Nokea
A nurse fails to irrigate a feeding tube as ordered resulting in harm to the patient. This nurse could be found guilty of:
- A. malpractice.
- B. harm to the patient.
- C. negligence.
- D. failure to follow the nurse practice act.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse can be held liable for malpractice for acts of omission. Failure to meet a legal duty, thus causing harm to another, is malpractice. The nurse practice act has general guidelines that can support the charge of malpractice.
You may also like to solve these questions
What role is the nurse who diligently works for the protection of patients' interests playing?
- A. Caregiver
- B. Health care administrator
- C. Advocate
- D. Health care evaluator
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A nurse accepts the role of advocate when, in addition to general care, the nurse protects the patient's interests. Caregiver, health care administrator, and health care evaluator are not terms for the nurse who diligently works for the protection of patients.
What fundamental principle must the nurse first observe when confronted with an ethical decision?
- A. Autonomy
- B. Beneficence
- C. Respect for people
- D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first fundamental principle is respect for people. Autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence are not the first fundamental principles to observe when confronted with an ethical decision.
What is true about nurse practice acts?
- A. They informally define the scope of nursing practice.
- B. They provide for unlimited scope of nursing practice.
- C. Only some states have adopted a nurse practice act.
- D. The nurse must know the nurse practice act within his or her state.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The laws formally defining and limiting the scope of nursing practice are called nurse practice acts. All state, provincial, and territorial legislatures in the United States and Canada have adopted nurse practice acts, although the specifics they contain often vary. It is the nurse's responsibility to know the nurse practice act that is in effect for her geographic region.
How can the medical record be used in litigation?
- A. Public record
- B. Proof of adherence to standards
- C. Evidence of omission of care
- D. Documentation of time lapses
- E. Evidence by only the plaintiff
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: The information when used in court becomes a public record. The information can be used as proof of adherence to standards, omission of care, and documentation of time lapses. Both plaintiff and defendant can use the document.
What is the best way for a nurse to avoid a lawsuit?
- A. Carry malpractice insurance.
- B. Spend time with the patient.
- C. Provide compassionate competent care.
- D. Answer all call lights quickly.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best defense against a lawsuit is to provide compassionate and competent nursing care. Carrying malpractice insurance is prudent, but it will not avoid a lawsuit. Spending time with patients and answering call lights quickly will not necessarily help avoid a lawsuit.