Chapter 7 - Legal Dimensions of Nursing Practice

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. a) "I am glad I am a student because nursing faculty will be blamed, not me." b) "I should have informed you that I felt unprepared for my assignment." c) "I have also put the nursing faculty at risk with my action." d) "I realize that I am held to the same standards as a registered nurse." e) "I cannot be held liable because this is only my second time at this facility."

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

Which process evaluates and recognizes educational programs as having met certain standards? a) Accreditation b) Credentialing c) Certification d) Licensure

a) Accreditation

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: a) battery. b) fraud. c) assault. d) defamation.

a) battery.

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

a) invasion of privacy.

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 most appropriate, both legally and professionally? a) "I'm busy right now but can talk later." b) "I cannot give you that information due to client confidentiality." c) "Do you have any identification proving that you are related to the client?" d) "I will call the client and ask for permission to share this information with you."

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

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

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

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? a) Proof of health care power of attorney b) A living will c) A proxy directive d) A will

b) A living will

Which is an example of an unintentional tort? a) A nurse threatens to restrain a client if the client does not stop talking. b) A nurse gives the client a medication, and the client has an adverse reaction to it. c) A nurse tells a client that the client cannot leave the hospital until the client pays the bill. d) Nurses discuss a client's laboratory values in the elevator.

b) A nurse gives the client a medication, and the client has an adverse reaction to it.

A nurse is providing care to an older adult client. The client has been alert and independent with ambulation but now is exhibiting some confusion along with being unsteady when getting out of bed and walking. The nurse fails to report and document this change in status. No safety measures are taken and the client falls while getting out of bed to use the bathroom and fractures a hip. The client is experiencing significant pain from the fractured hip and requires surgery to repair the fracture. The nurse is sued for malpractice. Which action reflects the element of causation in this case? a) Fractured hip, pain, and need for surgery b) Lack of safety measures implemented with status change c) Failure to document and report the change d) Responsibility to report changes in status

b) Lack of safety measures implemented with status change

Nurse practice acts are examples of which type of laws? a) Administrative laws b) Statutory laws c) Common laws d) Constitutional laws

b) Statutory laws

A nurse witnesses a traffic accident and dresses the open wounds sustained by a child. Later, in the hospital, the child develops complications from an infection in the wound. The family holds the nurse responsible for the complications and attempts to file a lawsuit. Which statement is true regarding how the Good Samaritan law applies to this case? a) The Good Samaritan law will provide absolute exemption from prosecution. b) The Good Samaritan law will provide legal immunity to the nurse. c) The Good Samaritan law is not applicable to health care workers. d) The Good Samaritan law will not protect the nurse because the nurse did not accept compensation.

b) The Good Samaritan law will provide legal immunity to the nurse.

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? a) The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires hospital clients to have an advance directive. b) Living wills provide specific instructions related to the client's personal property upon death. c) A durable power of attorney for health care appoints an agent the person trusts to make decisions. d) Advance directives must be completed 30 days prior to hospitalization in order to be valid.

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

While at a coworker's house, a nurse discusses with the coworker a client whom the nurse suspects of physically abusing the client's child. The next day, the client is moved to another nursing unit after a surgical procedure and comes under the care of the coworker, who is also a nurse. The coworker confronts the client about the alleged physical abuse. The client is shocked and angered by the accusation and denies it categorically. What would be the charge if the client were to file a suit? a) No charges are valid because the revelation took place during off-duty hours and off-site. b) The second nurse could be charged with libel. c) The first nurse could be charged with slander. d) No charges are valid because both nurses are involved in the client's care.

c) The first nurse could be charged with slander.

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

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

While walking through a park, the nurse encounters a child with a swollen and reddened arm that hurts to move due to being struck with a baseball bat. The nurse splints the arm using two baseball bats. The child is transported to the hospital and later develops compartmental syndrome in the arm. Which statement regarding the nurse's liability in this case is accurate? a) The nurse should have waited for help because the Good Samaritan Act states that the nurse is not obligated to assist. b) The nurse was negligent because the client developed compartmental syndrome due to the nurse's treatment at the scene. c) The nurse is protected by the Good Samaritan Act, which states that the nurse may give emergency care using good judgment. d) The nurse is not protected by the Good Samaritan Act because the nurse was negligent in the care rendered.

c) The nurse is protected by the Good Samaritan Act, which states that the nurse may give emergency care using good judgment.

Nurses are occasionally asked to witness a testator's (person who makes the will) signing of a will. Which guideline is true regarding a nurse's role in witnessing a testator's signature? a) A beneficiary to a will is allowed to act as a witness. b) Witnesses do not need to observe the signing of the will and can sign it at a later time. c) Witnesses to a signature do not need to read the will. d) A single witness is sufficient for a will.

c) Witnesses to a signature do not need to read the will.

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? a) The nurse should have the client restrained and call the physician. b) The nurse should let the client go because the nurse cannot do anything. c) The nurse should warn the client that the client cannot come to the hospital again. d) The nurse should call and inform the nursing supervisor of the situation.

d) The nurse should call and inform the nursing supervisor of the situation.

A client was admitted to 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? a) Felony b) Misdemeanor c) Fraud d) Tort

d) Tort

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? a) duty b) damages c) causation d) breach of duty

d) breach of duty

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

b) To improve quality of care

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? a) misdemeanor b) felony c) negligence d) tort

b) felony

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? a) All elements are in place to hold the nurse liable. b) The client will have difficulty finding causation. c) The standard of care was established, so the nurse will not be held liable. d) The client has a responsibility to report loss of sensation to prevent frostbite.

a) All elements are in place to hold the nurse liable.

Which statements made by a nurse would indicate to a nurse manager that the nurse requires further training? Select all that apply. a) "I will have the supervisor fill out the incident report when I make an error." b) "I am accountable for any task that I delegate." c) "If I make a mistake, I will not tell anyone." d) "When I document, I make sure it is factual, accurate, complete, and timely." e) "The nursing plan of care must be accurate and must be followed. It is part of the client's permanent record."

a) "I will have the supervisor fill out the incident report when I make an error." c) "If I make a mistake, I will not tell anyone."

Nursing students are discussing the requirement that they carry personal professional liability insurance as students. The nurse instructor should offer additional information when which statements are made? Select all that apply. a) "Since I am a student, my instructor is the one liable if I make a mistake." b) "I will be protected both as a student and at my CNA job." c) "I thought we would be covered by the hospital's malpractice insurance." d) "I think this is an unnecessary expense." e) "We are held to the same standards of care as the RNs at the hospital."

a) "Since I am a student, my instructor is the one liable if I make a mistake." c) "I thought we would be covered by the hospital's malpractice insurance." d) "I think this is an unnecessary expense.

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) "Take it with you. It is recognized universally in the United States." b) "A living will can only be used in the state in which it was created." c) "We have it on file here, so any hospital can call and get a copy." d) "As long as your family knows your medical wishes, you will not need it."

a) "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? a) "Will this case be precedent setting?" b) "Why is this not a statutory case?" c) "Will the board of health be involved?" d) "Does that mean the findings of the case are not binding?"

a) "Will this case be precedent setting?"

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? a) Battery b) Assault c) Defamation of character d) Fraud

a) Battery

What governing body has the authority to revoke or suspend a nurse's license? a) The Supreme Court b) The employing health care institution c) The National League for Nursing d) The State Board of Nurse Examiners

d) The State Board of Nurse Examiners

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? a) Breach of duty b) Causation c) Damages d) Duty

a) 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? a) Breach of duty b) Duty c) Causation d) Damages

a) Breach of duty

A nurse suspects that a client is a prostitute. The nurse documents this suspicion in the medical record and includes it in report to the oncoming shift. The nurse also mentions the suspicion to the nurse's sister saying, "I had a client named Susan in room 126 today who I think is a prostitute." Which violations has this nurse committed? Select all that apply. a) HIPAA b) Assault c) Slander d) Libel e) Battery

a) HIPAA c) Slander d) Libel

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? a) Invasion of privacy b) Defamation of character c) Negligence of duty d) Unintentional tort

a) Invasion of privacy

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? a) Malpractice b) Assault c) Negligence d) Battery

a) Malpractice

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. a) Professional standards for certification of individual nurses in general practice b) Process of certification c) American Nurses Association Standards of Practice d) State nurse practice acts e) Rules and regulations of nursing

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

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? a) Slander b) Negligence c) Malpractice d) Libel

a) Slander

In comparison with licensure, which measures entry-level competence, what does certification validate? a) Specialty knowledge and clinical judgment b) Ability to practice in more than one area c) Innocence of any disciplinary violation d) More than 10 years of nursing practice

a) Specialty knowledge and clinical judgment

Which are examples of a nurse appropriately protecting a client's privacy? Select all that apply. a) The nurse moves the client from the emergency department waiting room to a private area to collect assessment data. b) The nurse questions the client about the client's social life even though it does not affect care planning. c) With the client's permission, the nurse explains the client's diagnosis to the client's spouse. d) During a bed bath, the nurse exposes the client's upper torso while washing the client's face. e) Because the facility is a teaching facility, the nurse allows a nursing student to photograph a client for a care plan.

a) The nurse moves the client from the emergency department waiting room to a private area to collect assessment data. c) With the client's permission, the nurse explains the client's diagnosis to the client's spouse.

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? a) The student nurse, the nurse instructor, and the hospital b) The hospital c) The nurse instructor d) The student nurse

a) The student nurse, the nurse instructor, and the hospital

What governing body has the authority to revoke or suspend a nurse's license? a) The Supreme Court b) The State Board of Nurse Examiners c) The National League for Nursing d) The employing health care institution

b) The State Board of Nurse Examiners

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) A nurse does not report a change in client condition in a timely manner. b) A nurse threatens to hit an older client who has dementia and is screaming. c) A nurse forgets to put the side rails up on a crib and the toddler falls out. d) A nurse makes disparaging remarks to the staff about a client who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). e) A nurse places a client who is a fall risk in restraints without an order from the health care provider. f) A nurse seeks employment in a hospital after falsifying credentials on a resume.

b) A nurse threatens to hit an older client who has dementia and is screaming. d) A nurse makes disparaging remarks to the staff about a client who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). f) A nurse seeks employment in a hospital after falsifying credentials on a resume.

Which scenario is an example of certification? a) A graduate of a nursing education program who passes NCLEX-RN b) A nurse who demonstrates advanced expertise in a content area of nursing through special testing c) An education program that meets standards of the National League for Nursing d) A hospital that meets the standards of the Joint Commission

b) A nurse who demonstrates advanced expertise in a content area of nursing through special testing

Which scenario is an example of certification? a) A hospital that meets the standards of the Joint Commission b) A nurse who demonstrates advanced expertise in a content area of nursing through special testing c) A graduate of a nursing education program who passes the NCLEX-RN d) An education program that meets the standards of the National League for Nursing

b) A nurse who demonstrates advanced expertise in a content area of nursing through special testing

A client is to undergo surgery for removal of the gallbladder. Which action related to the client's informed consent falls within the nurse's scope of practice? Select all that apply. a) Explaining the details about the procedure to be done b) Acting as a witness to the client's signature on the form c) Answering questions about elements of the consent d) Ensuring the signed form is on the chart e) Identifying the risks and benefits associated with the procedure

b) Acting as a witness to the client's signature on the form c) Answering questions about elements of the consent d) Ensuring the signed form is on the chart

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

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

A client informs the nurse about leaving the health care facility because the client is not satisfied with the treatment. The nurse knows that the client's treatment is incomplete and further testing and evaluations are scheduled. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate to prevent false imprisonment? a) Tell the client that the client will not be able to get access again. b) Ask the client to sign a release without medical approval. c) Call the health care provider to speed up the discharge process. d) Restrain the client to prevent from leaving.

b) Ask the client to sign a release without medical approval.

A nurse threatens to restrain a verbally abusive client if the abuse continues. Which legal tort has the nurse committed? a) Negligence b) Assault c) Invasion of privacy d) Defamation of character

b) Assault

While walking down the hall, a nurse manager overhears a staff member telling a client, "If you don't stay in this chair and stop wandering, I'm going to tie you to it." The nurse manager pulls the staff member aside and discusses what was said. The nurse manager intervenes because the staff member's statement is which type of tort? a) False imprisonment b) Assault c) Invasion of privacy d) Battery

b) Assault

A client admitted to a mental health unit has exhibited physical behaviors that put the client 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 action? a) Malpractice b) Battery c) Slander d) Negligence

b) Battery

The nurse inserts a prescribed urinary catheter into the client's urethra after the client has refused the procedure. The client suffers an injury. The client may sue the nurse for which type of tort? a) Assault b) Battery c) Dereliction of duty d) Invasion of privacy

b) Battery

The nurse inserts a prescribed urinary catheter into the client's urethra after the client has refused the procedure. The client suffers an injury. The client may sue the nurse for which type of tort? a) Invasion of privacy b) Battery c) Assault d) Dereliction of duty

b) Battery

A client has been in the emergency department for 3 hours for treatment of a migraine headache. Care has been delayed due to a multiple fatality car accident. The client gets up to go to the bathroom unattended, faints, and suffers a subdural hematoma. The family threatens to sue for malpractice. Which element of malpractice will be the most difficult for the attorney to prove? a) Damages b) Causation c) Duty d) Breach of duty

b) Causation

The nurse is concerned about a potential malpractice or negligence lawsuit regarding a client who 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. a) Misrepresentation b) Causation c) Breach of confidentiality d) Damages e) Duty f) Breach of duty

b) Causation d) Damages e) Duty f) Breach of duty

A nurse who obtains a license to practice nursing through self-misrepresentation is guilty of what tort? a) Slander b) Fraud c) Assault d) Libel

b) Fraud

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? a) Board of nursing b) Health care institution c) Federal legislation d) State legislation

b) Health care institution

A nurse and the facility have been named as defendants in a malpractice lawsuit. In addition to the nurse's attorney, whom else would be appropriate for the nurse to talk with about the case? a) A colleague b) The agency's risk manager c) The local press d) The plaintiff's lawyer

b) The agency's risk manager

Which best exemplifies malpractice? a) The nurse administers the wrong medication to a client, who then has one episode of vomiting 5 minutes later but no further adverse reactions. b) The nurse administers amoxicillin to a client with known allergies to penicillin. The client has a seizure with resulting respiratory arrest. c) The nurse, using proper body mechanics, assists a client into a locked bed. The client slips and breaks a femur. d) The nurse applies an ice pack to a client's lower back without an order and the client feels better.

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

Which situation violates an element of informed consent? a) The nurse signs the consent as a witness to the client's signature. b) The nurse says, "You have to sign this before we can do the surgery." c) The client asks a question about the surgery prior to signing the consent form. d) The client says, "I wish there was a guarantee this procedure will be successful."

b) The nurse says, "You have to sign this before we can do the surgery."

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? a) The nurse administers the medication and reassesses the client after 30 minutes. b) The nurse withholds the medication and notifies the health care practitioner. c) The nurse withholds the medication, retakes the heart rate, and gives the medication at a later time. d) The nurse administers the medication after reviewing the client's serum potassium level.

b) The nurse withholds the medication and notifies the health care practitioner.

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. a) "I can be charged with negligence if I am following the standards of care for my specialty, which is ambulatory nursing." b) "I can be charged with negligence if I follow the policy for administering insulin and the client has a reaction to it." c) "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. d) "When I am using a new piece of equipment for the first time, I must make sure I know how to properly operate it." e) "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."

c) "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. e) "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."

A client admitted with Hodgkin lymphoma has a handwritten prescription for vinblastine 3.7 mg intravenously (IV) weekly. The nurse interprets the prescription as vincristine 3.7 mg and administers the wrong medication. The client becomes neurovascularly compromised and has a fatal reaction to the medication. The client's family begins a lawsuit against the facility and the nurse's license is suspended by the board of nursing. In preparation for the lawsuit, the nurse meets with the nurse attorney to review the events. Which appropriate statement given by the nurse indicates he has an understanding of the lawsuit? a) "I had a duty and it was my responsibility to double check the medication, which I did, yet this still happened." b) "I checked the medication before giving it and literature states it is for Hodgkin lymphoma." c) "I had a duty and it was my responsibility to get clarification before administering the medication, which I did not." d) "I could not read the health care provider's handwriting, so I am not at fault."

c) "I had a duty and it was my responsibility to get clarification before administering the medication, which I did not."

A nurse hired to work in an ambulatory setting attends new employee orientation. The nurse never worked in ambulatory before and is concerned about the Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing. Which response by the nurse educator would further explain the Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Care Nursing to the new nurse? a) "The Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing determines if a nurse is minimally competent to receive a license to practice as a nurse." b) "The Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing sets the standards for the nursing supervisor to assess a nurse." c) "The Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing deals with the professional obligations of a nurse working in the ambulatory setting." d) "The Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing takes precedent over the facility's policies and procedures."

c) "The Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing deals with the professional obligations of a nurse working in the ambulatory setting."

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? a) Delegating oral medication administration to the LPN/LVN b) Calling the health care provider about abnormal lab results c) Asking the LPN/LVN to teach a new diabetic client how to administer insulin d) Obtaining vital signs on a newly admitted client

c) Asking the LPN/LVN to teach a new diabetic client how to administer insulin

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 has the nurse violated? a) Supreme b) Federal c) Civil d) Criminal

c) Civil

Which are torts rather than crimes? Select all that apply. a) Manslaughter b) Robbery c) Defamation of character d) Negligence e) Assault

c) Defamation of character e) Assault

A client who is scheduled for hernioplasty needs clarification regarding the procedure. The nurse calls the physician at the client's insistence. The physician, who is in a bad mood, is overheard telling the client that the nurse does not know anything. Which legal tort has the physician committed? a) Assault b) Libel c) Battery d) Slander

d) Slander

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? a) Consult with the hospital's legal department as soon as possible. b) Enlist support from nursing and non-nursing colleagues from the unit. c) Document the client's claims and the events surrounding the alleged incident. d) Consult with practice advisors from the state board of nursing.

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

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? a) Oxygen 2/L via nasal cannula b) Neurologic assessments every 5 minutes c) Restrain all four extremities d) Diazepam 5 mg intravenously now

c) Restrain all four extremities

A nurse is reviewing the nurse practice act of the state in which the nurse is licensed. The nurse understands that this act was derived from which source of law? a) Administrative b) Common c) Statutory d) Constitutional

c) Statutory

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? a) To determine the nurse's fault in the incident b) To evaluate the immediate care provided by the nurse to the client c) To evaluate the quality of care provided and assess the potential risks for injury to the client d) To provide information to local, state, and federal agencies

c) To evaluate the quality of care provided and assess the potential risks for injury to the client

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: a) a license. b) a standard of care. c) an advance directive. d) a will.

c) an advance directive.

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? a) "Board of nursing rules keep unlicensed people from practicing nursing." b) "The board of nursing exists to protect the safety of the public." c) "The board of nursing is established by state legislation." d) "The rules made by the board of nursing don't reflect my practice."

d) "The rules made by the board of nursing don't refle

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? a) A will b) A proxy directive c) Proof of health care power of attorney d) A living will

d) A living will

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? a) Libel b) Slander c) Assault d) Battery

d) 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? a) Proximate cause b) Duty c) Damages d) Breach of duty

d) Breach of duty

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 at this point, which element of informed consent would be violated? a) Voluntariness b) Disclosure c) Comprehension d) Competence

d) Competence

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

d) Do not volunteer any information on the witness stand.

A registered nurse who has an associate degree would like to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The nurse works full time and has several family obligations and would like to find a program that fits into that lifestyle. What is the nurse's priority question about an educational program? a) What is the NCLEX pass rate? b) How much does it cost? c) Is it online? d) Is the program accredited?

d) Is the program accredited?

While caring for an infant, the nurse hears another child screaming in the next room and rushes there, forgetting to put the side rails up on the infant's crib. The nurse returns to the room to find that 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? a) Assault b) Defamation c) Battery d) Malpractice

d) Malpractice

A nurse is caring for a client with hypertension whose blood pressure has increased from 154/78 mmHg to 196/98 mmHg with a heart rate of 110 beats per minute during the past hour. The nurse goes to lunch without reporting the change to the health care provider, and the client experiences a cardiac arrest. What tort has the nurse likely committed? a) False imprisonment b) Battery c) Invasion of privacy d) Negligence

d) Negligence

Which statement about laws governing the distribution of controlled substances is true? a) Substance use is not treatable. b) The nurse is only at risk if diverting medication from the client; a nurse using the nurse's own personal drugs is not at risk. c) When a nurse misuses controlled substances in the workplace and gets help, the nurse will not be charged with a criminal act. d) Nurses are responsible for adhering to specific documentation about controlled substances.

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

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? a) The perioperative nurse b) The client's family or significant other c) The nursing supervisor d) The health care provider performing the surgical procedure

d) The health care provider performing the surgical procedure

A nurse enters a client's room and finds that the client is lying on the floor. The nurse makes the client comfortable on the bed and completes an examination. She informs the physician and the nursing supervisor about this incident and also completes an incident report. Which action by the nurse indicates correct knowledge of handling an incident report? a) The nurse mentions in the client's report that an incident report was completed. b) The nurse makes a copy of the incident report to give to the physician. c) The nurse makes a copy of the incident report and places it in the client's records. d) The nurse documents a complete description of the happenings in the client's records.

d) The nurse documents a complete description of the happenings in the client's records.

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? a) The nurse is legally obliged to refuse to provide care when understaffing creates the potential for unsafe conditions. b) 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. c) Understaffing constitutes an extenuating circumstance that creates a temporarily lower expectation for care for the nurse. d) The nurse is legally held to the same standards of care as when staffing levels are normal.

d) The nurse is legally held to the same standards of care as when staffing levels are normal.