Nokea
What is a standard of care?
- A. A relationship in which a nurse has assumed responsibility for the care of a patient
- B. A policy or procedure established by a health care agency or professional association
- C. The norm for what a reasonable individual would do in a similar circumstance
- D. A public law that, if violated, can result in liability for the nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A standard of care is the level of care that a reasonably prudent person with similar training and experience would provide in a similar circumstance. Choice A is incorrect because it describes the nurse-patient relationship. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to specific policies or procedures. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a law rather than the expected level of care.
You may also like to solve these questions
During a home visit, a nurse notes that an 80-year-old female patient's blood pressure is 166/99 despite the recent introduction of a diuretic to her medication regimen. The patient admits that her son refuses to give her the diuretic because it has precipitated incontinence episodes and states, 'He gets so furious when I soil myself.' What action should the nurse prioritize in this potential case of elder abuse?
- A. Improving or salvaging the family dynamics
- B. Teaching the son why his actions are inappropriate
- C. Initiating legal action
- D. Taking measures to protect the patient's safety
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this potential case of elder abuse, the nurse's priority should be taking measures to protect the patient's safety. The patient's health and well-being are at risk due to the son's refusal to administer the diuretic, which can lead to serious health complications. While improving family dynamics (choice A), educating the son (choice B), and legal actions (choice C) may be necessary in the long run, the immediate concern is ensuring the patient's safety and well-being.
How does guardianship differ from power of attorney?
- A. The court appoints a guardian; an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on his or her behalf.
- B. Guardianship is legally binding whether or not an individual is competent; power of attorney applies only to the incompetent.
- C. Courts monitor the actions of those executing a power of attorney, but guardians are free to act on behalf of another as long as standards of 'reasonable prudence' are met.
- D. Guardianship stays in effect for one calendar year and must be renewed annually; power of attorney stays in effect until one or both parties choose to revoke it.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The key difference between guardianship and power of attorney is that the court appoints a guardian to make decisions on behalf of an individual who is deemed incompetent, while an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on their behalf when they are competent. Choice B is incorrect because both guardianship and power of attorney can apply to individuals who are competent or incompetent. Choice C is incorrect as guardians, like those with power of attorney, must act in the best interest of the individual they represent, and the level of oversight can vary. Choice D is incorrect as guardianship and power of attorney do not have fixed time limits; they remain in effect until revoked or ended by the appropriate legal process.
Nurse M obtains a signature on an informed consent form from Mr. Y, who is later shown to have a fluctuating level of mental competency. In this case, what is Nurse M's most likely legal position?
- A. Freedom from liability because Mr. Y signed the form
- B. Possibly liable for a violation of Mr. Y's rights
- C. Liable unless a malpractice insurance policy is in effect
- D. Not liable because no family member had a durable power of attorney
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An informed consent may be considered invalid if the patient does not fully understand what he or she is signing. Patients with a fluctuating level of mental function are incapable of granting legally sound consent. Nurse M could be held liable for a violation of Mr. Y's rights as he did not have the capacity to provide informed consent. The presence of an insurance policy and the legal status of family members are irrelevant in this context and do not absolve Nurse M of potential liability.
When in doubt about using restraints on an agitated patient, it is prudent for nurses to:
- A. Restrain the patient for their own safety
- B. Use minor restraints such as a bed side rail or a tray on a wheelchair
- C. Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision
- D. Avoid using any device or procedure to limit liability
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use alternatives such as a bed alarm with increased staff supervision.' The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) established strict standards on restraint use in long-term care facilities. Restraints can be considered a form of false imprisonment and neglect, leading to potential litigation. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid restraints whenever possible. A bed alarm coupled with enhanced staff supervision provides an effective and non-restrictive approach for managing an agitated patient. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because restraining the patient, using minor restraints, or avoiding all devices without providing an alternative can pose risks to patient safety, violate regulations, or increase liability concerns.
Nurse R works on the geriatric medicine unit of the university hospital and provides care for numerous older adult clients nearing the end of life, many of whom have no-code orders. Which of the following situations is incompatible with the legal requirements for a no-code order?
- A. A client who is mentally competent has declared his wish to have a no-code order despite the availability of treatment options for his condition.
- B. A client has expressed her desire to have a no-code order but her daughter is adamantly opposed to it.
- C. A client clearly tells the nurse her desire to have a no-code order, which the nurse documents at the bedside.
- D. A client has been in a coma and the family has decided to put in place a no-code order.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. No-code orders require a written and signed order by a physician. Therefore, a client expressing the desire for a no-code order to a nurse, without a documented physician's order, is incompatible with legal requirements. Choices A and B are not incompatible as competent clients can make their own decisions, regardless of treatment options or family opposition. Choice D is also not incompatible as family decisions can be made on behalf of incompetent clients.