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 D
Explanation
A. While it's important to obtain a formal DNR order, the nurse should not delay providing emergency care while waiting for the order. The client's immediate needs take precedence.
B. The risk manager can provide guidance and support, but they cannot provide immediate medical care. The nurse's priority should be to provide emergency care to the client.
C. Even in the absence of a formal DNR order, the nurse has a legal and ethical duty to provide emergency care to a client who is in cardiac or respiratory arrest.
D. This is the most appropriate action. The nurse should immediately call the emergency response team to initiate resuscitation efforts. While waiting for the team to arrive, the nurse should continue to provide basic life support measures, such as CPR and rescue breathing. Once the emergency response team arrives, they will take over the resuscitation efforts and obtain a formal DNR order from the provider if necessary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While RNs can be held liable for their actions and, to some extent, for the actions of those they delegate to, liability is not automatic for all tasks delegated. Liability depends on whether the RN acted appropriately in the delegation process and whether the delegated tasks were performed within the subordinate's scope of practice.
B. While subordinates are accountable for their actions, RNs also share responsibility when they delegate tasks. If the RN delegates a task inappropriately or fails to supervise adequately, they may still be held liable for any resulting harm.
C. This statement is true. When RNs delegate tasks appropriately, ensuring that they are within the subordinate's scope of practice and providing adequate supervision, their liability is reduced. Proper delegation includes assessing the situation, providing clear instructions, and monitoring the outcomes.
D. While delegating to licensed personnel may reduce some liability, it does not eliminate it entirely. RNs still have a duty to ensure that the tasks delegated are appropriate for the individual’s scope of practice and to provide supervision.
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