Legal issues PrepUs

A nurse is overheard in the hospital cafeteria making false comments about a client. The nurse is guilty of: 1.invasion of privacy. 2.assault. 3.slander. 4.libel.

3.slander.

A college's nursing program has added an elective in forensic nursing to the curriculum. Which phenomenon underlies the expanded role for forensic nursing that is expected in the future? 1.The fact that many states now require all prison inmates to be assessed by a mental nurse daily 2.The fact that people with mental illness are the most common victims of crime 3.The fact that most crimes are committed by people who have mental illness 4.The fact that there are high rates of mental illness among the populations of jails and prisons

4.The fact that there are high rates of mental illness among the populations of jails and prisons

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? 1.The nurse informs the family about the living will. 2.The nurse informs the family about advance directives. 3.The nurse ensures that the client signs the consent form. 4.The nurse ensures that the client's family signs the consent form.

4.The nurse ensures that the client's family signs the consent form.

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? 1.Defamation 2.Felony 3.Slander 4.Tort

4.Tort

A client is scheduled for surgery is confused and shows signs of dementia. The nurse should ask which person to sign the consent for the client? 1.minister 2.nursing supervisor 3.attorney 4.spouse

4.spouse

The nurse is caring for several clients on a busy shift at the hospital. When documenting on these clients, which high risk errors should the nurse avoid making? Select all that apply. 1.inadequate admission assessment 2.failure to document completely 3.charting in advance 4.batch charting 5.falsifying client records

1.inadequate admission assessment 2.failure to document completely 3.charting in advance 5.falsifying client records

To properly assist a victim of abuse, which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to do? 1.Discuss the details with the victim. 2.Summarize the details of the incident. 3.Confront the abuser about the details. 4.Document the details.

4.Document the details.

A client is brought to the operating room for an elective surgery. What is the priority action by the circulating nurse? 1.Verify consent. 2.Acquire ordered blood products. 3.Document the start of surgery. 4.Count sponges and syringes.

1.Verify consent.

A nurse has been asked to obtain a client's signature on an operative consent form. When the nurse approaches the client, who is scheduled for a cholycystectomy later in the day, the client asks the nurse why the procedure is needed. Which of the following is the appropriate response by the nurse? 1."I will ask the surgeon to come speak to you about the procedure." 2."The surgeon feels this is the best option for you at this time based on your symptoms." 3."This is a common procedure performed using a scope and will relieve your symptoms." 4."You have stones in your gallbladder and the treatment is to remove the gallbladder."

1."I will ask the surgeon to come speak to you about the procedure."

The hospital where a client plans to give birth asks her to provide signed documents before giving birth. The client asks the nurse to explain what an advance directive is. What is the nurse's best response? 1."It's a legal document that helps establish and verify your health care wishes in the event that you cannot speak for yourself or your infant." 2."It instructs the hospital on the type of accommodations you want in the postpartum unit." 3."It provides the labor and delivery unit with the names of persons allowed in the delivery room." 4."It is not a legal document, but it helps to clarify your wishes so that the healthcare team can prepare to provide the necessary care."

1."It's a legal document that helps establish and verify your health care wishes in the event that you cannot speak for yourself or your infant."

The nurse is caring for a client whose spouse wishes to see the electronic health record. What is the appropriate nursing response? 1."Only authorized persons are allowed to access client records." 2."The provider will need to give permission for you to review." 3."I am sorry I can't access that information." 4."Let me get that for you."

1."Only authorized persons are allowed to access client records."

The nurse talks with family of a child with dysgraphia. The parents state, "We are so frustrated with the school. They just keep saying that our child doesn't fit into the classroom well." The child tells the nurse, "I don't know why I can't do well on my school work like my friends." Which responses from the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply. 1."There are some resources I can provide you with that may help you with caring for your child." 2."Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help you with your child at school. It must be very frustrating for you all." 3."The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) ensures your child's right to assistance at school based on the disability. I would suggest you talk to the school counselor about this." 4."I have heard a lot of complaints about that school. Have you contacted the county superintendent?" 5."Your child will need an individualized education plan (IEP) that reflects her particular needs. If you need documentation of the disability we can provide it."

1."There are some resources I can provide you with that may help you with caring for your child." 2."Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help you with your child at school. It must be very frustrating for you all." 3."The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) ensures your child's right to assistance at school based on the disability. I would suggest you talk to the school counselor about this." 5."Your child will need an individualized education plan (IEP) that reflects her particular needs. If you need documentation of the disability we can provide it."

A community nurse arrives at the home of a client. The client is in soiled clothes due to the inability to make it to the bathroom in time. The nurse overhears the unregulated care provider (UCP) scolding the client for the soiled clothes. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse to the UCP? 1."Your behavior in this situation is considered verbal abuse." 2."Why weren't you there to help the client get to the bathroom?" 3."You need to have more training in therapeutic communication." 4."I'm sure you didn't mean to hurt the client's feelings, but you did."

1."Your behavior in this situation is considered verbal abuse."

A nurse is caring for a client with typhoid at a health care facility. The nurse checks the medication order in the client's chart for the drugs prescribed to the client. Which component is a required component of the medication order? 1.Client's name 2.Client's diagnosis 3.Client's signature 4.Client's age

1.Client's name

During rounds, a nurse finds that a client with hemiplegia has fallen from the bed because the nursing assistant failed to raise the side rails after giving a back massage. The nurse assists the client to the bed and assesses for injury. As per agency policies, the nurse fills out an incident report. Which of the following activities should the nurse perform after finishing the incident report? 1.Include the time and date of the incident. 2.Highlight the mistake in the client's records. 3.Mention the name of the nursing assistant in the client records. 4.Attach a copy to the client's records.

1.Include the time and date of the incident.

The nurse is to administer a potassium supplement to the client. The nurse does not check the potassium level prior to administering the medication and later finds that the potassium level was at a critical high. What principle has this nurse violated? 1.Nonmaleficence 2.Autonomy 3.Fidelity 4.Beneficence

1.Nonmaleficence

The nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia in an acute care facility. The nurse notes that the previous intravenous antibiotic has not infused. What are the next actions to ensure safe care? Select all that apply. 1.Notify the healthcare provider of the missed dose. 2.Consult the pharmacist about the missed dose. 3.Infuse the next antibiotic as ordered. 4.Complete an incident report. 5.Infuse the antibiotic now.

1.Notify the healthcare provider of the missed dose. 2.Consult the pharmacist about the missed dose. 4.Complete an incident report.

The healthy adult client is given a narcotic prior to a surgical procedure. The nurse is completing the chart and notices the consent form was not signed by the client. Which of the following should the nurse do first? 1.Notify the physician of the oversight. 2.Ask the client if he still wants to proceed with the procedure. 3.Have the client's family member sign the consent form. 4.Immediately have the client sign the consent form.

1.Notify the physician of the oversight.

Which court decision or act states that psychotherapists have a duty to exercise reasonable care in protecting the foreseeable victims of their clients' violent actions? 1.Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California 2.The Mental Health Systems Act of 1980 3.Public Law 99-319, The Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 4.The Patient Self-Determination Act

1.Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California

A nurse at the health care facility cares for several clients. Some of the clients may require end-of-life care. Which case may require the service of a coroner? 1.The client did not have any recent medical consultation. 2.The client is elderly with a history of hypertension. 4.The client was diagnosed with acute renal failure. 4.The client was being administered oxygen therapy.

1.The client did not have any recent medical consultation.

Professional regulations and laws that govern nursing practice are in place for what reason? 1.To protect the safety of the public 2.To ensure that practicing nurses have strong interpersonal skills 3.To limit the number of nurses in practice 4.To ensure that enough new nurses are always available

1.To protect the safety of the public

A client made a formal request to review his or her medical records. With review, the client believes there are errors within the medical record. What is the most appropriate nursing response? 1."HIPAA legislation only allows access to review the medical record." 2."According to HIPAA legislation, you have a right to request changes to inaccurate information." 3."According to HIPAA, medical records cannot be changed." 4."HIPAA legislation allows for you to change any information."

2."According to HIPAA legislation, you have a right to request changes to inaccurate information."

A nurse working on a psychiatric unit receives a telephone call from the employer of one of the clients on the unit. The employer asks to be sent a copy of the client's latest laboratory work and psychological testing results so the client's medical records in employee health can be kept up to date. Based on the nurse's knowledge about issues surrounding breach of confidentiality, which response would be the most appropriate? 1."I'll have to get the client's signed consent before we can send that information to you." 2."I am unable to acknowledge whether or not this client is a client on this unit." 3."Sure, give me your address, and I will see that the information is sent to you." 4."I'm sorry; we're not allowed to give out that information about our client."

2."I am unable to acknowledge whether or not this client is a client on this unit."

A staff nurse is caring for a client who is a potential heart donor. The client's family is concerned that the recipient will have access to personal donor information. Which response by the nurse demonstrates knowledge of the organ donation process? 1."It is important that the recipient know where to send Thank-You cards." 2."I will have the transplant coordinator speak with you to answer your questions." 3."The recipient is allowed to ask questions about the donor and have them answered." 4."There is never contact between the donor's family and the recipient."

2."I will have the transplant coordinator speak with you to answer your questions."

A client in a long-term care facility signed a form requesting not to be resuscitated. The client develops pneumonia, and the client's health rapidly deteriorates. The client is no longer competent, but the family wants everything possible done for the client. When the family asks the nurse what will be done, what is the best response by the nurse? 1."We will resuscitate the client only if there is a respiratory arrest." 2."We will continue to use antibiotics to treat the pneumonia." 3."We will honor the family's wishes because the client cannot make decisions." 4."We will not provide any pharmacologic intervention at this time."

2."We will continue to use antibiotics to treat the pneumonia."

A client informs the nurse that he is leaving the health care facility because he 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? 1.Tell the client that he will not be able to get access again. 2.Ask the client to sign a release without medical approval. 3.Call the physician to speed up the discharge process. 4.Restrain the client to prevent him from leaving.

2.Ask the client to sign a release without medical approval.

A client whose blood type is A− gives birth to a neonate whose blood type is A+. The client is scheduled to have Rho(D) immune globulin administered. Before administering the medication, which action by the nurse is most important? 1.Documenting administration of the drug in the client's chart 2.Ensuring that the client understands the procedure and signs a consent for the vaccination 3.Instructing the client that she won't need an additional vaccination after her next pregnancy 4.Choosing an injection site that isn't tender

2.Ensuring that the client understands the procedure and signs a consent for the vaccination

A mother of a 5-year-old child who was admitted to the hospital has a Protection from Abuse order for the child against his father. A copy of the order is kept on the pediatric medical surgical unit where the child is being treated. The order prohibits the father from having any contact with the child. One night, the father approaches the nurse at the nurses' station, politely but insistently demanding to see his child, and refusing to leave until he does so. What should the nurse do first? 1.Notify the nurse-manager. 2.Notify hospital security or the local authorities. 3.Firmly tell the father he must leave. 4.Notify the nursing coordinator on duty.

2.Notify hospital security or the local authorities.

Which guidelines define and regulate what the nurse may and may not do as a professional? 1.Facility policies and procedures 2.Nurse practice act 3.Standards of care 4.State legislature

2.Nurse practice act

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? 1.Sedate the client. 2.Obtain a medical order. 3.Notify the family. 4.Get written consent.

2.Obtain a medical order.

A psychiatric mental health facility is undergoing a change from paper-based health records to electronic records. What action should the nurse prioritize in order to ensure client rights are protected? 1.Educating clients and families about the potential benefits of the new system 2.Ensuring clients know that they have the right to opt out of the proposed system 3.Being vigilant to identify any potential threats to client confidentiality 4.Teaching clients that they may lose the right to view their health records under the new system

3.Being vigilant to identify any potential threats to client confidentiality

An elderly client who has been diagnosed with delusional disorder for many years is exhibiting early symptoms of dementia. His daughter lives with him to help him manage daily activities, and he attends a day care program for seniors during the week while she works. A nurse at the day care center hears him say, "If my neighbor puts up a fence, I will blow him away with my shotgun. He has never respected my property line, and I have had it!" Which action should the nurse take? 1.Report the comment to the client's daughter so she can observe him more closely, but refrain from telling the neighbor due to privacy regulations. 2.Report the comment to the neighbor, the daughter, and the police since there is the potential for a criminal act. 3.Observe the client more closely, but do not report his threat since he will likely not be able to follow through with it because of his dementia. 4.Report the comment to the neighbor, the intended victim, but refrain from telling the daughter since she will just worry about actions of her father she cannot control.

2.Report the comment to the neighbor, the daughter, and the police since there is the potential for a criminal act.

On a crisis shelter hotline, the nurse talks to two 11-year-old boys who think a friend sniffs glue. They say his breath sometimes smells like glue and he acts drunk. They say they are afraid to tell their parents about the friend. When formulating a reply, what is the most important factor for the nurse to consider? 1.Sniffing glue is illegal. 2.The boys probably fear punishment. 3.The boys' observations could be wrong. 4.Glue-sniffing is a minor form of substance abuse.

2.The boys probably fear punishment.

A nurse chooses a quiet, private area to conduct an end-of-shift report to the oncoming nurse. Following this procedure is necessary because of what ethical problem in nursing? 1.The ANA's Code of Ethics for Nurses states that all nurses must make an effort to report off at the end of a shift. 2.The right of confidentiality is essential to protect each client's private information. 3.Maintaining trust between nurse and nurse is necessary for proper client care. 4.Respect for clients ensures that nurses treat them in such a way that enables clients to make choices.

2.The right of confidentiality is essential to protect each client's private information.

A health care provider (HCP) is calling the pediatric unit and asking the nurse to go into the medical record for test results of a fellow pediatrician. How should the nurse respond to this request? 1.Determine whether the nurse can access the medical record. 2.Verify that the caller is the HCP of record or has a need to know. 3.Decline to give the HCP the information requested. 4.Access the medical record, and give the HCP the test results.

2.Verify that the caller is the HCP of record or has a need to know.

The nurse is preparing a client for an emergency exploratory laparoscopy. Before the procedure, it is most important for the nurse to take which action? 1.Locate the laboratory test results in the chart. 2.Verify that the procedural consent form is signed. 3.Document that the preoperative medication was administered. 4.Ensure that the preoperative check list is completed.

2.Verify that the procedural consent form is signed.

A 90-year-old home care client's son has been designated to make decisions regarding the client's medical care when the client is no longer able to do so. As the client nears the end of life, the son is consulted on an ever-increasing basis. What legal instrument activates the son's decision-making designation? 1.power of attorney 2.durable power of attorney 3.living will 4.designated signer

2.durable power of attorney

Which situation is an example of battery that the nurse may experience while performing her duties at the health care facility? 1.telling the client that he cannot leave the hospital 2.performing a surgical procedure without getting consent 3.witnessing a procedure done on a client without his consent 4.taking the client's photographs without consent

2.performing a surgical procedure without getting consent

A neonate requires surgical repair of a patent ductus arteriosus. The neonate's 16-year-old mother is present along with her parents, the neonate's grandparents. The neonate's mother states that she "isn't with the father anymore." The nurse must obtain informed consent for the surgery from: 1.the neonate's grandparents because his mother is a minor. 2.the neonate's mother because she's considered an emancipated minor. 3.the neonate's mother and father because both parents are minors. 4.the court because the neonate's mother hasn't requested legal emancipation.

2.the neonate's mother because she's considered an emancipated minor.

A client who is in her third trimester presents at the labor and delivery triage area with a history of a fall. She has bruising on her back and arms. There is no vaginal bleeding and the fetal heart rate (FHR) shows accelerations. A completed Abuse Assessment Screen indicates the possibility of abuse. The nurse should refer this client to: 1.the physician on call. 2.the social worker on call. 3.a lawyer. 4.Women in Distress (local provincial/territorial, regional or aboriginal shelter).

2.the social worker on call.

The nurse is conducting an educational program for unlicensed personnel on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. The nurse determines that the unlicensed personnel understand HIPAA when they state that it prohibits 1.interdisciplinary team care-planning sessions. 2.the use of genetic information to establish insurance eligibility. 3.two physicians from discussing their patient's condition. 4.insurance coverage exclusions based on specific conditions.

2.the use of genetic information to establish insurance eligibility.

A nurse overhears another nurse say to a client, "If you do not stop spitting, I'm going to leave you outside in your wheelchair so that you miss your dinner." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse who overhears this conversation? 1."I think you need to review therapeutic communication techniques." 2."I will have to report you for unprofessional behavior toward a client." 3."Your verbal threats to the client are legally considered assault." 4."Could you clarify for me whether you were joking with the client?"

3."Your verbal threats to the client are legally considered assault."

A client accuses a nurse of negligence when he trips when ambulating for the first time since hip replacement surgery. Which action is the best defense against allegations of negligence? 1.Documenting client data on the flow sheet 2.Keeping an accurate medication record 3.Accurately documenting client care on the client record 4.Notifying the nursing team of the client's condition

3.Accurately documenting client care on the client record

A nurse is caring for a client with bruises on her face and arms. Her husband refuses to leave the client's bedside and answers all of the questions for the client. Which intervention by the nurse would be most appropriate? 1.Tell the husband that he must leave because he is intimidating the client. 2.Question the woman in front of her husband. 3.Collaborate with the physician to make a referral to social services. 4.Contact hospital security to escort the husband from the hospital.

3.Collaborate with the physician to make a referral to social services.

A client in a psychiatric facility has ideations about killing the client's spouse. This client requests to be discharged from the facility. Which represents the most appropriate action? The health care provider should: 1.Allow the client to go home. 2.Ask the caregivers of the client for consent. 3.File for a civil commitment to detain. 4.Not accept the client's request.

3.File for a civil commitment to detain.

The birth defects associated with thalidomide (Thalomid) resulted in legislation known as the: 1.Durham-Humphrey Amendment. 2.Pure Food and Drug Act. 3.Kefauver-Harris Act of 1962. 4.Controlled Substances Act.

3.Kefauver-Harris Act of 1962.

A 18-year-old client presents to the emergency department with a severe open fracture of the lower extremity. The health care provider tells the client that the client will need a blood transfusion. The client refuses, despite the advise of the health care provider. What does the nurse understand is the legal implication of the scenario? 1.The health care provider may ask for a court order if the client refuses. 2.The client can only refuse the transfusion if the consent form has not been signed. 3.The client has a right to refuse the transfusion. 4.The health care provider may first call the client's parents if the client refuses.

3.The client has a right to refuse the transfusion.

A nurse is considering using restraint and seclusion for a client who is acting out. Which is the primary guideline for the use of restraint and seclusion? 1.Use should be limited to emergency situations in which the client is demonstrating a potential to be violent. 2.Use should be limited to times when a client has demonstrated violence and has inflicted harm to self or others. 3.Use should be limited to emergencies in which the risk of a client physically harming self, staff, or others is imminent. 4.Use should be limited to times when medications have been unsuccessful in de-escalating a situation.

3.Use should be limited to emergencies in which the risk of a client physically harming self, staff, or others is imminent.

According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) passed in 1996, clients: 1.need to obtain legal representation to update their health records. 2.can be punished for violating guidelines. 3.have the right to copy their health records. 4.are required to obtain health record information through their insurance company.

3.have the right to copy their health records.

The primary reason for the Controlled Substances Act is: 1.to regulate the purchase of narcotics. 2.to prevent overuse of antibiotics. 3.to prevent drug use and dependence. 4.to regulate the purchase of antibiotics.

3.to prevent drug use and dependence.

A nursing instructor is discussing a nursing student's social media post about an interesting client situation that happened during clinical. The student states, "I didn't violate client privacy because I didn't use the client's name." What response by the nursing instructor is most appropriate? 1."You may continue to post about a client you cared for during clinicals, as long as you do not use the client's name." 2."The information being posted on social media is inappropriate. Make sure to discuss information about clients privately with friends and family." 3."All aspects of the clinical experience are confidential and should not be discussed." 4."Any information that can identify a person is considered a breach of client privacy."

4."Any information that can identify a person is considered a breach of client privacy."

A 15-year-old female who is 26 weeks pregnant has been admitted to the labor and delivery unit with a complaint of abdominal pain. Her parents want to speak with a nurse about to her condition. How should the nurse respond? 1."She is experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions and is too young to understand the difference between these contractions and labor pains." 2."The physician can give you more information without consent." 3."She will be OK. It's just a stomachache." 4."I'll need a signed consent from your daughter to give you medical information."

4."I'll need a signed consent from your daughter to give you medical information."

The nurse is interviewing a client with a diagnosis of depression and the client states, "Honestly, I know my family would be a lot better off if I wasn't around to be a burden on them. That's just between you and me, though, okay?" What is the nurse's best response? 1."What can I do to get your permission to share with the other members of the care team?" 2."Why is it important to you that this be kept between you and I?" 3."In my experience, nothing good ever comes of keeping secrets." 4."I'm obliged to share what we talk about with the other people on your care team."

4."I'm obliged to share what we talk about with the other people on your care team."

A nurse is admitting a client to the palliative unit and discussing advanced directives. Which of the following statements made by the client leads the nurse to believe the client requires clarification around advanced directives? 1."It is good to do this now before I am unable to make the decisions." 2."This will allow me to identify who my power of attorney will be." 3."I can let my family know what treatment I want in the future." 4."This will stop my daughter-in-law from putting me in a home."

4."This will stop my daughter-in-law from putting me in a home."

The nurse is performing and documenting the findings of an abdominal assessment. When the nurse hears intestinal rumbling and the client then experiences diarrhea, the nurse documents the presence of which condition? 1.Azotorrhea 2.Tenesmus 3.Diverticulitis 4.Borborygmus

4.Borborygmus

A nurse is working in a clinic where a family member's spouse is treated for a sexually transmitted disease. The nurse is concerned about the risk to her family member. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take? 1.Anonymously inform her family member of the spouse's diagnosis so that he or she may seek necessary treatment. 2.As legally required, inform the family member of the client's diagnosis. 3.Provide the local Board of Health with the family member's name so they can contact him or her with information about the client's diagnosis. 4.Encourage the client to speak with the family member about the diagnosis if he or she has not already done so.

4.Encourage the client to speak with the family member about the diagnosis if he or she has not already done so.

A client is scheduled to undergo an exploratory laparoscopy. The registered nurse (RN) asks the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to prepare the client for surgery. The RN must confirm that the LPN has specialized training before delegating which task? 1.Teaching the client coughing and deep breathing exercises 2.Weighing the client 3.Teaching the client how to collect a urine specimen 4.Initiating I.V. therapy, as ordered

4.Initiating I.V. therapy, as ordered

Consent for urgent treatment is needed for a minor. The parents are unable to be at the hospital. What action by the nurse constitutes informed consent? 1.Explaining the needed treatment to the minor and documenting this action 2.Treating the minor and obtaining written informed consent when the parent arrives 3.Contacting the institution's attorney to provide and document consent 4.Telephone consent with two witnesses listening simultaneously

4.Telephone consent with two witnesses listening simultaneously

A nurse saw a coworker steal drugs from a locked cabinet. The supervisor notices the missing drugs and has a good idea who is responsible for the theft. The supervisor asks if the nurse saw anything out of the ordinary. Which professional value reflects a nurse's duty to tell the truth? 1.autonomy 2.beneficence 3.nonmaleficence 4.veracity

4.veracity