A client who fell and broke his hip while being assisted to the bathroom by a nurse states he plans to sue the nurse. The nurse should know that, in a legal proceeding, the standard that will be used to determine if the nurse was negligent is which of the following?
The client's attorney states that injury to the client could have been prevented.
Another staff nurse provides testimony about how a reasonable, prudent nurse would have handled the situation.
The client's provider testifies the nurse was at fault for the injury.
An expert nurse provides testimony that the nurse should have handled the situation differently.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While the attorney may argue that the injury was preventable, this statement alone does not establish negligence. It lacks specific evidence or expert testimony to support the claim. Legal arguments must be substantiated by facts, not just assertions from an attorney.
B. This option describes a key component in establishing the standard of care in negligence cases. Testimony from another nurse about the actions of a "reasonable, prudent nurse" provides a benchmark against which the accused nurse’s actions will be measured. This type of testimony is often considered credible and is vital in determining whether the nurse acted within the accepted standards of practice.
C. While a provider’s testimony may influence the case, it is not definitive in establishing negligence. A provider may not be the appropriate expert to determine nursing standards and practices. Their perspective may be biased and does not constitute the standard of care expected of a nurse.
D. Expert testimony is indeed important in negligence cases, and an expert nurse can provide valuable insight into proper nursing practices. However, this option does not fully capture the essence of establishing negligence as clearly as option B, which specifically mentions the standard of a “reasonable, prudent nurse.”
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","F"]
Explanation
A. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are commonly used medications, they do not typically have a high potential for abuse or addiction. Monitoring these medications for diversion is generally not a primary concern compared to other classifications.
B. Opioids are one of the most commonly abused medication classes due to their pain-relieving properties and high potential for addiction. They are frequently monitored closely for signs of diversion and theft in healthcare settings.
C. Although some antidepressants may have mild abuse potential, they are not generally associated with the same level of diversion or abuse as opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. Therefore, they are not typically monitored as closely.
D. Benzodiazepines are known for their sedative effects and potential for dependency and abuse. They are often misused for their calming effects, making them a priority for monitoring in medication inventories.
E. Anticholinergics are not commonly associated with abuse or diversion. They are used primarily for specific medical conditions and do not have a high potential for addiction, so monitoring these medications is not a primary focus.
F. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, have significant potential for abuse and dependency. These medications can lead to feelings of euphoria and are often misused, making them important to monitor closely for diversion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While monitoring temperature is important in assessing for infection, it is not the priority assessment before administering morphine. Temperature does not directly relate to the immediate effects or risks associated with opioid administration.
B. Blood pressure monitoring is essential, especially in a postoperative patient. However, opioids primarily impact the respiratory system rather than directly causing significant changes in blood pressure. While hypotension can occur with opioids, it is not the most immediate concern when administering morphine.
C. This is the priority assessment. Opioids, including morphine, can cause respiratory depression, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect. Before administering morphine, it is crucial to assess the respiratory rate to ensure the patient is not at risk for respiratory distress. If the respiratory rate is low (typically less than 12 breaths per minute), the nurse may need to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
D. While it is important to monitor heart rate, especially in postoperative patients, the primary concern with morphine administration is its effect on respiration. The heart rate may not be as critical to assess immediately before administering morphine as the respiratory rate is.
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