Chapter 07: Legal Dimensions of Nursing Practice (2)
Which process evaluates and recognizes educational programs as having met certain standards? pg. 124
Accreditation
While a client admitted to the medical-surgical unit is in the radiology department, a visitor claiming to be the client's cousin arrives on the medical-surgical unit and asks the nurse to provide a brief outline of the client's illness. Which response by the nurse would be mostappropriate, both legally and professionally? pg. 126
"I cannot give you that information due to client confidentiality."
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?" Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse? pg. 140
"Take it with you. It is recognized universally in the United States."
Which statements made by a nurse would indicate to a nurse manager that the nurse requires further training? Select all that apply. pg. 137
- "If I make a mistake, I will not tell anyone." - "I will have the supervisor fill out the incident report when I make an error."
Which statement(s) by a nurse to a charge nurse indicates that the nurse requires further training? Select all that apply. pg. 125-133
- "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 client being admitted to the oncology unit conveys wishes regarding resuscitation in the event of cardiopulmonary arrest. The nurse advises the client that it would be in the client's best interest to obtain which document? pg. 140
A living will
A client states that the client's recent fall was caused by his scheduled antihypertensive medications being 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? pg. 128
Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident.
The nurse is providing care to a client whose condition has progressively declined. The nurse assesses and makes appropriate interventions as well as notifies the health care provider. Despite the nurse's efforts, the client expires. What element of liability has the nurse demonstrated? pg. 128
Duty
A family brings the client to the emergency department in an unconscious state with a head injury. The client requires surgery to remove a blood clot. What would be the appropriate nursing intervention in keeping with the policy of informed consent prior to a surgical procedure? pg. 133
The nurse confirms that the client's family has signed the consent form.
After reporting to work for a night shift, the nurse learns that the unit is understaffed because two RNs called out sick. As a result, each nurse on the unit must provide care for four acute clients in addition to the nurse's regular clients. Which statement is true for this nurse when working in understaffed circumstances? pg. 136
The nurse is legally held to the same standards of care as when staffing levels are normal.
Professional regulations and laws that govern nursing practice are in place for which reason? pg. 121-123
To protect the safety of the public
Action has been taken against a nurse's license based on a claim that the nurse acted outside of nursing's scope of practice. The nurse's attorney determines that the nurse needs more education about the purpose of the board of nursing when the nurse makes which statement? pg. 112
"The rules made by the board of nursing don't reflect my practice."
The nurse is providing care to a client who had orthopedic surgery. The nurse has medicated the client for pain. However, the client reports that the pain is unrelieved. The nurse takes no further action regarding assessment and intervention for the client's pain. The nurse does not notify the surgeon regarding the client's pain. The nurse's failure to take further action represents which element of liability in this case? pg. 128
Breach of duty
An HIV-positive client discovers that the client's name is published in a research report on HIV care prepared by the client's nurse. The client is hurt and files a lawsuit against the nurse. Which offense has the nurse committed? pg. 126
Invasion of privacy
Which statement about laws governing the distribution of controlled substances is true? pg. 142
Nurses are responsible for adhering to specific documentation about controlled substances.
A student nurse is assisting an older adult client to ambulate following hip replacement surgery when the client falls and reinjures the hip. Who is potentially responsible for the injury to this client? pg. 141
The student nurse, the nurse instructor, and the hospital
A legal document that states a client's health-related wishes — such as a preference for pain management if the client becomes terminally ill — and also allows the client's adult child to direct the client's care, is: pg. 140
an advance directive.
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a group of staff nurses about the rules affecting nursing practice and the parties involved. When describing the role of different sources for the rules, which issue would the nurse identify as being addressed specifically by state legislation? Select all that apply. pg. 123
- Scope of practice - Educational requirements of nurses
Which are examples of a nurse appropriately protecting a client's privacy? Select all that apply. pg. 126
- With the client's permission, the nurse explains the client's diagnosis to the client's spouse. - The nurse moves the client from the emergency department waiting room to a private area to collect assessment data.
While riding in the elevator, a nurse discusses the HIV-positive status of a client with other colleagues. The nurse's action reflects: pg. 126
invasion of privacy