A nurse is collaborating with a risk management team about potential legal issues involving client care. The nurse should identify that which of the following situations is an example of negligence?

A. Gown:

• After removing gloves, the gown should be taken off. The gown is considered the second most contaminated item. It is important to avoid contact with the outer surface of the gown while removing it.

B. Gloves:

• Gloves should be removed first because they are the most likely part of the PPE to be contaminated. Care should be taken to avoid touching the outside of the gloves, and they should be disposed of properly.

C. Mask:

• The mask is removed next. Care should be taken to handle the mask by the ties or ear loops without touching the front surface. Removing the mask last helps protect the nurse from potential respiratory droplets on the mask.

D. Eyewear/Face Shield:

• Eyewear or face shield is removed last. Similar to the other components, it should be handled carefully to prevent self-contamination. This step helps protect the eyes and face from any potential splashes or airborne particles.

A. An assistive personnel prevents a client from leaving the facility:

This situation may raise ethical concerns related to patient autonomy and freedom of movement. However, it is not a clear example of negligence. Negligence is more directly related to the provision of care and the failure to meet the standard of care.

B. An assistive personnel discusses client care in the facility cafeteria with visitors present:

This situation involves a breach of confidentiality and may violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, it is not an example of negligence. Negligence typically involves a failure to provide appropriate care rather than a breach of privacy.

C. A nurse administers a medication without first identifying the client:

This is an example of negligence. Negligence refers to the failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have provided under similar circumstances. In this case, administering medication without first identifying the client is a breach of the standard of care, and it can lead to serious consequences, including harm to the patient.

D. A nurse begins a blood transfusion without obtaining consent from a client:

This is an example of a legal issue related to lack of informed consent. While it raises ethical and legal concerns, it may not necessarily be considered negligence, which is more related to a failure in providing care up to the standard. However, it is still a serious violation of ethical and legal principles.