A client who fell and broke his hip while being assisted to the bathroom by a nurse states he plans to sue the nurse. The nurse should know that, in a legal proceeding, the standard that will be used to determine if the nurse was negligent is which of the following?
The client's attorney states that injury to the client could have been prevented.
Another staff nurse provides testimony about how a reasonable, prudent nurse would have handled the situation.
The client's provider testifies the nurse was at fault for the injury.
An expert nurse provides testimony that the nurse should have handled the situation differently.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While the attorney may argue that the injury was preventable, this statement alone does not establish negligence. It lacks specific evidence or expert testimony to support the claim. Legal arguments must be substantiated by facts, not just assertions from an attorney.
B. This option describes a key component in establishing the standard of care in negligence cases. Testimony from another nurse about the actions of a "reasonable, prudent nurse" provides a benchmark against which the accused nurse’s actions will be measured. This type of testimony is often considered credible and is vital in determining whether the nurse acted within the accepted standards of practice.
C. While a provider’s testimony may influence the case, it is not definitive in establishing negligence. A provider may not be the appropriate expert to determine nursing standards and practices. Their perspective may be biased and does not constitute the standard of care expected of a nurse.
D. Expert testimony is indeed important in negligence cases, and an expert nurse can provide valuable insight into proper nursing practices. However, this option does not fully capture the essence of establishing negligence as clearly as option B, which specifically mentions the standard of a “reasonable, prudent nurse.”
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
A. This is a routine task that can be safely delegated to a NAP. It does not require complex decision- making or assessment skills.
B. This task requires the ability to assess the client's condition and determine the appropriate level of restraint. It is a task that should be performed by an RN or licensed practical nurse (LPN).
C. While this may seem like a simple task, it requires the ability to monitor the client for signs of withdrawal and to intervene if necessary. It is a task that should be performed by an RN or LPN.
D. This task requires the ability to assess the client's behavior and to intervene if necessary. It is a task that should be performed by an RN or LPN.
E. This is a therapeutic activity that can be delegated to a NAP. It can help to stimulate the client's cognitive function and provide social interaction.
F. This task requires the ability to assess the client's condition and identify potential complications. It is a task that should be performed by an RN or LPN.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While track marks could indicate drug use, this alone does not necessitate a report to an outside agency unless there is evidence of harm to self or others, or if there are suspicions of a substance abuse issue that warrants intervention.
B. Emancipated minors have the legal right to make their own medical decisions, including refusing treatment. In this case, the nurse would ensure the patient is informed of the risks of leaving and document the refusal, but there’s no requirement to disclose to an outside agency.
C. A spiral fracture can be indicative of abuse, particularly if the mechanism of injury is not consistent with the explanation provided. In many jurisdictions, healthcare providers are mandated reporters for suspected abuse or neglect in dependent adults.
D. This situation typically does not involve any legal or ethical obligation to report to outside agencies. Glomerulonephritis is a medical condition and does not indicate any need for disclosure, as it does not suggest abuse or neglect.
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