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A client is refusing to stay in the hospital because he does not agree with his healthcare treatment plan. The nurse stops the client from leaving due to concern for his health. Which of these legal charges could the nurse face?
- A. False imprisonment, as the nurse is not allowing the client to leave as he has decided to.
- B. Malpractice, as the nurse is intentionally keeping the patient from making his own decisions, thus violating that nursing duty.
- C. Invasion of privacy, as the nurse is getting involved in the patient's private decisions regarding healthcare.
- D. Negligence, as the nurse ignored the client's right to choose regarding his healthcare.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Refusing to let a client leave against medical advice (AMA) is a form of false imprisonment. In this scenario, the nurse is restricting the client's freedom of movement by preventing him from leaving the hospital, even though he has expressed his wish to leave. False imprisonment is a legal charge the nurse could face in this situation.
The other options are incorrect:
- Malpractice refers to professional negligence or failure to provide adequate care, not allowing a patient to make their own decisions.
- Invasion of privacy involves disclosing confidential information without consent, not preventing a patient from leaving.
- Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care, but it does not specifically address the act of restricting a patient from leaving against their wishes.
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The nurse receives an assignment of three clients. Which of the following should the nurse consider as the highest priority when determining which client to assess first?
- A. the client who most recently rang their call bell
- B. the client who has been waiting the longest for their call bell to be answered
- C. the client who is in the most pain
- D. the client who may have a risk for an airway obstruction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize assessing a client with a potential airway obstruction first based on the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) principle. Maintaining a clear airway is crucial for oxygenation and ventilation, making it the highest priority. Choices A and B focus on call bells and waiting times, which are important but not life-threatening in comparison to airway concerns. While pain management is essential, it takes precedence after addressing immediate life-threatening issues like airway compromise.
A nurse calls a health care provider to question a prescription written for a higher-than-normal dosage of morphine sulfate. The health care provider changes the prescription to a dosage within the normal range, and the nurse documents the new telephone prescription in accordance with the agency's guidelines in the client's record. Which other statement does the nurse document in the nursing notes?
- A. The health care provider made a mistake in the written prescription for morphine sulfate.
- B. An inaccurate dosage of morphine sulfate was prescribed and the health care provider was informed.
- C. The health care provider was contacted to correct a mistake in the dosage of morphine sulfate.
- D. The health care provider was contacted to clarify the prescription for morphine sulfate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse needs to document a factual, descriptive, and objective statement that does not include words indicating that an individual made a mistake or performed an incorrect action or procedure. If a health care provider's prescription must be questioned, the nurse should record that clarification regarding the prescription was sought. Therefore, the correct statement to document is that the health care provider was contacted to clarify the prescription for morphine sulfate. Choices A, B, and C imply errors or mistakes on the part of the health care provider, which is not the focus of the documentation in this scenario.
Who is responsible for obtaining the signature from the client on the informed consent?
- A. the staff nurse
- B. the charge nurse
- C. the LPN
- D. the physician
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is the physician. It is the physician's responsibility to ensure that the client provides informed consent by obtaining their signature. While nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare team, their responsibility lies in verifying that the consent process has been completed correctly and advocating for the client. The staff nurse, charge nurse, and LPN do not have the authority to obtain the client's signature on the informed consent form, as this is within the scope of practice of the physician.
A nurse calls a health care provider to report that a client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is exhibiting dyspnea and worsening of wheezing. The health care provider, who is in a hurry because of a situation in the emergency department, gives the nurse a telephone prescription for furosemide (Lasix) but does not specify the route of administration. What is the appropriate action on the part of the nurse?
- A. Calling the health care provider who gave the telephone prescription to clarify the prescription
- B. Administering the medication orally and clarifying the prescription once the health care provider has finished caring for the client in the emergency department
- C. Calling the nursing supervisor for assistance in determining the route of administration
- D. Administering the medication intravenously because this route is generally used for clients with CHF
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Telephone prescriptions involve a health care provider dictating a prescribed therapy over the telephone to the nurse. The nurse must clarify the prescription by repeating it clearly and precisely to the health care provider. The nurse then writes the prescription on the health care provider's prescription sheet or enters it into the electronic medical record. It is crucial not to interpret an unclear prescription or administer a medication by a route that has not been expressly prescribed. In this case, the nurse should call the health care provider who gave the telephone prescription to clarify the prescription, ensuring the correct route of administration is specified. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, seeking assistance from the nursing supervisor, or choosing an arbitrary route of administration can compromise patient safety and violate medication administration protocols.
During shift change, a nurse is giving report to the oncoming LPN. Which of these is an inappropriate way to give shift report?
- A. The nurse gives report to the oncoming LPN, checking a wound vac and dressing together.
- B. The nurse reports in SBAR format, noting that the client was noncompliant with their diet during the shift.
- C. The nurse reports in the hallway, in SBAR format, and alerts the oncoming LPN about how rude the client was throughout the shift.
- D. The nurse reports at bedside with the oncoming LPN and discusses the client's concerns after the chart has been reviewed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'The nurse reports in the hallway, in SBAR format, and alerts the oncoming LPN about how rude the client was throughout the shift.' This choice is inappropriate because shift report should be given at the bedside, in SBAR format, and in an objective way. It is important to maintain professionalism and focus on the client's condition and care needs, rather than personal opinions or subjective comments. Reporting in the hallway may compromise patient privacy and confidentiality. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate appropriate ways of giving shift report by focusing on relevant information, using SBAR format, and discussing client concerns after reviewing the chart, which promotes effective communication and continuity of care.