The health care facility has sponsored a continuing education offering on emergency management of pandemic influenza. At lunch, a nurse is overheard saying, "I'm not going to take care of anyone that might have that flu. I have kids to think about." What is true of this statement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: Since nurses have greater ability to provide care, their obligation to provide care is higher than that of lay persons.
Rationale 2: The nurse has not said anything negative about flu victims, so the statement is not an example of defamation.
Rationale 3: Health care professionals have assumed the risk of care for these individuals based on their choice of a profession dedicated to the care of the sick.
Rationale 4: Consistent with the Code of Ethics for Nurses, members of the nursing profession should be available in times of emergency as the profession is a social contract with the public.
Rationale 5: The nurse, by virtue of licensure and employment, is held to a higher standard during emergencies.

The Health Care Facility Has Sponsored a Continuing Education Offering