chapter 7 craven questions
Which nursing student would most likely be held liable for negligence? -A nursing student performs a dressing change using sterile technique and documents the presence of necrotic tissue in the wound. -A nursing student reports that insulin was not administered to the client by the nurse on the previous shift. -A nursing student administers medication to a resident while working as an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) at a local nursing home. -A nursing student completes an incident report after administering a medication to a client who then experienced an adverse reaction to the medication.
-A nursing student administers medication to a resident while working as an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) at a local nursing home.
Which clinical events constitute areas of potential liability for the nurses involved? Select all that apply. -An elderly client develops skin breakdown on his coccyx because he was turned infrequently. -A client with no known cardiac history suffers an unwitnessed cardiac arrest and dies. -An anemic client experiences a febrile reaction to a transfusion of packed red blood cells. -A client experiences a seizure after a missed dose of his scheduled anticonvulsant medication. -A confused client experiences a fall because her bed rails were left in a lowered position.
-An elderly client develops skin breakdown on his coccyx because he was turned infrequently. -A client experiences a seizure after a missed dose of his scheduled anticonvulsant medication. -A confused client experiences a fall because her bed rails were left in a lowered position.
The 40-year-old client is admitted for repair of a femoral fracture. The client discloses a history of an addiction to painkillers and asks that the nurse assist in adhering to the recovery from this addiction by not administering any narcotics. As the nurse reviews postoperative prescriptions for the client, the nurse notes that the health care provider has prescribed codeine 30 mg p.o. q6 hours for pain. How does the nurse best approach this situation? -Inform the next nurse that the client does not wish to receive narcotics. -Offer the medication to the client; if the client really doesn't want it, the client will tell the nurse. -Ask the health care provider to remove this prescription from the client's chart. -Leave the prescription in the chart.
-Ask the health care provider to remove this prescription from the client's chart.
A nurse volunteers to serve on the hospital ethics committee. Which action should the nurse expect to take as a member of the ethics committee? -Assist in decision making based on the client's best interests. -Decide the care for a client who is unable to voice an opinion. -Convince the family to choose a specific course of action. -Present options about the type of care.
-Assist in decision making based on the client's best interests.
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? -Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident. -Consult with the hospital's legal department as soon as possible. -Consult with practice advisors from the state board of nursing. -Enlist support from nursing and nonnursing colleagues from the unit.
-Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident.
Which is an example of nonmaleficence? -Protecting clients from a chemically impaired practitioner -Performing dressing changes to promote wound healing -Providing emotional support to clients who are anxious -Administering pain medications to a client in pain
-Protecting clients from a chemically impaired practitioner
What governing body has the authority to revoke or suspend a nurse's license? -The State Board of Nurse Examiners -The employing health care institution -The National League for Nursing -The Supreme Court
-The State Board of Nurse Examiners
A client is brought 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? -The nurse informs the family about advance directives. -The nurse informs the family about the living will. -The nurse ensures that the client signs the consent form. -The nurse ensures that the client's family signs the consent form.
-The nurse ensures that the client's family signs the consent form.
A home care nurse is caring for a quadriplegic client who needs regular position changes and back massages. A visitor identifying as a family friend inquires about helping the family. What should be the nurse's response be? -The nurse should ask the visitor to talk to the family directly. -The nurse should invite the visitor to learn the care techniques required by the client. -The nurse should state that the family does not need any help. -The nurse should refer the visitor to the local social worker.
-The nurse should ask the visitor to talk to the family directly.
A home care nurse is caring for a quadriplegic client who needs regular position changes and back massages. A visitor identifying as a family friend inquires about helping the family. What should be the nurse's response be? -The nurse should ask the visitor to talk to the family directly. -The nurse should invite the visitor to learn the care techniques required by the client. -The nurse should state that the family does not need any help. -The nurse should refer the visitor to the local social worker.
-The nurse should ask the visitor to talk to the family directly.
A group of nurse researchers has proposed a study to examine the efficacy of a new wound care product. Which aspect of the methodology demonstrates that the nurses are attempting to maintain the ethical principle of nonmaleficence? -The nurses are taking every reasonable measure to ensure that no participants experience impaired wound healing as a result of the study intervention. -The nurses have organized the study in such a way that the foreseeable risks and benefits are distributed as fairly as possible. -The nurses have given multiple opportunities for potential participants to ask questions, and have been following the informed consent process systematically. -The nurses have completed a literature review that suggests the new treatment may result in decreased wound healing time.
-The nurses are taking every reasonable measure to ensure that no participants experience impaired wound healing as a result of the study intervention.
Which is a characteristic of the care-based approach to bioethics? -The need to emphasize the relevance of clinical experience -The rightness or wrongness of an action independent of its consequences -The promotion of the dignity and respect of clients as people -The need for an orientation toward service
-The promotion of the dignity and respect of clients as people
Which is a characteristic of the care-based approach to bioethics? -The need to emphasize the relevance of clinical experience -The rightness or wrongness of an action independent of its consequences -The promotion of the dignity and respect of clients as people -The need for an orientation toward service
-The promotion of the dignity and respect of clients as people
A nurse is driving on a back country road when a man flags the nurse down and yells that his wife is having a baby. The registered nurse is eager to help. The nurse recalls being covered under the Good Samaritan law. This law states: -that the nurse's license is protected if the nurse acts in a reasonable manner given the circumstances. -that the nurse is required to assist this couple because of knowledge and abilities. -that the nurse's license is at risk and the nurse would face criminal prosecution if an error was made. -that the nurse is not allowed to help this couple and should instead call 911.
-that the nurse's license is protected if the nurse acts in a reasonable manner given the circumstances.
A nurse witnesses a traffic accident in which a child is badly hurt. The nurse dresses the open wounds sustained by the child. The family tries to give monetary compensation, which the nurse refuses. Later, in the hospital, the child develops complications due to infection in the wound. The family holds the nurse responsible for the complications and wants to file a lawsuit. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Good Samaritan law? -The Good Samaritan law will provide legal immunity to the nurse. -The Good Samaritan law will not protect the nurse, as she did not accept the compensation. -The Good Samaritan law is not applicable to health care workers. -The Good Samaritan law provides absolute exemption from prosecution.
The Good Samaritan law will provide legal immunity to the nurse.
A nurse is providing care to a client with end-stage cancer. After weighing the alternatives, the client decides not to participate in a clinical trial offered and is requesting no further treatment. The nurse advocates for the client's decision based on the understanding that the client has the right to self-determination, interpreting the client's decision as reflecting which ethical principle?
autonomy
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?
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?
battery
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
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? -Breach of duty -Causation -Damages -Duty
breach of duty
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? -Certification -Accreditation -Licensure -Litigation
certification
A nurse is providing care for a client with cancer. The client's spouse requests that the client not be told that the client is terminal. The nurse complies with this request. The nurse's action is a breach of which ethical principle? -Autonomy -Fidelity -Beneficence -Nonmaleficence
fidelity
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?
health care insitution
In the delivery of care, the nurse acts in accordance with nursing standards and the code of ethics and reports a medication error that the nurse has made. The nurse is most clearly demonstrating which professional value? -Integrity -Altruism -Social justice -Human dignity
integrity
The nurse beginning practice would like to access the standards for ethical practice. Which organization should the nurse research for these standards?
international council of nurses
A home health nurse performs a careful safety assessment of the home of a frail older adult client to prevent harm to the client. The nurse is acting in accord with which principle of bioethics? -morals -advocacy -nonmaleficience -values
nonmaleficience
A nurse using the principle-based approach to client care seeks to avoid causing harm to clients in all situations. What is this principle known as? -Nonmaleficence -Justice -Fidelity -Autonomy
nonmaleficience
Which are professional values that the nurse should incorporate into practice? Select all that apply. -Altruism -Autonomy -Human dignity -Social Justice -Moralizing
Altruism Autonomy Human dignity Social Justice
A nurse provides client care within a philosophy of ethical decision-making and professional expectations. What is the nurse using as a framework for practice?
Code of ethics
Which word is best described as protection and support of another's rights?
advocacy
A nurse provides client care within a philosophy of ethical decision-making and professional expectations. What is the nurse using as a framework for practice? -Code of ethics -Standards of care -Definition of nursing -Values clarification
code of ethics
What is the term for the beliefs held by the individual about what matters?
values
The principle of autonomy by a client is applied in which situation? -The family of a client is discussing care with the physician. -An order for an antibiotic is being written in the chart. -The client has decided to stop chemotherapy treatments. -A hospice consult is ordered by the nurse.
the client has decided to stop chemotherapy treatment
Which action most clearly demonstrates a nurse's commitment to social justice? --Lobbying for an expansion of healthcare resources and benefits to those in poverty --Ensuring that a hospital client's diet is culturally acceptable --Answering a client's questions about care clearly and accurately --Documenting client care in a timely, honest, and thorough manner
--Lobbying for an expansion of healthcare resources and benefits to those in poverty
Which situation is an example of battery that the nurse may witness while performing duties at the health care facility? --Telling the client that the client may not leave the hospital --Performing a surgical procedure without getting consent --Taking the client's photograph without consent --Witnessing a procedure done on a client without the client's consent
--Performing a surgical procedure without getting consent
A client is unhappy with the health care provided and informs the nurse that the client 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 should the nurse's action be in this situation? -The nurse should have the client restrained and call the physician. -The nurse should let the client go because the nurse cannot do anything. -The nurse should call and inform the nursing supervisor of the situation. -The nurse should warn the client that the client cannot come to the hospital again.
-The nurse should call and inform the nursing supervisor of the situation.
A client who is cognitively impaired is scheduled to undergo surgery. The nurse demonstrates understanding of the principle of autonomy and checks the client's health record to ensure that consent has been obtained from which person? -client -operating surgeon -attending nurse - surrogate decision-maker
surrogate decision-maker
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 document the need for disciplinary action -To improve quality of care -To initiate litigation
to improve quality of care
Professional regulations and laws that govern nursing practice are in place for which reason?
to protect the safety of the public
A nurse using the principle-based approach to client care seeks to avoid causing harm to clients in all situations. What is this principle known as?
Nonmaleficence
Which ethical principle refers to the obligation to do good?
beneficence
In some cases, the act of providing nursing care in unexpected situations is covered by the Good Samaritan laws. Which nursing action would most likely be covered by these laws? -Any emergency care given when consent is obtained -A negligent act performed in an emergency situation -Medical advice given to a neighbor regarding a child's rash -Emergency care for a choking victim in a restaurant
emergency care for a choking victim in a restaurant
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 -misdemeanor -felony -tort
felony
Which is the nurse's best legal safeguard?
competent practice
A client is suing a nurse for malpractice. What is the term for the person bringing suit?
plantiff
Which is the best definition of ethics?
the formal systematic study of moral beliefs
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? -licensure -certification -accreditation -litigation
cretification
A client rings the call bell to request pain medication. On performing the pain assessment, the nurse informs the client that the nurse will return with the pain medication. After a few moments, the nurse returns with the pain medication. The nurse's returning with the pain medication is an example of which principle of bioethics?
fidelity
A client is brought 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? -The nurse informs the family about advance directives. -The nurse informs the family about the living will. -The nurse ensures that the client signs the consent form. - The nurse ensures that the client's family signs the consent form.
- The nurse ensures that the client's family signs the consent form.
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? - "A living will can only be used in the state in which it was created." -"Take it with you. It is recognized universally in the United States." -"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."
A nurse has been named in a malpractice lawsuit. Prior to taking the nurse's deposition, the attorney explains that the case will be governed by common law. Which question by the nurse is indicated? --"Why is this not a statutory case?" -- "Does that mean the findings of the case are not binding?" -- "Will this case be precedent setting?" -- "Will the board of health be involved?"
-- "Will this case be precedent setting?"
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? --"The rules made by the board of nursing don't reflect my practice." --"The board of nursing exists to protect the safety of the public." --"The board of nursing is established by state legislation." -- "Board of nursing rules keep unlicensed people from practicing nursing."
--"The rules made by the board of nursing don't reflect my practice."
A client is suing a nurse for malpractice. What is the term for the person bringing suit? -witness -plantiff -litigator -defendant
plantiff
Which is the most frequent reason for revocation or suspension of a nurse's license? -Fraud -Mental impairment -Alcohol or drug use -Criminal acts
alcohol or drug use
A client refuses to have pain medication administered by injection. The nurse states, "If you don't let me give you the shot, I will get help to hold you down and give it." What tort may the nurse be committing?
assault
A nurse who provides the information and support that clients and their families need to make the decision that is right for them is practicing what principle of bioethics? - Autonomy - Nonmaleficence -Justice -Fidelity
autonomy
A nurse has taken a telephone order from a physician for an emergency medication. The dose of the medication is abnormally high. What should the nurse do next? --Administer the medication based on the order. --Question the order for the medication. --Refuse to administer the medication. --Document concerns about the order.
question the order for the medication
A nurse is providing client care in a hospital setting. Who has full legal responsibility and accountability for the nurse's actions?
the nurse
A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone coronary angioplasty. The cardiac monitor is showing abnormal electrocardiogram waves, indicating atrial 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 describes the nurse's legal liability? -tort -felony -defamation -slander
tort
