Nokea
What is true about nurse practice acts?
- A. They informally define the scope of nursing practice.
- B. They provide for unlimited scope of nursing practice.
- C. Only some states have adopted a nurse practice act.
- D. The nurse must know the nurse practice act within his or her state.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The laws formally defining and limiting the scope of nursing practice are called nurse practice acts. All state, provincial, and territorial legislatures in the United States and Canada have adopted nurse practice acts, although the specifics they contain often vary. It is the nurse's responsibility to know the nurse practice act that is in effect for her geographic region.
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A lumbar puncture was performed on a patient without a signed informed consent form. This patient might sue for:
- A. punitive damages.
- B. civil battery.
- C. assault.
- D. nothing; no violation has occurred.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Civil battery charges can be brought against someone performing an invasive procedure without the patient's informed consent legally documented. This patient could not sue for punitive damages or an assault.
An LPN/LVN is asked by the RN to administer an IV chemotherapeutic agent to a patient in the acute care setting. What law should this nurse refer to before initiating this intervention?
- A. Standards of care
- B. Regulation of practice
- C. American Nurses' Association Code
- D. Nurse practice act
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is the nurse's responsibility to know the nurse practice act in his or her state. Standards of care, regulation of practice, and the American Nurses' code are not laws that the nurse should refer to before initiating this treatment.
When asked to perform a procedure that the nurse has never done before what should the nurse do to legally protect himself or herself?
- A. Go ahead and do it.
- B. Refuse to perform it citing lack of knowledge.
- C. Discuss it with the charge nurse asking for direction.
- D. Ask another nurse who has performed the procedure.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse cannot use ignorance as an excuse for nonperformance. The nurse should ask for direction from the charge nurse, explaining she has never performed the procedure independently.
A nurse is considering purchasing malpractice insurance. What should the nurse be aware of regarding malpractice insurance provided by the hospital?
- A. Only offers protection while on duty.
- B. Is limited in the amount of coverage.
- C. Is difficult to renew.
- D. Can be terminated at any time.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Most institutional insurance only provides liability coverage if the nurse is on duty at that facility.
The nurse has strong moral convictions that abortions are wrong. When assigned to assist with an abortion what is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- A. Ask for another assignment.
- B. Leave work.
- C. Transfer to another floor.
- D. Protest to the supervisor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should not abandon the patient, but ask for another assignment.