The preoperative admitting nurse witnessed a client sign an operative consent form. The nurse then cosigned the same document as a witness. The client suffered an injury during surgery and names the nurse in the suit because the nurse witnessed the consent form. What is the most likely outcome?.

The nurse is likely not liable because surgery is beyond the nurse's scope of practice.

The nurse is not likely liable because the signature only specifies that the nurse witnessed the client signing the consent form.

The nurse may be liable because cosigning the consent form makes the nurse an equal member of the surgical team.

The nurse is liable because cosigning the consent form confirms that the client fully understood the risks of surgery

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   While it’s true that surgery itself is beyond the nurse's scope of practice, liability can still arise from the actions taken in relation to the consent process. The issue is not about the surgery itself but about the responsibility associated with witnessing the consent.
B.   The nurse’s role in this context is to witness the client’s signature, not to guarantee the client’s understanding of the procedure or the risks involved. The witness signature generally indicates that the nurse observed the client signing the document but does not imply that the nurse ensured the client understood all aspects of the surgery.
C.   Cosigning a consent form does not make the nurse an equal member of the surgical team in terms of decision-making or responsibilities. The nurse's role as a witness is limited to observing the signing process.
D.   The nurse’s signature does not imply that they confirmed the client's understanding of the risks involved. The responsibility for explaining the risks and ensuring the client’s understanding typically falls to the physician or surgeon.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While RNs can be held liable for their actions and, to some extent, for the actions of those they delegate to, liability is not automatic for all tasks delegated. Liability depends on whether the RN acted appropriately in the delegation process and whether the delegated tasks were performed within the subordinate's scope of practice.
B. While subordinates are accountable for their actions, RNs also share responsibility when they delegate tasks. If the RN delegates a task inappropriately or fails to supervise adequately, they may still be held liable for any resulting harm.
C. This statement is true. When RNs delegate tasks appropriately, ensuring that they are within the subordinate's scope of practice and providing adequate supervision, their liability is reduced. Proper delegation includes assessing the situation, providing clear instructions, and monitoring the outcomes.
D. While delegating to licensed personnel may reduce some liability, it does not eliminate it entirely. RNs still have a duty to ensure that the tasks delegated are appropriate for the individual’s scope of practice and to provide supervision.

A. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories B. Opioid analgesics C. Antidepressants D. Benzodiazepines E. Anticholinergics F. Central nervous system stimulants

Correct Answer is ["B","D","F"]

Explanation

A. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are commonly used medications, they do not typically have a high potential for abuse or addiction. Monitoring these medications for diversion is generally not a primary concern compared to other classifications.
B. Opioids are one of the most commonly abused medication classes due to their pain-relieving properties and high potential for addiction. They are frequently monitored closely for signs of diversion and theft in healthcare settings.
C. Although some antidepressants may have mild abuse potential, they are not generally associated with the same level of diversion or abuse as opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. Therefore, they are not typically monitored as closely.
D. Benzodiazepines are known for their sedative effects and potential for dependency and abuse. They are often misused for their calming effects, making them a priority for monitoring in medication inventories.
E. Anticholinergics are not commonly associated with abuse or diversion. They are used primarily for specific medical conditions and do not have a high potential for addiction, so monitoring these medications is not a primary focus.
F. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, have significant potential for abuse and dependency. These medications can lead to feelings of euphoria and are often misused, making them important to monitor closely for diversion.

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The preoperative admitting nurse witnessed a client sign an operative consent form. The nurse then cosigned the same document as a witness. The client suffered an injury during surgery and names the nurse in the suit because the nurse witnessed the consent form. What is the most likely outcome?.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which statement is true regarding the general delegation liability of the registered nurse (RN)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

When monitoring medication inventories for possible diversion or theft by nurses who abuse chemicals, what medication classifications should be monitored most closely? [SELECT ALL THAT APPLY]

Correct Answer is ["B","D","F"]

Explanation

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