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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A living will allows a client to specify preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation or resuscitation, in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes.
B. As long as the client is competent, they can revoke or modify their advance directives or change their designated proxy at any time.
C. This indicates a need for further teaching. Once a client becomes incapacitated, no one can alter their living will—it is a legally binding document that reflects the client’s wishes. Family members must follow the directives as written.
D. The proxy (or durable power of attorney for health care) only becomes active when the client loses decision-making capacity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This task involves assessment, sterile technique, and evaluation of tissue healing—all of which require nursing knowledge and clinical judgment. Therefore, it cannot be delegated to an assistive personnel (AP).
B. This is an appropriate task to delegate to an AP because it is routine, predictable, and noninvasive. It does not require assessment or decision-making. The AP can collect the data, while the nurse interprets the results and determines any necessary actions related to fluid balance and cardiac function.
C. Medication administration requires a licensed nurse who can assess pain, evaluate effectiveness, and monitor for side effects. This task is outside the scope of practice for an AP.
D. Even though reinforcement sounds simple, it still involves teaching and evaluation of understanding, which are nursing responsibilities. The nurse must ensure the client demonstrates proper technique and compliance, so this task cannot be delegated to an AP.
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