Damages

In some cases, the act of providing nursing care in unexpected situations is covered by the Good Samaritan laws. Which nursing actions would most likely be covered by these laws? negligent acts performed in an emergency situation medical advice given to a neighbor regarding her child's rash emergency care for a choking victim in a restaurant any emergency care where consent is given

emergency care for a choking victim in a restaurant

Which statement made by the nurse providing care to a group of clients indicates that the nurse requires further education regarding negligence? "I am going to auscultate breath sounds every 8 hours on a client receiving enteral feedings." "I don't need to assess distal pulses on a client after a femoral arteriography." "I am going to assess for collateral circulation before preforming an arterial blood gas (ABG)." "Please avoid bringing fresh fruit to a client with neutropenia."

"I don't need to assess distal pulses on a client after a femoral arteriography."

A client being discharged from the hospital asks the nurse, "When I go visit my family out of state, should I take my living will with me, or do I need a new one for that state?" What is the most appropriate response made by the nurse? "Take it with you. It is recognized universally in the United States." "A living will can only be used in the state it was created in." "As long as your family knows your medical wishes, you will not need it." "We have it on file here, so any hospital can call and get a copy."

"Take it with you. It is recognized universally in the United States."

When the nurse informs a client's employer of his autoimmune deficiency disease, the nurse is committing the tort of: Assault Breach of contract Invasion of privacy Battery

Invasion of privacy

When the nurse reports for duty, she finds out her neighbor is admitted to one of the units in her facility. The nurse asks a coworker about the neighbor's condition. The coworker is uncomfortable with the nurse's request and confers with the charge nurse. The charge nurse informs the coworker of which potential tort violation she could be charged with if she honors the nurse's request for client information? Negligence Defamation of character Invasion of privacy Assault

Invasion of privacy

A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone coronary angioplasty. The cardiac monitor is showing abnormal ECG waves, indicating arterial fibrillation. The nurse does not recognize the importance of the sign; as a result, the client's condition deteriorates and the client has to be taken up for an emergency procedure. Which of the following describes the nurse's legal liability? Felony Defamation Tort Slander

Tort

Which situation is an example of battery that the nurse may experience while performing her duties at the health care facility? performing a surgical procedure without getting consent telling the client that he cannot leave the hospital witnessing a procedure done on a client without his consent taking the client's photographs without consent

performing a surgical procedure without getting consent

The nurse educator is presenting a lecture on the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Which situation, if identified by the nursing staff, would indicate to the educator that the staff understands the Occupational Safety and Health Act? Requires nurses to report abuse of infants, children, and adults of all ages Helps reduce workforce injuries and illness in the workplace Acts as an information clearinghouse for nurses who engage in unprofessional conduct Protects nurses who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction or have communicable diseases

Helps reduce workforce injuries and illness in the workplace

While caring for an infant, the nurse hears another child screaming in the next room. She rushes to the other room to check on the screaming child, forgetting to put the side rails up on the infant's crib. She returns to the room to find the infant has fallen out of the crib and sustained a head injury. Based on the nurse's action, which tort is the nurse liable for? Battery Malpractice Assault Defamation

Malpractice

A registered nurse has had her license suspended after being convicted of being impaired at work. What governing body has the authority to revoke or suspend a nurse's license? The National League for Nursing The Supreme Court The employing health care institution The State Board of Nurse Examiners

The State Board of Nurse Examiners

A nursing student administers an overdose of a narcotic to a client and the client arrests. When discussing the incident with nursing faculty, which statements made by the student indicate the need for further teaching? Select all that apply. "I should have informed you that I felt unprepared for my assignment." "I realize that I am held to the same standards as a registered nurse." "I have also put the nursing faculty at risk with my action." "I am glad I am a student because nursing faculty will be blamed, not me." "I cannot be held liable because this is only my second time at this facility."

"I am glad I am a student because nursing faculty will be blamed, not me." "I cannot be held liable because this is only my second time at this facility."

The nurse attorney provides an educational session to the nursing staff on acts of negligence. Which responses by the staff would indicate to the attorney that the staff can accurately identify acts of negligence? Select all that apply. "I can be charged with negligence if I apply a heating pad to the client's skin and the client suffers a superficial or first-degree burn." "When I am using a new piece of equipment for the first time, I must make sure I know how to properly operate it." "I can be charged with negligence if I follow the policy for administering insulin and the client has a reaction to it." "I can be charged with negligence if I notify the health care practitioner about a change in a client's status but do not follow up or document. "I can be charged with negligence if I am following the standards of care for my specialty, which is ambulatory nursing."

"I can be charged with negligence if I apply a heating pad to the client's skin and the client suffers a superficial or first-degree burn." "I can be charged with negligence if I notify the health care practitioner about a change in a client's status but do not follow up or document.

The nurse is participating in a discussion about controlled substances. Which statement by the nurse indicates she is aware of laws governing the distribution of controlled substances? "Nurses are responsible for adhering to specific documentation about controlled substances." "The nurse is only at risk if she diverts medication from the client; using personal drugs decrease your risk." "When a nurse abuses controlled substances in the workplace and gets help, she will not be charged with a criminal act." "An impaired nurse is promptly punished by being terminated and having his or her license suspended."

"Nurses are responsible for adhering to specific documentation about controlled substances."

A lawyer is describing the litigation process to a nurse named in a malpractice lawsuit. Which statements by the lawyer accurately describe this process? Select all that apply. "The opinions of appellate judges are published and become common law." "Common law is based on the principle of stare decisis." "The process of bringing and trying this lawsuit is called litigation." "As the defendant, you will be presumed guilty until proven innocent." "The defendant is the person who is initiating the lawsuit." "We will start litigation in the first-level court known as the appellate court."

"The process of bringing and trying this lawsuit is called litigation." "The opinions of appellate judges are published and become common law." "Common law is based on the principle of stare decisis."

A newly hired graduate nurse meets with the nurse educator to discuss obtaining a client's informed consent for procedures. Which statements, made by the graduate, would indicate to the educator that further discussion is needed? Select all that apply. "When a client is having surgery, it is my responsibility to get the consent." "My signature as a witness indicates the consent is signed and I saw the client sign it." "In the event of an emergency that threatens a client's life or health, consent is not needed." "I must make sure I give the client all necessary information about the procedure before I have the client sign the consent form." "When I sign the consent form as a witness, I am saying that the person knows all the risks and benefits of the procedure."

"When I sign the consent form as a witness, I am saying that the person knows all the risks and benefits of the procedure." "I must make sure I give the client all necessary information about the procedure before I have the client sign the consent form." "When a client is having surgery, it is my responsibility to get the consent."

The nursing faculty is lecturing on unintentional and intentional torts. The faculty asks a nursing student to provide an example of an unintentional tort. Which example would indicate the student has a clear understanding of torts? A nurse is threatening to restrain a client if he does not stop talking. Nurses are in the elevator discussing a client's laboratory values. A nurse is telling a client he cannot leave the hospital until he pays his bill. A nurse gives a medication and client has an adverse reaction.

A nurse gives a medication and client has an adverse reaction.

While teaching about advance care planning, which fact is important for the nurse to share with a client who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness? The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires hospital clients to have an advance directive. Advance directives must be completed 30 days prior to hospitalization in order to be valid. A durable power of attorney for health care appoints an agent the person trusts to make decisions. Living wills provide specific instructions related to the client's personal property upon death.

A durable power of attorney for health care appoints an agent the person trusts to make decisions.

The health care provider prescribes cold therapy every 4 hours for a client after foot surgery. The nurse places the ice pack directly on the client's skin and returns 60 minutes later. After removal of the ice pack, the skin is pale and cold to the touch. The client develops frostbite and begins a lawsuit for malpractice. When reviewing the case, the nurse attorney recognizes which most important statement about the malpractice suit? The client has a responsibility to report loss of sensation to prevent frostbite. The client will have difficulty finding causation. All elements are in place to hold the nurse liable. The standard of care was established, so the nurse will not be held liable.

All elements are in place to hold the nurse liable. All four elements are met: The nurse had a duty. The duty was breached. It is easy to find causation (an ice pack directly on skin for 60 minutes), and harm (development of frostbite) was done. The client is not responsible since the lack of sensation may have occurred early and it was the nurse's responsibility to ensure safety.

The nurse manager is using voluntary standards as a guideline for developing policies on the unit. What voluntary standards are available for the nurse to use? Select all that apply. State nurse practice acts Process of certification American Nurses Association Standards of Practice Professional standards for certification of individual nurses in general practice Rules and regulations of nursing

American Nurses Association Standards of Practice Professional standards for certification of individual nurses in general practice Process of certification

During a nursing shift, which events warrant completion of an incident report? (Select all that apply.) An intravenous antibiotic was administered 2 hours late because the IV site infiltrated. A visitor slipped and fell in the hallway, but was not injured. A client falls while being transferred from the bed to the chair. A registered nurse asks an unlicensed assistive personal (UAP) to feed a client. A nurse reports that a client is crying and distraught over a diagnosis of metastatic cancer.

An intravenous antibiotic was administered 2 hours late because the IV site infiltrated. A visitor slipped and fell in the hallway, but was not injured. A client falls while being transferred from the bed to the chair.

The charge nurse overhears a staff nurse threatening to restrain a verbally abusive client if the abuse continues. The charge nurse meets with the staff nurse to discuss this behavior. Which legal tort, if identified by the charge nurse, would alert the staff nurse to potential criminal charges? Invasion of privacy Negligence Defamation of character Assault

Assault

A nurse caring for an older adult client following a total abdominal hysterectomy documents administration of morphine 4 mg intravenously for pain of 8 on 1-10 scale, bed in the lowest position, bed alarm on, side rails up times two, and call light in reach. After the nurse leaves the room, the client gets out of bed and falls. In which order should the nurse proceed? Notify the physician. Assess the client for injury. Complete an incident report. Assist the client back into bed. Document the incident.

Assess the client for injury. Assist the client back into bed. Notify the physician. Document the incident. Complete an incident report.

A nurse exits the room of a confused client without raising the side rails on the bed. The failure to raise the side rails would constitute which element of liability related to malpractice? Breach of duty Damages Causation Duty

Breach of duty

A nurse fails to communicate a change in the client's condition to the physician. Which element related to proving malpractice has been met? Breach of duty Proximate cause Damages Duty

Breach of duty

The nurse fails to contact the physician regarding a client who had an open-reduction internal fixation of the tibia and has experienced increasing leg pain (unrelieved by pain medication) for the past 4 hours. Which element of liability has been violated? Damages Duty Causation Breach of duty

Breach of duty

The evening nurse received a change-of-shift report from the day nurse. The day nurse's report states, "The client required intubation for respiratory distress this morning, but has been stable all day." The evening nurse collects the following information during the first assessment: Skin flushed. Client lethargic. Temperature 103.0°F (39.4°C). A review of the client's chart reveals that the client's last assessment was done 7 hours earlier. A review of the findings by the nurse attorney determines which facts might be in place regarding liability? Select all that apply. The spouse was notified of the change in condition. The facility will have to fire the nurse for malpractice. The facility will settle the case. Breach of duty has occurred. Duty has not occurred since the evening nurse just started the shift.

Breach of duty has occurred.

Nurses practicing in a critical care unit must acquire specialized skills and knowledge to provide care to the critically ill client. These nurses can validate this specialty competence through what process? Litigation Certification Licensure Accreditation

Certification

A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse realizes immediately after administering medications to induce conscious sedation that the client has not signed the informed consent. If the nurse has the client sign the informed consent, which element of informed consent would be violated? Competence Voluntariness Disclosure Comprehension

Competence

A nurse assesses a client with psychotic symptoms and determines that the client needs vest restraints. However, the client asks the nurse not to put on vest restraints. What would be the best nursing action? Contact the physician and obtain necessary orders. Apply restraints after giving a sedative. Apply wrist restraints instead of vest restraints. Restrain the client with vest restraints.

Contact the physician and obtain necessary orders.

A nurse is named as a defendant in a malpractice lawsuit. Which action would be recommended for this nurse? Do not volunteer any information on the witness stand. Discuss the case with the plaintiff to ensure understanding of each other's positions. Be prepared to tell your side to the press, if necessary. If a mistake was made on a chart, change it to read appropriately.

Do not volunteer any information on the witness stand.

A client states that his recent fall was caused by the fact that his scheduled antihypertensive medications were mistakenly administered by two different nurses, an event that is disputed by both of the nurses identified by the client. Which measure should the nurses prioritize when anticipating that legal action may follow? Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident. Consult with practice advisors from the state board of nursing. Consult with the hospital's legal department as soon as possible. Enlist support from nursing and non-nursing colleagues from the unit.

Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident.

A nurse is being sued for malpractice in a court of law. What elements must be established to prove that malpractice or negligence has occurred? Select all that apply. Intent to harm Duty Breach of duty Punitive damages Causation Fraud

Duty Breach of duty Causation

During the orientation to the hospital, the staff development educator discusses unit and institutional-based policies. What is the source of the practice rules that result in unit and institutional-based policies? Board of nursing Health care institution Federal legislation State legislation

Health care institution

The nursing supervisor is preparing to delegate some aspects of the nursing care plan interventions to other healthcare providers on the unit. Which are requirements of supervisory nursing? Select all that apply. Registered nurses must assure the care was delivered accurately and appropriately. The person assigned to the task is ultimately responsible for the care they provide. Registered nurses cannot delegate the practice-pervasive functions of assessment. In-depth knowledge of the job descriptions and capabilities of each person on the team. Each member of the team to state which tasks they enjoy and assign accordingly to improve staff moral.

In-depth knowledge of the job descriptions and capabilities of each person on the team. Registered nurses cannot delegate the practice-pervasive functions of assessment. Registered nurses must assure the care was delivered accurately and appropriately.

The nursing student talks with her family about an AIDS client from the clinical experience. Which tort has the student committed? Fraud Invasion of privacy Assault Slander

Invasion of privacy

The student nurse tells her family about a client with AIDS that she cared for in clinical yesterday. Which tort has the student committed? Assault Invasion of privacy Slander Fraud

Invasion of privacy Invasion of privacy involves a breach of keeping client information confidential. Slander is oral defamation of character. Assault is a threat or attempt to make bodily contact with another person without that person's consent.

A client informs the nurse that he wants to discontinue his treatment and go home. Later, the nurse finds the client dressed to leave. Which action should the nurse take in this situation? Warn the client that he may not be able to access health care again. Let the client go after signing a document stating he is going against medical advice. Restrain the client until his medical treatment is over. Call the physician and get his discharge paper signed.

Let the client go after signing a document stating he is going against medical advice.

A client has a prescription for amoxicillin 500 mg P.O. every 8 hours. The nurse administers the medication via the intravenous route. Based on the nurse's action, the client develops complications and has an increased length of stay. The client files a lawsuit against the facility and the nurse. Which legal action has the nurse's attorney identified that meets the criteria for the client's lawsuit? Negligence Battery Malpractice Assault

Malpractice The facility and nurse could be charged with malpractice, which is failing to perform (or performing) an act that causes harm to a client. Administering the medication intravenously instead of orally as prescribed has caused harm to a client. Negligence is failing to perform care for a client. When a person threatens to touch a client without consent, it is assault, whereas battery is carrying out the implied threat (assault).

A new graduate wants to be knowledgable about state-mandated rules to better practice within the scope of nursing. What are the best resources for this nurse to research? Select all that apply. Composition and disciplinary authority of board of nursing Nurse practice acts Medicare and Medicaid provisions for reimbursement of nursing services Nursing educational requirements Medication administration Delegation trees

Nurse practice acts Nursing educational requirements Composition and disciplinary authority of board of nursing

A client newly diagnosed with congestive heart failure has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse counts the heart rate before administration of the medication and obtains a heart rate of 51 beats per minute. Which action by the nurse demonstrates adherence to the standards of nursing care? Nurse administered the medication after reviewing the client's serum potassium level. Nurse withheld the medication, retook the heart rate, and gave the meds at a later time. Nurse administered the medication and reassessed the client after 30 minutes. Nurse withheld the medication and notified the health care practitioner.

Nurse withheld the medication and notified the health care practitioner. Nurses are responsible for following the standards of care for their particular work area. A reasonably prudent nurse would withhold the medication and notify the health care practitioner. All other options put the client's safety at risk and would not be done by a reasonably prudent nurse.

A nurse is caring for a client following endotracheal intubation. Before applying soft wrist restraints to prevent the client from pulling out the endotracheal tube, what is the most appropriate action of the nurse? Get written consent. Notify the family. Obtain a medical order. Sedate the client.

Obtain a medical order.

A nurse is part of a group named in a malpractice lawsuit. The plaintiff is suing for general damages. Which items would be addressed? Select all that apply. Suffering Disfigurement Pain Disability Lost wages Medical expenses

Pain Suffering Disfigurement Disability

During the admission assessment of a female client age 40 years with a suspected mandibular fracture, the client discloses to the nurse that her injury came as a result of her husband hitting her. Which action should the nurse prioritize when responding to this disclosure? Informing the client of her right to keep this information private Performing an assessment to confirm the client's statement Reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities Ensuring the client's statement is confirmed by another nurse

Reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities

The health care provider prescribes orders for a client with newly diagnosed uncontrolled seizure activity. When reviewing the prescriptions, the nurse correctly identifies that which prescription, if followed, puts him at risk for negligence charges? Diazepam 5 mg intravenously now Restrain all four extremities Neurologic assessments every 5 minutes Oxygen 2/L via nasal cannula

Restrain all four extremities

A nurse who comments to her coworkers at lunch that her client with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) has been sexually active in the community may be guilty of what tort? Fraud Slander Libel Assault

Slander

A nurse, while off-duty, tells the physiotherapist that a client who was admitted to the nursing unit contracted AIDS due to exposure to sex workers at the age of 18. The client discovers that the nurse has revealed the information to the physiotherapist. With what legal action could the nurse be charged? Malpractice Slander Libel Negligence

Slander

Nurse Practice Acts are examples of which type of laws? Constitutional laws Administrative law Common law Statutory laws

Statutory laws

A client is in a persistent vegetative state. The client has no immediate family and is a ward of the state. Under these circumstances, who will speak on this client's behalf? A significant other Surrogate decision maker Church-appointed guardian Her best friend

Surrogate decision maker

Injuries related to lifting or transferring clients occur in the health care setting and may be considered a work-related injury. Which law was intended to reduce work-related injuries and illnesses? The Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

The health care facility is involved in litigation by four clients. When reviewing the cases, which legal case would the nurse attorney identify to best describe malpractice? The nurse using proper mechanics assists a client to a locked bed. He slips and breaks his left femur. The nurse administers amoxicillin to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with resulting respiratory arrest. The nurse administered the wrong medication to the client, who had one episode of vomiting 5 minutes after consuming the medication with no further adverse reactions. The nurse applies an ice pack to a client's lower back without an order and he feels better.

The nurse administers amoxicillin to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with resulting respiratory arrest.

Which of the following is an area of potential liability for the nurse? Select all that apply. The nurse documents that the client's blood pressure has increased from 118/72 to 188/98 and decides to retake the blood pressure in an hour. The nurse fails to document refusal by the client to ambulate following surgery. The nurse documents that the client accurately prepared the correct amount of insulin after instruction was given. The nurse notifies the physician of the client's adverse reaction to a medication. The nurse administers the client's preoperative medication after the informed consent is signed.

The nurse fails to document refusal by the client to ambulate following surgery. The nurse documents that the client's blood pressure has increased from 118/72 to 188/98 and decides to retake the blood pressure in an hour.

A nurse is caring for a client with vertigo. During data collection, the nurse finds multiple bruises on the client's arms and back and suspects the client is being abused. When questioned, the client denies any abuse by the daughter she lives with. Despite the client's denial, which rationale would the nurse use for reporting the suspected abuse? The client does not want anyone to know what is happening in her home. The nurse has a legal and ethical responsibility to report the suspected abuse. The nurse wants her peers to see her as a hero. The client is ashamed to admit that her daughter is beating her.

The nurse has a legal and ethical responsibility to report the suspected abuse.

A physician is called to see a client with angina. During the visit the physician advises the nurse to decrease the atenolol to 12.5 mg. However, since the physician is late for another visit, she requests that the nurse write down the order for her. What should be the appropriate nursing action in this situation? The nurse should write the order and implement it. The nurse should inform the client of the change in medication. The nurse should ask the physician to come back and write the order. The nurse should remind the physician later to write the work order.

The nurse should ask the physician to come back and write the order.

Legal safeguards are in place in the nursing practice to protect the nurse from exposure to legal risks as well as to protect the client from harm. What are examples of legal safeguards for the nurse? Select all that apply. The nurse educates the client about The Patient Care Partnership. The physician is responsible for administration of a wrongly prescribed medication. The nurse documents all client care in a timely manner. The nurse claims management is responsible for inadequate staffing leading to negligence. The nurse executes physician orders without questioning them. The nurse obtains informed consent from a client to perform a procedure.

The nurse obtains informed consent from a client to perform a procedure. The nurse educates the client about The Patient Care Partnership. The nurse documents all client care in a timely manner.

A client is unhappy with the health care provided to him. He approaches the nurse and informs her that he is leaving the facility. The client has not been discharged by the physician. The nurse finds that the client has dressed and is ready to go. What would the nurse's action be in this situation? The nurse should warn the client that he cannot come to the hospital again. The nurse should call the nursing supervisor and inform her about the situation. The nurse should let the client go because she cannot do anything. The nurse should get the client restrained and call the physician.

The nurse should call the nursing supervisor and inform her about the situation.

A nurse is writing a letter to a U.S. congressman to support the promotion of health care issues. Which guidelines would ensure a properly written letter? Select all that apply. The nurse should restate exactly what the legislator should do at the end of the letter. The nurse should address the letter to as many legislators as possible. The nurse should write a longer email and shorter letter. The nurse should name the city and state where he or she lives and votes. The nurse should avoid using specific examples from the workplace to support the position. The nurse should state the purpose of the letter briefly and clearly in the first paragraph.

The nurse should state the purpose of the letter briefly and clearly in the first paragraph. The nurse should name the city and state where he or she lives and votes. The nurse should restate exactly what the legislator should do at the end of the letter.

After reporting to work for a night shift, the nurse learns that the unit will be understaffed because two RNs called out sick. As a result, each nurse on the unit will need to provide care for an additional four acute clients, in addition to her regular client assignment. Which statement is true for this nurse when working in understaffed circumstances? The nurse must document that float staff, nurses on overtime, and part-time staff were contacted in an effort to fill the gaps in care. The nurse is legally obliged to refuse to provide care when understaffing creates the potential for unsafe conditions. Understaffing constitutes an extenuating circumstance that creates a temporarily lower expectation for care for the nurse. The nurse will be legally held to the same standards of care as when staffing levels are normal.

The nurse will be legally held to the same standards of care as when staffing levels are normal.

A client is received in a postoperative nursing unit after undergoing abdominal surgery. During this time, the nurse failed to recognize the significance of abdominal swelling, which significantly increased during the next 6 hours. Later, the client had to undergo emergency surgery. The lack of action on the nurse's part is liable for action. Which legal term describes the case? Fraud Misdemeanor Tort Felony

Tort

Two nurses meet at their home, where one of the nurses discusses a client who had been physically abused. The next day, the client is shifted to another nursing unit after a surgical procedure and becomes the care of the second nurse who had been part of the original discussion. Nurse No. 2 asks the client about the physical abuse. The client discovers that his original nurse revealed the information and is hurt. What would be the charges if the client files a suit? The nurses could be charged for slander. No charges are valid because the revelation took place in off-duty hours. The nurses could be charged for libel. No charges are valid because Nurse No. 2 is also involved in client care.

The nurses could be charged for slander.

When making client rounds, the charge nurse observes which action by a staff nurse that would constitute battery? While bathing a client behind pulled curtains, two nurses are discussing a different client. The staff nurse threatens to restrain the client if she did not take her medication. The older adult client refuses the intramuscular injection, but the staff nurse administered it. The nurse tells the client she cannot leave the hospital because she is seriously ill.

The older adult client refuses the intramuscular injection, but the staff nurse administered it.

A nurse enters the client's room and finds the client lying on the floor experiencing a seizure. After stabilizing the client, the nurse informs the physician. The physician advises the nurse to prepare an incident report. What is the purpose of an incident report? To provide a method for deciding the nurse's fault in the incident To provides information to local, state, and federal agencies To evaluate quality care and potential risks for injury to the client To evaluate the immediate care provided by the nurse to the client

To evaluate quality care and potential risks for injury to the client

The nurse educator provides an educational session to the nursing staff on protection of a client's privacy. Which circumstances, identified by the staff, would indicate to the educator that the teaching was effective? Select all that apply. With the client's permission, the nurse explained the client's diagnosis to the client's spouse. During a bed bath, the nurse exposed the client's upper torso while washing the client's face. The nurse questioned the client about her social life even though it did not affect care planning. The nurse removed the client from the emergency department waiting room into a private area to collect assessment data. Because the facility is a teaching facility, the nurse allowed the nursing student to take the client's picture for his care plan.

With the client's permission, the nurse explained the client's diagnosis to the client's spouse. The nurse removed the client from the emergency department waiting room into a private area to collect assessment data.

An RN is working on a medical surgical unit with a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). Which action by the RN is considered negligent if injury results from this action? delegating oral medication administration to the LPN/LVN calling the healthcare provider about abnormal lab results asking the LPN/LVN to teach a new diabetic client how to administer insulin obtaining vital signs on a newly admitted client

asking the LPN/LVN to teach a new diabetic client how to administer insulin

A client with end-stage renal disease decides against further treatment and requests a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order. The DNR status is part of the change-of-shift report. The client stops breathing and a nurse begins cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The family is upset and makes a complaint to the charge nurse. The charge nurse appropriately identifies that nurse has committed: battery. fraud. defamation. assault.

battery.

An RN enters a client's room and observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) forcefully pushing a client down on the bed. The client starts crying and informs the UAP of the need to go to the bathroom. What action is the RN witnessing that should be immediately reported to the supervisor? fraud. assault. battery. defamation of character.

battery.

A postanesthesia nurse is reporting about a client to the intensive care unit nurse in the elevator. There are staff members and visitors in the elevator. The postanasthesia nurse is doing what? implementing therapeutic communication breaching the client's confidentiality maintaining the continuity of care interacting to maintain coordination of care

breaching the client's confidentiality

While riding in the elevator, a nurse discusses the HIV-positive status of a client with other colleagues. The nurse's action reflects: defamation of character. professional negligence. false imprisonment. invasion of privacy.

invasion of privacy.

A nurse is called to a deposition for a malpractice charge that has resulted in the death of a client. As the chart is reviewed, the prosecuting attorney questions the nurse about several defaming comments written in the medical record about the client. What charges can be filed against the nurse due to these comments? libel negligence slander malpractice

libel

A nurse is caring for a client with hypertension whose blood pressure has increased from 154/78 mm Hg to 196/98 mm Hg with a heart rate of 110 beats per minute during the past hour. The nurse goes to lunch without reporting the change to the healthcare provider, and the client suffers a cardiac arrest. What principle has the nurse violated? fidelity battery veracity negligence

negligence

A nurse has applied soft wrist restraints to a client following endotracheal intubation. Which documentation is essential while using restraints? (Select all that apply.) chest physiotherapy completed .9NS IV infusing at 100 ml/hr patient assessment findings every 2 hours foley catheter draining clear yellow urine family at bedside

patient assessment findings every 2 hours foley catheter draining clear yellow urine .9NS IV infusing at 100 ml/hr

A student is preparing to graduate from nursing school and understands that professional regulations and laws that govern nursing practice are in place. These regulations and laws are in place for which reason? to limit the number of nurses in practice to ensure that enough new nurses are always available to ensure that practicing nurses are of good moral standing to protect the safety of the public

to protect the safety of the public