A nurse is preparing an in-service for a group of nurses about malpractice issues in nursing. Which of the following examples should the nurse include in the teaching as an example of malpractice?
Documenting communication with a provider in the progress notes of the client's medical record.
Placing a yellow bracelet on a client who is at risk for falls.
Administering potassium via iv bolus.
Leaving a nasogastric tube clamped after administering oral medication.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Documenting communication with a provider in the progress notes of the client's medical record: Proper documentation of provider communication is standard nursing practice and does not constitute malpractice. It helps ensure continuity of care and legal protection.
B. Placing a yellow bracelet on a client who is at risk for falls: Implementing fall precautions, such as using a yellow wristband, is an appropriate safety measure and standard of care, not malpractice.
C. Administering potassium via IV bolus: Administering potassium as a rapid IV push is extremely dangerous and can cause cardiac arrest. This action violates the standard of care and constitutes malpractice due to potential harm to the client.
D. Leaving a nasogastric tube clamped after administering oral medication: A nasogastric (NG) tube is often clamped for a short period after administering medication to allow the medication to be absorbed. The nurse's action would only be considered negligent if they left the tube clamped for a prolonged period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The child believes the person will return: Preschoolers view death as temporary and reversible due to their developmental stage and limited understanding of permanence. Magical thinking often leads them to expect the deceased person to come back.
B. The child focuses on his own mortality: This is more typical of older school-age children or adolescents, who have a more developed understanding of death’s permanence and may begin to consider their own vulnerability.
C. The child refuses to talk about the death: Avoidance can occur at any age, but it is not the primary expected response in preschoolers. At this stage, they may ask repetitive questions or make statements that suggest misunderstanding, rather than complete refusal to talk.
D. The child expresses curiosity about the death process: Curiosity about death’s physical aspects is more common in school-age children, who have greater cognitive ability to think concretely about biological processes.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","G"]
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Answers:
- Uterus firm at 1 cm above the umbilicus and tender to palpation: Normally, by postpartum day 3, the uterus should be well below the umbilicus. A uterus that is still above and tender suggests endometritis or subinvolution, especially when combined with foul-smelling lochia.
- Moderate amount of dark brown, foul-smelling lochia noted: Lochia should progress from rubra (day 1–3, red) → serosa (day 4–10, pink/brown) → alba (day 10 onward, white/yellow). Foul-smelling lochia is a hallmark of uterine infection (endometritis).
- Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F): A postpartum fever ≥38°C on two occasions, or even once when associated with uterine tenderness and foul lochia, is significant and indicates infection.
- WBC count 33,000/mm³: Although WBCs can be physiologically elevated postpartum (up to 20,000–25,000), a count this high is abnormal and strongly suggests severe infection.
Rationale for Incorrect Answers:
- Surgical incision well approximated with slight edema present: Mild edema is expected in the early healing process; no erythema, drainage, or dehiscence is noted, so no immediate concern.
- Respiratory rate 18/min: This is within normal range (12–20/min), no evidence of respiratory compromise.
SaO₂ 97% on room air: This is normal oxygen saturation, not concerning
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