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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When a school nurse suspects that a child is being sexually abused, the priority action is to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Option D, accurately and thoroughly documenting the findings and reporting to the appropriate authorities, is the most critical step in protecting the child.
Child abuse, including sexual abuse, is a serious concern that requires immediate attention and intervention. In many jurisdictions, healthcare professionals, including school nurses, are mandated reporters, which means they are legally obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse to child protective services or other appropriate authorities.
Options A, B, and C are not appropriate as the child's safety is the top priority:
A. Discussing the findings with the parents and giving them the opportunity to explain could potentially place the child at further risk if the parents are involved in the abuse or are unwilling to address the situation.
B. Talking to the child and finding out if they are experiencing sexual abuse or inappropriate touching should not be the first step without involving child protective services or other appropriate authorities. The child may be frightened or reluctant to disclose abuse directly to the nurse, especially if the abuser is a family member or someone known to the child.
C. Talking with another co-worker to confirm the assessment may delay the necessary action and reporting to protect the child.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Explanation: This statement is highly inappropriate and victim-blaming. It implies that the client's clothing choices are somehow responsible for the sexual assault they experienced. Victim-blaming is never acceptable and can be harmful to the survivor, making them feel ashamed and responsible for the actions of the perpetrator. As healthcare professionals, nurses should always respond to victims of sexual assault with empathy, compassion, and without judgment.
The other statements (A, C, and D) are all appropriate and acknowledge the seriousness of the situation:
A. "We need to offer the client emotional support especially when obtaining specimens." Explanation: This statement recognizes the need for emotional support during the examination process, which can be distressing for the survivor. Providing emotional support and ensuring the client's comfort and consent during the examination are crucial aspects of caring for a sexual assault survivor.
C. "The client feels like they won't be believed since there was alcohol involved during the date." Explanation: This statement highlights the survivor's feelings and concerns about being believed due to alcohol involvement. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for the client, where they can share their experience and receive appropriate care and support.
D. "When the client said 'stop,' that was enough for the perpetrator to get up and walk away." Explanation: This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of consent and acknowledges that the client's clear expression of refusal should have been respected. Understanding and respecting consent is crucial when discussing cases of sexual assault.
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