A nurse fails to monitor vital signs in accordance with the policy's of the hospital for a post- operative client. As a result, complications occur. On what basis might a lawsuit be successful? The nurse:
was negligent, resulting in harm to the client.
was acting on the principle of nonmaleficence.
committed a misdemeanor.
was unethical in her practice.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Negligence in nursing refers to the failure to provide care that meets established standards, resulting in harm to the patient. In this case, if the nurse failed to monitor vital signs as per hospital policies and this failure led to complications for the post-operative client, it could constitute negligence. Negligence involves breaching the duty of care owed to the patient, causing harm that could have been reasonably prevented.
B. Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. While it is an ethical principle guiding healthcare practice, it does not justify or excuse negligence. Negligence involves a failure to uphold the duty of care owed to the patient, resulting in harm due to substandard practice.
C. A misdemeanor typically refers to a lesser criminal offense. Negligence in healthcare generally does not rise to the level of a criminal offense like a misdemeanor unless there is gross negligence or willful misconduct. In most cases, negligence leading to harm is addressed through civil litigation rather than criminal charges.
D. While negligence can certainly be considered unethical behavior in the context of healthcare, negligence itself is a legal concept related to professional malpractice rather than solely an ethical breach. Ethical violations may involve different aspects of professional conduct not directly related to negligence, such as breaches of confidentiality or conflicts of interest.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This entry is factual and avoids assumptions about how the client ended up on the floor, focusing instead on the sequence of events as discovered by the recorder. It is important to avoid speculation and to document only what is directly observed or verifiable.
A. This option provides a clear description of the situation: the client was found on the floor, and it attributes the fall to getting tangled in bed linens. However, it includes an assumption of how the client fell.
B. This option indicates that the client fell out of bed and did push the call button for assistance. While it acknowledges the fall and the use of the call button, it doesn't specify who found the client on the floor or the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
D. This option suggests that the client called for assistance after falling out of bed due to being tangled in bed linens. It mentions the sequence of events (tangled in bed linens first, then called for assistance), but it doesn't specify who found the client on the floor or the action taken thereafter.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This reflex is an important protective mechanism that prevents objects from entering the throat and causing choking. Assessing the gag reflex before oral care can help ensure the safety of the client, especially if they have difficulty swallowing or are at risk for aspiration.
A. It's important to assess if the client is experiencing any pain, as oral care procedures can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if the client has oral lesions or sensitive gums. However, it is not a priority.
B. Presence of saliva: Saliva is essential for oral health, as it helps to cleanse the mouth and buffer acids produced by bacteria. Assessing the amount of saliva can indicate the overall oral hydration status and potential risk of dry mouth (xerostomia).
D. assessing the condition of the skin around the mouth and on the lips is important. It can reveal issues such as dryness, cracking, lesions, or signs of infection but not directly related to oral care.
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