Nokea
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.
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When a nurse becomes involved in a legal action the first step to occur is that a document is filed in an appropriate court. What is this document called?
- A. Deposition
- B. Appeal
- C. Complaint
- D. Summons
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A document called a complaint is filed in an appropriate court as the first step in litigation. A deposition is when witnesses are required to undergo questioning by the attorneys. An appeal is a request for a review of a decision by a higher court. A summons is a court order that notifies the defendant of the legal action.
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.
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.
Which of the following could cause a nurse to be cited for malpractice?
- A. Refusing to give 60 mg of morphine as ordered
- B. Giving prochlorperazine (Compazine) to a patient allergic to phenothiazines
- C. Dragging an injured motorist off the highway and causing further injury
- D. Informing a visitor about a patient's condition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Standards of care dictate that a nurse must be aware of all the properties of drugs administered. Prochlorperazine (Compazine) is a phenothiazine. Providing confidential information or refusing to give an excessively large narcotic dose is not considered malpractice. Good Samaritan laws generally protect a person giving aid to an injured motorist.
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.