A registered nurse (RN) administered a patient’s morning insulin as the breakfast tray arrived at 0800. The RN performed a complete assessment at the same time. Then, the RN got busy with her other patients and did not check on the patient until 1400. At that time, she found the patient unresponsive with a blood glucose of 23. Both the breakfast and lunch tray were at the bedside untouched. Which of the following could the RN be charged with?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Negligence. The RN failed to monitor the patient after administering insulin, leading to a critical situation. Negligence in nursing involves a breach of duty of care that results in harm to the patient. In this case, the RN's failure to check on the patient for several hours directly contributed to the patient becoming unresponsive with dangerously low blood glucose levels. This constitutes a clear case of nursing negligence.
A: Quasi-intentional tort involves intentional actions that result in harm, such as defamation or invasion of privacy. This scenario does not involve intentional harm.
B: Misdemeanor refers to a criminal offense less serious than a felony. Negligence in nursing is typically addressed through civil, not criminal, proceedings.
D: Juvenile offense pertains to actions committed by minors. The RN is a healthcare professional, not a minor, and the offense here is related to professional negligence, not juvenile misconduct.