Which of the following behaviors would not have disciplinary or legal consequences?

A. Libel refers to the written defamation of someone's character, which is not applicable here. The nurse leaving early does not involve any defamatory statements or written content.
B. Battery involves the intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person without consent. The nurse leaving early does not constitute physical harm or unwanted contact with patients or colleagues.
C. Slander refers to the spoken defamation of someone's character. Similar to libel, this term does not apply to the nurse’s action of leaving early, as it does not involve making false statements about someone.
D. Negligence in nursing refers to a failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent nurse would provide in similar circumstances. By leaving her shift early without notifying the charge nurse, the nurse may be failing to ensure continuity of care for her patients, even if they are stable.

A. This task is appropriate for UAP, as it involves basic hygiene care. UAP can assist with routine oral care
B. Assisting with repositioning is a basic care activity that UAP can perform. This helps prevent pressure ulcers and maintains client comfort, and it does not require advanced clinical skills.
C. Administering IV fluids or medications requires specialized training and knowledge of nursing assessments, potential complications, and monitoring. This task should only be performed by a licensed nurse, not by UAP.
D. UAP can document basic measurements such as urine output. This is a straightforward task that does not require clinical judgment, but the UAP should understand how to accurately measure and record this information.
E. While UAP can observe and report general changes, monitoring for clinical indications of dehydration requires nursing assessment skills and judgment. This task should be performed by an RN, as it involves interpreting signs and symptoms.
F. UAP can weigh clients, but the assessment of weight trends requires clinical judgment and interpretation of data. The RN should evaluate and interpret this information to determine its significance in the client's care.