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An older adult is admitted to the hospital with numerous bodily bruises and the nurse suspects elder abuse. What is the best nursing action?
- A. Cover the bruises with bandages.
- B. Take photographs of the bruises.
- C. Ask the patient if anyone has hit her.
- D. Report the bruises to the charge nurse.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The law stipulates that the health care professional is required to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. The report should be given to a supervisor or directly to the police, according to agency policy. When acting in good faith to report mandated information (e.g., certain communicable diseases or gunshot wounds), the health care professional is protected from liability.
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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.
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.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. Although the nurse may disagree with this order what is his or her legal obligation?
- A. To question the health care provider
- B. To seek advice from the family
- C. To discuss it with the patient
- D. To follow the order
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a DNR order is written in the chart, the nurse has a duty to follow the order. Questioning the health care provider, seeking advice from the family, and discussing it with the patient are not legal obligations of the nurse.
Acts whose performance is required permitted or prohibited are defined by ____ of care.
Correct Answer: standards
Rationale: Standards of care define acts whose performance is required, permitted, or prohibited.
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.