A charge nurse is planning an in-service for newly licensed nurses on tort law in mental health care. Which of the following scenarios should the charge nurse provide as an example of an unintentional tort?
A nurse did not clarify a client’s prescription that was difficult to read resulting in a medication error.
A nurse posted private information on social media about a client who has substance use disorder.
A nurse placed a client in mechanical restraints without obtaining a prescription, resulting in injury.
A nurse threatened a client with physical harm after the client became verbally abusive to staff members.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
An unintentional tort occurs when a healthcare provider’s actions or inactions cause harm to a patient without intent to harm. In this scenario, the nurse’s failure to clarify a difficult-to-read prescription, resulting in a medication error, is an example of negligence, which is an unintentional tort.
Choice B reason:
Posting private information about a client on social media is a breach of confidentiality and an intentional tort. This action is deliberate and violates the client’s right to privacy.
Choice C reason:
Placing a client in mechanical restraints without obtaining a prescription, resulting in injury, is an intentional tort. This action involves a deliberate decision to restrain the client without proper authorization, leading to harm.
Choice D reason:
Threatening a client with physical harm is an example of assault, which is an intentional tort. This involves a deliberate act to cause the client to fear imminent harm.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Serotonin deficiency is a well-known risk factor for major depressive disorder. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation, and its deficiency can lead to symptoms of depression. This is why many antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), aim to increase serotonin levels in the brain.
Choice B reason: Acute bronchitis is a respiratory condition that involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes. While it can cause significant discomfort and health issues, it is not directly linked to major depressive disorder. However, chronic illnesses can sometimes contribute to depressive symptoms due to the ongoing stress and physical limitations they impose.
Choice C reason: Elevated calcium levels, or hypercalcemia, can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, confusion, and depression-like symptoms. However, it is not a primary risk factor for major depressive disorder. Hypercalcemia is usually related to other underlying conditions such as hyperparathyroidism or certain cancers.
Choice D reason: Being an only child is not considered a risk factor for major depressive disorder. While family dynamics and social relationships can influence mental health, there is no direct evidence linking being an only child to an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
An unintentional tort occurs when a healthcare provider’s actions or inactions cause harm to a patient without intent to harm. In this scenario, the nurse’s failure to clarify a difficult-to-read prescription, resulting in a medication error, is an example of negligence, which is an unintentional tort.
Choice B reason:
Posting private information about a client on social media is a breach of confidentiality and an intentional tort. This action is deliberate and violates the client’s right to privacy.
Choice C reason:
Placing a client in mechanical restraints without obtaining a prescription, resulting in injury, is an intentional tort. This action involves a deliberate decision to restrain the client without proper authorization, leading to harm.
Choice D reason:
Threatening a client with physical harm is an example of assault, which is an intentional tort. This involves a deliberate act to cause the client to fear imminent harm.
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