Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Related

Review Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client with malignant hypertension whose blood pressure has increased by 40 mm Hg during the past hour. The nurse goes to lunch and fails to report the change to the physician. The nurse is at risk for being charged with:

  • A. negligence.
  • B. assault.
  • C. defamation of character.
  • D. tort.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Negligence

Rationale:
1. Negligence is the failure to provide the standard of care resulting in harm to the patient.
2. The nurse failed to report a significant change in the patient's condition, breaching the duty of care.
3. The increase in blood pressure could lead to serious complications, indicating the severity of negligence.

Summary:
B: Assault - Involves intentional threat or harm, not applicable in this scenario.
C: Defamation of character - Involves false statements damaging reputation, not relevant in the context of patient care.
D: Tort - A broader legal term encompassing various civil wrongs, but negligence is a specific type of tort applicable here.