A nurse is teaching a class on torts. The nurse should include which of the following situations as an example of negligence?
A client who is alert and oriented makes an informed decision to leave the hospital against medical advice. The nurse applies restraints to the client to prevent him from leaving.
A nurse identifies the absence of peripheral pulsation in a casted extremity in the early morning and reports it to the provider in the early afternoon.
A client who is competent refuses an antidepressant medication. The nurse dissolves the medication in food and administers it to her without her knowledge.
A nurse finds a client who is on a low-sodium diet eating salted potato chips. The nurse tells the client that she will apply wrist restraints if he does not stop eating the potato chips.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Applying restraints to prevent an alert, oriented client from leaving AMA: This is an example of false imprisonment, not negligence.
B. Negligence is the failure to act as a reasonably prudent nurse would under similar circumstances. Notifying the provider hours after discovering absent peripheral pulses shows a delay in appropriate action, which can lead to serious complications (e.g., compartment syndrome, tissue ischemia). This failure to act promptly meets the definition of negligence.
C. Administering medication without the client’s knowledge after refusal: This constitutes battery, as it involves intentional, unauthorized physical contact.
D. Threatening to apply restraints if the client continues eating chips: This is assault, since it is a threat of harm without physical contact.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Nonmaleficence: By completing a critical care and emergency nursing course before transferring to the ICU, the nurse is ensuring they are adequately prepared to care for critically ill clients. This action minimizes the risk of harm caused by a lack of knowledge or skill, demonstrating adherence to the principle of nonmaleficence.
B. Veracity: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in interactions with clients and colleagues. While important, this scenario does not focus on providing truthful information.
C. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to respecting a client's right to make decisions about their care. This scenario does not involve supporting or promoting client decision-making.
D. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to being faithful to commitments and promises made to clients or the profession. While the nurse is demonstrating professional responsibility, this scenario aligns more closely with nonmaleficence than fidelity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Making a copy of the incident report for the provider is not necessary; the report should be handled according to the facility’s protocol.
B. Submitting the incident report to the risk manager ensures it is reviewed and addressed appropriately, which is crucial for risk management and quality improvement.
C. Placing the incident report in the client’s chart is not appropriate as it is considered a confidential document related to quality and safety, not part of the client’s medical record.
D. Documenting in the chart that an incident report has been filed is not sufficient; the report should be submitted to the risk management team for review.
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