A nurse is caring for a client who complains about sleep apnea.
Which delivery device would the nurse expect to use to administer oxygen to this client while sleeping?

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. .

Choice A rationale

While clarifying values is important in end-of-life care, the immediate need is to respect the client's current wishes and provide space for processing his emotions. Forcing a values clarification at this moment might add pressure.

Choice B rationale

Educating the client on death and dying concepts might be helpful at some point, but it doesn't directly address his immediate emotional need to protect his family from sadness. His focus is on their well-being, not his understanding of the dying process.

Choice C rationale

Arranging a meeting without the client's consent or readiness disregards his autonomy and stated wishes. This could increase his distress and violate his right to make decisions about his interactions.

Choice D rationale

Providing time for quiet reflection acknowledges the client's emotional state and respects his need to process his feelings privately. This allows him to cope with his impending death in a way that feels most comfortable and protective of his family, fostering autonomy and dignity.