Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing related questions and content

A nurse failed to monitor a patient's respiratory status after medicating the patient with a narcotic analgesic. The patient's respiratory status worsened?. The patient's family claimed the nurse committed malpractice. What must be present for the nurse to be held liable?

  • A. A nurse-patient relationship exists.
  • B. The nurse failed to perform in a reasonable manner.
  • C. There was harm to the patient.
  • D. The nurse was prudent in her performance.
  • E. The nurse did not cause the patient harm.
  • F. Duty does not exist.
Correct Answer: A,B,C

Rationale: For the court to uphold the charge of malpractice, and to find the nurse liable, the following elements must be present: duty exists, there is a breach of duty, and harm must have occurred.