A nurse is reviewing new prescriptions for a client. The nurse should identify that which of the following abbreviations used by the provider indicates "to administer medications before meals"?

Explanation:

A. Battery: Battery refers to intentional harmful or offensive touching without consent. In the context of healthcare, it usually involves physical contact or procedures performed without the patient's consent. An inadvertent medication error, even if it causes harm, does not typically constitute battery unless there was an intentional act of administering the wrong medication against the patient's will.

B. Assault: Assault is the threat of harmful or offensive contact. It involves creating a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact in the patient's mind. An inadvertent medication error, while it may cause harm, does not typically constitute assault unless there was an intentional threat of harm made to the patient.

C. Abuse: Abuse involves the intentional mistreatment or harm of another person. An inadvertent medication error is not considered abuse unless there was an intentional act to harm the patient.

D. Malpractice: Malpractice refers to professional negligence or failure to provide the standard of care expected in a particular profession, such as nursing. In the scenario described, the inadvertent medication error resulting in a severe allergic reaction and prolonging the client's hospitalization could be considered a case of malpractice. The nurse failed to meet the standard of care expected in administering medications safely, leading to harm to the patient.

Explanation:

A. A 6-year-old child with a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, reportedly occurring while riding a bicycle:

While a spiral fracture can be concerning, it is also a common injury seen in children due to falls or accidents during physical activities such as riding a bicycle. Without further evidence or suspicion, this may not immediately indicate physical abuse.

B. A 14-month-old toddler reportedly learning to walk and has several bruises on bony prominences of the lower legs and elbows:

Bruises on bony prominences can be common in toddlers who are learning to walk and explore their environment. These bruises are often seen on areas such as the lower legs and elbows. Without additional concerning signs or patterns, this may not indicate physical abuse.

C. A 9-month-old infant who sustained near drowning when he reportedly climbed into the tub and turned on the water:

Near drowning incidents can occur accidentally, especially in curious and mobile infants who may explore their surroundings. While this is a serious event, it does not necessarily suggest physical abuse unless there are other suspicious findings or a history of non-accidental injuries.

D. A 3-year-old toddler with scalding burns over the face and chest reportedly sustained when the child pulled on a tablecloth, spilling a cup of tea on himself:

Scalding burns, especially over sensitive areas like the face and chest, can raise concerns about physical abuse, especially when the reported mechanism of injury (spilling a cup of tea) seems inconsistent or disproportionate to the severity of the burns. The pattern and location of burns may not align with accidental spillage, leading to suspicion of abuse.