A nurse accidentally administers a medication to the wrong patient, and the patient experiences a serious untoward reaction.
For which tort can the nurse be legally charged?
Negligence.
Malpractice.
Assault.
Battery.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Negligence is the failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. While administering the wrong medication is a breach of duty, legal charges of negligence might not fully capture the severity of a serious untoward reaction resulting from a medication error by a professional.
Choice B rationale
Malpractice is a specific type of negligence committed by a professional, such as a nurse, in the performance of their professional duties. Administering the wrong medication, leading to a serious adverse reaction, falls under the scope of professional nursing practice and can be considered a breach of the professional standard of care, thus potentially leading to charges of malpractice.
Choice C rationale
Assault is an intentional act that creates a reasonable apprehension of immediate harmful or offensive contact. Administering medication, even the wrong one, is usually not intended to cause apprehension of harm in the way assault is legally defined.
Choice D rationale
Battery is the intentional touching of another person without consent. While administering the wrong medication involves touching without consent, the more appropriate legal charge in a professional healthcare setting where harm results from a breach of duty is typically malpractice. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Playing music chosen by the client can promote relaxation by providing a familiar and comforting auditory stimulus. Music can help to reduce anxiety and create a calming environment, thus minimizing sensory overload in a client recovering from a stroke in the intensive care unit. This personalized approach respects the client's preferences and can positively influence their emotional state, fostering a more restful atmosphere conducive to healing.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging frequent visitors throughout the day can contribute to sensory overload for a client recovering from a stroke. While social support is important, excessive stimulation from multiple visitors can be overwhelming and disrupt the client's rest and recovery process in the intensive care unit, potentially increasing agitation and hindering relaxation.
Choice C rationale
Sitting in a chair next to the client and talking can be stimulating and may not promote relaxation, especially for a client who has recently experienced a stroke. Depending on the content and tone of the conversation, this interaction could increase sensory input and potentially cause agitation or fatigue rather than fostering a calm and restful environment needed for recovery in the intensive care unit.
Choice D rationale
Turning on the television to the Super Bowl would likely exacerbate sensory overload due to the bright lights, loud noises, and fast-paced visual stimulation. This type of environment is counterproductive to promoting relaxation and can be particularly overwhelming for a client recovering from a stroke in the intensive care unit, potentially increasing anxiety and hindering rest.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dividing time evenly among patients reflects the professional value of justice, ensuring fair allocation of nursing resources based on patient needs rather than strict equality of time. Justice in nursing involves impartiality and equitable treatment.
Choice B rationale
Demonstrating care and concern for a patient's culture and beliefs aligns with the professional value of respect for autonomy and human dignity. It involves acknowledging and valuing the patient's individuality and their right to self-determination in healthcare decisions.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the patient to make decisions about food selection promotes patient autonomy, allowing them to exercise their right to make choices about their care. This respects their preferences and empowers them in their healthcare journey.
Choice D rationale
Performing patient assessment and recording findings accurately exemplifies integrity, which involves honesty, truthfulness, and adherence to ethical principles. Accurate documentation provides an honest representation of the patient's condition and the care provided, crucial for safe and effective nursing practice.
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