NCLEX-PN Ch7 Ethical and Legal Issues

An older woman is brought to the emergency department. When caring for the client, the nurse notes old and new ecchymotic areas on both of the client's arms and buttocks. The nurse asks the client how the bruises were sustained. The client, although reluctant, tells the nurse in confidence that her daughter frequently hits her if she gets in the way. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing response?

"I have a legal obligation to report this type of abuse."

A client died, and a nurse asks a family member about the funeral arrangements. The family member refuses to discuss the issue. The nurse's appropriate action is to:

Remain with the family member without discussion funeral arrangements.

Which of the following is a recommended guideline for safe computerized charting?

Report accidental deletions from the computerized file to the nursing manager or supervisor.

A nurse observes that a client received pain medication 1 hour ago from another nurse but the client still has severe pain. The nurse has previously observed this same occurrence. On the basis of the nurse practice act, the observing nurse plans to do which of the following?

Report the information to a nursing supervisor.

A nurse arrives at work and is told to report (float) to the pediatric unit for the day because the unit is understaffed and needs additional nurses to care for the children. The nurse has never worked in the pediatric unit. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action?

Report to the pediatric unit and identify tasks that can be safely performed.

A nurse enters a client's room and finds the client lying on the floor. The nurse calls the registered nurse, who checks the client and then calls the nursing supervisor and the health care provider to inform them of the occurrence. The nurse completes the incident report, understanding that it allows for the analysis of adverse client events through:

A method of promoting quality care and risk management ***Proper documentation of unusual occurrences, incidents, accidents, and the nursing actions taken as a result of the occurrence are internal to the institution or agency. Documentation on the incident report allows the nurse and administration to review the quality of care and determine any potential risks present. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect.

A nurse enters a client's room and notes that the client's lawyer is present and that the client is preparing a living will. The living will requires that the client's signature be witnessed, and the client asks the nurse to witness the signature. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action?

Decline to sign the will. ***Living wills are required to be in writing and signed by the client. The client's signature either must be witnessed by specified individuals or notarized. Many states prohibit any employee from being a witness, including a nurse in a facility in which the client is receiving care.

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) enters a client's room and finds the client sitting on the floor. The LPN calls the registered nurse who checks the client thoroughly and then assists the client back into bed. The LPN completes an incident report and the nursing supervisor and health care provider (HCP) are notified of the incident. Which of the following is the next nursing action regarding the incident?

Document a complete entry in the client's record concerning the incident. ***The incident report is confidential and privileged information, and it should not be copied, placed in the chart, or have any reference made to it in the client's record. The incident report is not a substitute for a complete entry in the client's record concerning the incident.

A nurse lawyer provides an education session to the nursing staff regarding client rights. A nurse asks the lawyer to describe an example that may relate to invasion of client privacy. A nursing action that indicates a violation of this right is:

Taking photographs of the client without consent

An unconscious client who is bleeding profusely is brought to the emergency department after a serious accident. Surgery is required immediately to save the client's life. With regard to informed consent for the surgical procedure, which of the following is the best action?

Transport the client to the operating department immediately, as required by the health care provider without obtaining an informed consent. ***Generally there are only two instances in which the informed consent of an adult client is not needed. One instance is when an emergency is present and delaying treatment for the purpose of obtaining informed consent would result in injury or death to the client. The second instance is when the client waives the right to give informed consent. Options 1, 2, and 3 are inappropriate.