Upon entering a patient's room to complete discharge instructions, the nurse discovers the patient in tears. The business office has stated that the patient cannot leave until someone pays a portion of the hospital bill. What should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: It is not within the nurse's scope of practice to request a financial evaluation. This situation could be construed to represent false imprisonment.
Rationale 2: The nurse must continue to practice within the nursing scope of practice. This situation could be construed to represent false imprisonment.
Rationale 3: This scenario could be construed as false imprisonment. The nurse should not stop or slow discharge preparations.
Rationale 4: Cancelling the discharge order is not within the nurse's scope of practice. This situation could be construed as false imprisonment.

Upon Entering a Patient's Room to Complete Discharge Instructions, the Nurse