A client with depression is found to have attempted suicide in the bathroom and sustained injury. There is no documentation that the client was assessed every hour as prescribed. Which issue will the nursing staff and hospital potentially have to defend against?
Malpractice
Battery
False imprisonment
Assault
The Correct Answer is A
The potential issue that the nursing staff and hospital may have to defend against in this scenario is A. "malpractice."
Explanation: Malpractice refers to a legal claim that can be made against healthcare professionals, including nurses and hospitals, when they fail to provide the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. In this case, the lack of documentation that the client was assessed every hour as prescribed can be seen as a failure to meet the standard of care for a client with depression, especially one at risk for self-harm or suicide. If the client attempted suicide in the bathroom and sustained an injury, it could be argued that the lack of proper assessment and monitoring contributed to the client's harm, and this failure to provide appropriate care might be considered malpractice.
The other options, "battery," "false imprisonment," and "assault," do not directly relate to the situation described in the scenario:
B- Battery refers to the intentional harmful or offensive contact with a person without their consent. There is no indication that this occurred in the scenario.
C- False imprisonment refers to the unlawful restraint or restriction of a person's freedom of movement without proper justification. There is no indication of false imprisonment in the scenario.
D- Assault refers to the intentional act of threatening or causing fear of harm to another person. While the client did sustain an injury, there is no indication that it was due to an intentional act of assault in this scenario.
In summary, the potential issue of malpractice arises from the failure to properly assess and monitor a client at risk for self-harm, resulting in harm to the client. The nursing staff and hospital may have to defend against this claim if it is determined that they did not meet the standard of care expected in such a situation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When dealing with a client who is manipulative and disruptive but not demonstrating behaviors that are a threat to self or others, it is essential for the nurse to set clear and consistent boundaries for behavior. This helps establish a therapeutic environment and maintains the safety and well-being of both the client and others in the milieu.
Allowing the client to refuse medications is an important aspect of respecting their autonomy and right to make decisions about their own care, as long as they are not posing a risk to themselves or others. It is important to communicate with the client about the potential consequences of refusing medications and provide information about the benefits of taking prescribed medications to support their mental health.
The other options are not appropriate for the following reasons:
A- Informing the client that a family member will be called to help: Involving family members can be helpful in some situations, but it should not be used as a way to manipulate the client into compliance with treatment. Calling a family member without the client's consent may also violate the client's privacy and autonomy.
B- Preparing discharge paperwork since the client is refusing assistance: Discharging the client solely because they are refusing medication may not be appropriate or ethical if they are not posing a threat to themselves or others. Discharging the client without addressing the underlying issues may not be in the client's best interest and may not resolve the disruptive behavior.
D- Informing the client that without medications, their mental status will not improve: While it is important to provide the client with information about the benefits of medication, using this information as a threat or coercion tactic may not be therapeutic or effective. The nurse should focus on building a trusting relationship with the client and supporting them in making informed decisions about their care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client's statement, "I really want to see my first grandchild born before I die. Is that too much to ask?" indicates that the client is experiencing the stage of bargaining in the grieving process. During this stage, individuals may try to negotiate or make deals with a higher power or with fate in an attempt to postpone or change the outcome of their situation. In this case, the client is expressing a desire to live long enough to witness the birth of their first grandchild, which represents an attempt to negotiate with their illness and impending death.
It's important for the nurse to be supportive and empathetic during this stage of grieving and to provide emotional support to the client as they navigate their feelings and thoughts about their illness and impending death. Explanation: The client's statement, "I really want to see my first grandchild born before I die. Is that too much to ask?" indicates that the client is experiencing the stage of grieving known as bargaining.
In the context of the five stages of grief proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, bargaining is the third stage. During this stage, individuals may attempt to negotiate or make deals with a higher power or the universe to change the outcome of their situation. They may express thoughts like "If only I could see this happen before I die," as a way to find some sense of control or hope amidst their terminal illness.
In this scenario, the client's desire to see their first grandchild born reflects the bargaining stage, where they are trying to find meaning and hope in their terminal condition by wishing for a specific event to occur before their passing.
The other stages of grief include:
A. Anger - In this stage, individuals may feel resentful, frustrated, or outraged about their situation or the circumstances leading to their illness.
B. Acceptance - The final stage in Kübler-Ross's model, acceptance, involves coming to terms with one's imminent death and finding peace and resolution.
D. Depression - In this stage, individuals may experience profound sadness and a sense of loss related to their impending death and the life they will leave behind.
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