A client with depression is found to have attempted suicide in the bathroom and sustained injury. There is no documentation that the client was assessed every hour as prescribed. Which issue will the nursing staff and hospital potentially have to defend against?
Malpractice
Battery
False imprisonment
Assault
The Correct Answer is A
The potential issue that the nursing staff and hospital may have to defend against in this scenario is A. "malpractice."
Explanation: Malpractice refers to a legal claim that can be made against healthcare professionals, including nurses and hospitals, when they fail to provide the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. In this case, the lack of documentation that the client was assessed every hour as prescribed can be seen as a failure to meet the standard of care for a client with depression, especially one at risk for self-harm or suicide. If the client attempted suicide in the bathroom and sustained an injury, it could be argued that the lack of proper assessment and monitoring contributed to the client's harm, and this failure to provide appropriate care might be considered malpractice.
The other options, "battery," "false imprisonment," and "assault," do not directly relate to the situation described in the scenario:
B- Battery refers to the intentional harmful or offensive contact with a person without their consent. There is no indication that this occurred in the scenario.
C- False imprisonment refers to the unlawful restraint or restriction of a person's freedom of movement without proper justification. There is no indication of false imprisonment in the scenario.
D- Assault refers to the intentional act of threatening or causing fear of harm to another person. While the client did sustain an injury, there is no indication that it was due to an intentional act of assault in this scenario.
In summary, the potential issue of malpractice arises from the failure to properly assess and monitor a client at risk for self-harm, resulting in harm to the client. The nursing staff and hospital may have to defend against this claim if it is determined that they did not meet the standard of care expected in such a situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
The actions that are important for the nurse to take to help the client feel safe, secure, and in control of their own body are:
A. Prior to performing any intervention that requires touch, the nurse will ask permission.
This approach allows the client to feel respected and in control of their personal space. Asking for permission before any touch-related intervention acknowledges the client's autonomy and helps build trust.
D. The nurse will perform a continuous assessment of the client's anxiety level.
Continuous assessment of the client's anxiety level is important to identify any triggers or situations that may cause distress or feelings of unsafety. By monitoring the client's anxiety, the nurse can adjust care accordingly to promote a sense of security.
E. Have security present outside of the client's room to prevent anyone from coming in.
Having security present outside the client's room can provide an added layer of safety and reassurance for the client, especially if they have a history of abuse and may feel vulnerable or threatened.
It is not appropriate to:
B- Have the client perform all care independently and without assistance. The client may need assistance with certain care activities, and providing appropriate assistance can promote feelings of safety and trust.
C- Have two nurses present at all times to perform all care and procedures. While some situations may require additional staff for safety reasons, having two nurses present at all times for all care activities can be intrusive and may not respect the client's privacy and autonomy. It is essential to balance safety measures with promoting the client's sense of control and dignity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Prior to meeting with a client who is experiencing complicated grieving, the nurse should engage in self-reflection and examine their own attitudes, biases, and emotional responses related to loss and grieving. This is important because the nurse's own experiences and beliefs can influence their ability to provide empathetic and non-judgmental care to the client. By acknowledging and understanding their own feelings and reactions, the nurse can better support the client in their grieving process.
The other options are not appropriate for the following reasons:
B- Evaluating previous methods of interventions: While it is essential for the nurse to have knowledge and skills related to grief counseling and interventions, focusing solely on previous methods may not be helpful for the client's unique situation. Each individual's grieving process is different, and what worked for one client may not work for another.
C- Establishing goals for the process and presenting them to the client: While setting goals for the therapeutic relationship is important, it should be a collaborative process between the nurse and the client. The nurse should work with the client to identify their needs and goals related to the grieving process and develop a plan of care together.
D- Sharing personal information related to loss experienced by the nurse: It is not appropriate for the nurse to share their own personal experiences of loss with the client. The focus of the therapeutic relationship should be on the client's needs and experiences, not the nurse's. Sharing personal information can shift the focus away from the client and may not be helpful or therapeutic for them.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.