A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about ethical principles when providing client care. Which of the following situations should the nurse use as an example of negligence?
A client who is alert and oriented makes an informed decision to leave the hospital against medical advice. The nurse applies restraints to the client to prevent her from leaving.
A nurse finds a client who is on a low-sodium diet eating salted potato chips. The nurse tells him she will apply wrist restraints if he does not stop eating the chips.
A nurse identifies the absence of peripheral pulsation in a casted extremity in the early morning. The nurse reports the findings to the provider in the early afternoon.
A client who is competent refuses an antidepressant medication. The nurse dissolves the medication in food and administers it to the client without his knowledge.
The Correct Answer is C
A. This scenario demonstrates false imprisonment, not negligence. The nurse is unlawfully restricting the client’s freedom of movement despite the client being competent and making an informed decision.
B. This represents assault, not negligence. The nurse is making a threat to physically restrain the client, which can cause fear or anxiety, fulfilling the definition of assault.
C. This is negligence because the nurse failed to take timely action when a critical finding was identified. The absence of a peripheral pulse in a casted limb indicates compromised circulation and possible compartment syndrome, a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Delaying notification to the provider places the client at risk for permanent tissue damage or loss of limb, meeting the definition of negligence — failure to act as a reasonably prudent nurse would under similar circumstances.
D. This describes battery, not negligence. Battery occurs when a nurse intentionally touches or treats a client without consent, even if the intent is beneficial. It violates the client’s right to autonomy and informed consent.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This demonstrates self-care by promoting good nutrition, maintaining energy levels, and supporting overall health during long shifts.
B. Adults generally require 7–9 hours of sleep each night for optimal health and cognitive performance.
C. Adequate hydration is essential for physical and mental well-being; restriction can lead to dehydration and fatigue.
D. Regular exercise should occur most days of the week (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) for effective stress management and health maintenance.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Telling the client ways to avoid making their partner angry implies that the victim is responsible for the abuse, which is inappropriate and unethical.
B. Providing the client with information on community resources such as shelters, hotlines, and counseling services empowers the client and supports their safety and autonomy—this is the correct nursing action.
C. Teaching strategies for social interaction does not address the issue of violence or promote safety for the client.
D. Instructing the client on ways to behave to prevent partner anger reinforces victim-blaming and fails to address the abuser’s responsibility for the violence.
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