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 C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "What do you have against me? It must be something or you wouldn't be criticizing my care." is defensive and confrontational, which is not appropriate for assertive communication.
B. "You shouldn't make accusations. Your nursing care doesn't always set a good example." is also defensive and shifts the focus away from addressing the concern directly.
C. "I feel as though I met the standard of care. Would you tell me more about your concerns?" is an assertive response that acknowledges the concern and seeks constructive feedback.
D. "I am at a loss for words. I always do my best to give good care to my clients." is not assertive as it does not address the concern directly or invite constructive discussion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Insisting the client take medications does not respect the client’s autonomy and is not an advocacy action.
B. Informing the client that the medication is the same as taken at home does not necessarily address the client’s concerns or questions.
C. Telling the client that refusal is noncompliance does not support client autonomy and does not address their concerns.
D. Encouraging the client to verbalize questions supports their right to be informed and make decisions about their care, demonstrating advocacy.
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