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 B
Explanation
Explanation: When completing a family assessment for a victim of intimate partner violence, the nurse may identify characteristics of the abuser that contribute to the abusive behavior. Among the options provided, "Needy and possessive of the partner" is the characteristic of the abuser. Abusers often display controlling behavior, which includes possessiveness and excessive need for control over their partners. This possessiveness may manifest as jealousy, isolation, and an attempt to limit the victim's freedom and independence.
A. An ability to feel remorse for the abuse - This characteristic is less likely to be present in an abuser. Abusers often exhibit a lack of remorse for their abusive behavior and may blame the victim or external factors for their actions.
C. An inflated sense of self-esteem - While some abusers may exhibit arrogance and an inflated sense of self-importance, it is not a defining characteristic of all abusers.
D. Encourages the partner to have a life outside the intimate relationship - Abusers typically do the opposite; they often seek to isolate their victims from their support systems and limit their social interactions outside the abusive relationship.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Explanation: This response demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication, specifically offering the client an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns in a non-confrontational manner. By suggesting a private and quiet area to talk to, the nurse provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and process their emotions. This approach can help the client feel heard, validated, and understood, which may reduce their need to act out or engage in argumentative behaviors to express their feelings.
The other responses are not as effective or therapeutic:
A. Threatening the client with seclusion is an aggressive approach and may escalate the client's behavior or cause them to feel cornered and defensive, leading to further acting out.
B. Telling the client they have to take medication to stop their behavior does not address the underlying issues that may be causing their behavior. It can also come across as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns.
C. Saying "I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others" may be perceived as dismissive and does not offer the client an opportunity to express their emotions or address their concerns.
In summary, offering a private space to talk and explore the client's feelings in a non-judgmental and supportive manner is the most beneficial therapeutic response to help the adolescent client decrease acting out behaviors and promote positive communication and coping skills.
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