A nurse stops at a motor vehicle collision to provide help for a victim who is trapped in an overturned running vehicle. The nurse turns off the engine key, and asks the client to wiggle the fingers because the client's head is impinged on the roof and the neck is bent to the left shoulder. After Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive, the nurse reports that the victim is conscious, but is not able to talk, and then the nurse leaves the scene. Which legal action can be taken in this situation?

Criminal assault and battery.

Negligent acts of omission.

Abandonment of the victim.

Good Samaritan immunity.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Criminal assault and battery:

Criminal assault and battery involve intentionally causing harm to another person without their consent. In this scenario, the nurse's actions were aimed at providing aid and ensuring the victim's safety. There is no indication of any intentional harm or violence toward the victim.

B. Negligent acts of omission:

Negligent acts of omission occur when a healthcare provider fails to act in a manner consistent with the standard of care, resulting in harm to another person. In this scenario, the nurse took certain actions to assist the victim, such as turning off the engine key and assessing the victim's condition. There is no indication of negligent omission as the nurse took appropriate actions given the circumstances.

C. Abandonment of the victim:

This applies if a healthcare professional leaves a patient in need of care without ensuring appropriate transfer of care. In this scenario, the nurse handed over the situation to EMS before leaving.

D. Good Samaritan immunity:

Good Samaritan laws protect individuals, including nurses, who voluntarily provide assistance in emergency situations from legal liability, as long as their actions are within the scope of their knowledge and training and are performed in good faith. The nurse stopped to help, provided care, and then reported to EMS personnel before leaving, which is consistent with the protection offered by Good Samaritan laws.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Switch to a non-rebreather mask:

A non-rebreather mask delivers a higher concentration of oxygen (typically 10-15 L/min) compared to a nasal cannula. However, switching to a non-rebreather mask is a more drastic step that might not be necessary immediately. Other, simpler interventions should be considered first.

B. Verify placement of pulse oximeter:

Before making any changes, it's crucial to verify the accuracy of the oxygen saturation reading. The pulse oximeter might be misplaced or malfunctioning, leading to an inaccurate reading. This is an appropriate first action to ensure the reading is correct before deciding on further interventions.

C. Remove nasal cannula:

Removing the nasal cannula would decrease the client’s oxygenation further, worsening the situation. This is not an appropriate action when oxygen saturation is already low.

D. Increase the oxygen to 3 L/minute:

Increasing the oxygen flow rate is a reasonable intervention to improve oxygen saturation. However, this should typically be done after verifying the accuracy of the oxygen saturation reading. If the reading is correct, this is a valid next step to improve the client’s oxygenation.

A. "I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can walt until later." B. “While touching the client's forearm, asks, "Would you like to talk about it?" C. "This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later." D. “Gives the client a hug and says, "It is okay to cry when you are sad."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can wait until later."

This response acknowledges the client's distress but does not actively engage with the client's emotions or offer support. It also suggests postponing the assessment, which may not be necessary if the client is willing to discuss their feelings.

B. “While touching the client's forearm, asks, 'Would you like to talk about it?'"

This response demonstrates empathy and offers the client an opportunity to express their feelings if they wish to do so. By gently touching the client's forearm and asking if they would like to talk, the nurse conveys support and openness to the client's emotional needs.

C. "This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later."

While this response acknowledges the client's emotions and offers to return later, it may not be the most helpful approach. It assumes that the client does not want to engage in conversation at that moment without giving them the opportunity to express their preferences.

D. “Gives the client a hug and says, 'It is okay to cry when you are sad.'"

While offering physical comfort like a hug can be appropriate in some situations, it's important to respect the client's personal boundaries and preferences, especially if they are in distress. Additionally, some clients may not feel comfortable with physical touch from healthcare providers. This response also assumes the client's emotions without directly addressing their needs or offering them an opportunity to express themselves verbally.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula. The oxygen saturation is 89%. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse enters a client's room to perform a physical assessment and finds the client crying. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to give an emergency sedative injection to an agitated client. Which action by the nurse comprises a tort?

The nurse plans to use the Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR) format of communication during which interaction?

The nurse is assessing a client who reports a 3 day history of vomiting and diarrhea and experiencing difficulty in tolerating oral fluids. Which urine specific gravity value would the nurse expect to see on Initial testing? Reference Range: Urine Specific Gravity [1.005 to 1.03]

An older adult female client tells the clinic nurse about frequently awakening during the night and not being able to go back to sleep. What action(s) should the nurse suggest to the client to help improve sleep? Select all that apply.

A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which Intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?

The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) feeding a client who had a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) and is at risk for aspiration. Which action by the UAP should the nurse recognize indicates the need for additional teaching?

The nurse is teaching a client how to do active range of motion (ROM) exercises. To exercise the hinge joints, which action should the nurse instruct the client to perform?

The nurse uses a sterile syringe to obtain a urine specimen from a client's indwelling urinary catheter. After placing the specimen in a biohazard bag, the nurse transports the specimen to the laboratory. During which part of this procedure should the nurse wear gloves?