Question 1

A nurse explains the informed consent form to a client who is scheduled for heart bypass surgery. Which of the following are elements of this consent form? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Disclosure refers to the healthcare provider's obligation to fully explain the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient.
D) Comprehension refers to the patient's understanding of the information disclosed.
E) Competence refers to the patient's ability to make an informed decision. 
B) Organ donation and C) DNR orders are not typically included in a consent form for heart bypass surgery.

Question 2

The nursing student asks the nurse for an example of a "never event." Which example provided by the nurse best answers the nursing student's question?

Accepted Answer

A "never event" is a serious and preventable mistake that should never happen in healthcare. An example of a "never event" is wrong-site surgery, such as a patient undergoing a surgery on the wrong body part or receiving a wrong procedure. Option A is an example of a wrong-site surgery where the client scheduled for a cholecystectomy has a total abdominal hysterectomy. Therefore, it best answers the nursing student's question. The other options do not describe a "never event."

Question 3

According to HIPPA regulations, which of the following is a client right regarding the client's medical record? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Under HIPAA, clients have the right to access and obtain a copy of their health records. They can also request restrictions on certain disclosures of their health information. However, they cannot make additions or cross out sections of the health record.

Question 4

A client is admitted with symptoms of psychosis. The nurse hurries to the client's room when she hears the client calling for help. She finds the client lying on the ground. The nurse assists the client back to the bed and performs a thorough assessment. The nurse informs the physician and completes the incident report. Which of the following statements should the nurse document in the incident report?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should document that the client was found lying on the floor, as this is the objective fact that occurred. While the client's behavior (trying to lower side rails or get out of bed) may be relevant information, it is not the direct observation that occurred and should not be stated as fact in the incident report. Noting that the client was unaware they had fallen is also subjective and not a direct observation, so it should not be included in the incident report.

Question 5

A home care nurse is caring for a quadriplegic client who needs regular position changes and back massages. A gentleman identifying himself as a family friend inquires if he can be of any help to the family. What should be the nurse's response be?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should maintain the client's confidentiality and direct any offers of help to the family, as they are the appropriate party to decide on accepting help from others.

Question 6

A nurse fails to administer a medication that prevents seizures, and the client has a seizure. The nurse is in violation of the Nurse Practice Act. What type of law is the nurse in violation of?

Accepted Answer

The issue is related to a violation of the Nurse Practice Act, which is a type of civil law that governs the standards and regulations of nursing practice. Criminal law governs behavior that is considered a threat to public safety, while federal law pertains to matters of national concern. Supreme law refers to the Constitution and its interpretation.

Question 7

The nurse reports a nursing colleague on the unit who is lethargic and verbally responding in a slow manner. What is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's report of a colleague exhibiting lethargy and slow verbal responses is an example of whistle-blowing, which involves raising concerns about unethical or illegal conduct in the workplace.

Question 8

Which of the following nursing actions would be considered a violation of HIPPA regulations? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following nursing actions would...

Question 9

When the nurse inserts an ordered urinary catheter into the client's urethra after the client has refused the procedure, and then the client suffers an injury, the client may sue the nurse for which type of tort?

Accepted Answer

The nurse inserting the urinary catheter without the client's consent can be construed as a physical touching of the client's body without their permission, which constitutes battery. If the client suffered an injury as a result of the procedure, they could sue the nurse for battery.

Question 10

An on-duty nurse discovers that her colleague is pilfering medicines. According to the Nurse Practice Acts, what should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

According to the Nurse Practice Acts, it is the duty of a nurse to report any illegal or unethical behavior to the appropriate authority. In this case, the nurse should report the incident to the supervisor or appropriate authority. Keeping silent or overlooking the incident can harm the patient and lead to legal implications. Discussing the incident with the colleague may not be effective, as it is a breach of professional ethics and may lead to further complications. Informing the local police station may not be necessary, as it is not their jurisdiction to handle such issues.

Question 11

A group of nurses working in a long-term care facility fails to keep the narcotic medications in a secure location. The nurses also fail to count the medications before and after each shift, as indicated by the institution's policies and procedures. These failures may result in what type of disciplinary action?

Accepted Answer

Failing to keep narcotics secure and failing to count medications is a serious violation of controlled substance regulations. Such practices are illegal, unethical, and may result in medication diversion, which is a major risk to patient safety. These violations may result in disciplinary action against the nurses' licenses, which could include suspension, revocation, or restrictions on their nursing practice. The other options listed are not applicable in this scenario.

Question 12

The nurse is accused of malpractice by a client. List the order in which the steps of the litigation process will occur (use all options). 1) The basis for the claim is determined to be appropriate and timely with all elements of liability present.
2) All parties named as defendants (nurses, physicians, health care agency), as well as insurance companies and attorneys, work toward a fair settlement.
3) Trial takes place; both sides present their evidence and arguments.
4) The case is presented to a malpractice arbitration panel. The panel's decision is either accepted or rejected, in which case a complaint is filed in trial court.
5) Pretrial discovery activities occur: review of medical records and depositions of plaintiff, defendants, and witnesses.
6) The defendants contest allegations.

Accepted Answer

The correct order starts with determining the basis of the claim (1), followed by all parties working toward a settlement (2). If unresolved, the case may be presented to an arbitration panel (4), then the defendants contest the allegations (6), leading to pretrial discovery activities (5), and finally, the trial (3).

Question 13

Which of the following statements accurately describes an aspect of the credentialing process used in nursing practice? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Credentialing ensures and maintains professional competence (A). Certification recognizes individuals in specific practice areas who meet criteria (C). A nursing license is a property right and cannot be revoked without due process (E).

Question 14

A baccalaureate-prepared nurse is applying for a nurse practitioner position. The nurse is:

Accepted Answer

A baccalaureate-prepared nurse does not have the advanced education and training required to practice as a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners typically need a Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing (MSN or DNP) to practice, so practicing as a nurse practitioner with only a baccalaureate degree would be beyond the scope of their licensure.

Question 15

A client who has undergone resection of the intestine is on a liquid diet with a nasogastric tube in place. He refuses the food tray with regular food that comes to his room and insists that a physician be called. The nurse insists that it is the right food and makes the client take it. The client develops complications and has to be re-operated upon. How is negligence determined in this situation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client who has undergone resection of...

Quiz 7: Legal Dimensions of Nursing Practice