Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Related

Review Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing related questions and content

Although a hospital reversed all charges when a client was the victim of wrong site surgery, the court awarded the client $5 million. The client was able to return to work in 6 weeks and had no permanent damages. This monetary compensation is termed:

  • A. res ipsa loquitur.
  • B. punitive damages.
  • C. vicarious liability.
  • D. immunity.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their wrongful actions. In this case, the hospital's negligence in performing wrong site surgery resulted in harm to the client, even though the hospital reversed the charges. The court awarded $5 million to punish the hospital for their negligence, as the client suffered emotional distress and the potential risk of harm. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: res ipsa loquitur is a legal doctrine used to shift the burden of proof from the plaintiff to the defendant in cases where the negligence is obvious.
C: vicarious liability holds an employer responsible for the actions of their employees, which is not directly applicable in this scenario.
D: immunity refers to protection from legal liability, which is not relevant in a case where the court awarded monetary compensation.