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 D

Explanation

A. Administering the medication to a client behind a closed curtain:

Administering medication behind a closed curtain is not necessarily a tort. However, it may be a breach of privacy depending on the circumstances and the client's preferences.

B. Enlisting security personnel to assist with restraining the client:

Enlisting security personnel to assist with restraining an agitated client is not inherently a tort. It may be necessary to ensure the safety of the client and healthcare providers, depending on the situation.

C. Informing a client that the medication being administered is a vitamin:

Misinforming a client about the medication being administered is not a tort, but it is unethical and can lead to potential harm if the client does not receive appropriate treatment.

D. Placing a client in restraints without having a healthcare provider's order:

This action constitutes a tort known as false imprisonment. Restraints should only be applied when ordered by a healthcare provider and when necessary to ensure the safety of the client or others. Placing a client in restraints without proper authorization can lead to physical and psychological harm and is a violation of the client's rights.

A. Provide a back rub at bedtime. B. Leave the door to the client's room open slightly. C. Apply wrist restraints to prevent wandering. D. Administer a PRN sedative prescription.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Provide a back rub at bedtime:

This intervention addresses the client's immediate need for comfort and relaxation without resorting to restrictive measures or medications.

B. Leave the door to the client's room open slightly:

Leaving the door open may not prevent wandering and could potentially lead to safety issues.

C. Apply wrist restraints to prevent wandering:

Restraints should only be used as a last resort and when all other interventions have failed. They pose risks to the client's physical and psychological well-being and should be avoided whenever possible.

D. Administer a PRN sedative prescription:

Sedatives should be used judiciously and only after other non-pharmacological interventions have been attempted. Sedating the client may increase the risk of falls or injury and should not be the first-line intervention for managing sleep disturbances or wandering behavior.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A confused older adult client is having trouble sleeping at night and is sometimes found wandering in the hallway. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? Reference Range: Potassium [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

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?

When providing health teaching to older adult clients, which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

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?

A client is admitted to the rehabilitation unit following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), which resulted in paralysis of the right arm. When the nurse enters the room, the client is struggling to put on a shirt, and curses at the nurse. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

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?

The nurse is demonstrating three point gait crutch walking to an older adult client who broke a foot while playing soccer with the grandchildren. Which behavior Indicates that the client understands proper crutch walking?