A nurse is reviewing unintentional and intentional torts. Which of the following clinical situations would the nurse identify as an example of assault?
The laboratory technician restrains the arm of a client refusing to have blood drawn so that the specimen can be obtained.
The primary health care provider tells a client that the nurse "does not know anything.”
The nurse restrains a client at bedtime because the client gets up during the night and wanders around.
The nurse tells a client that he will be tied down if he tries to get up from the chair.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
This situation represents an example of assault. Assault is the threat of bodily harm or unwanted physical contact, which creates an apprehension of fear in the victim. In this case, the laboratory technician's actions of restraining the client's arm against their will for blood drawing without consent is a form of assault as it involves an intentional act causing fear of harm.
Choice B rationale:
While telling a client that the nurse "does not know anything" is unprofessional and disrespectful, it doesn't constitute assault. This scenario is more related to issues of communication and respect rather than a direct threat of physical harm.
Choice C rationale:
Restraining a client at bedtime to prevent wandering is not assault. This scenario might involve ethical considerations and the appropriate use of restraints, but it doesn't meet the legal definition of assault, which involves a threat of physical harm.
Choice D rationale:
Threatening to tie down a client if they try to get up from the chair is an example of assault. This action creates an apprehension of fear in the client by implying a physically harmful act. It's a direct threat that falls under the category of assault.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Enclosing the dressing in a single clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is not the appropriate method for disposing of a dressing saturated with blood and purulent drainage. Blood and purulent drainage are considered potentially infectious materials, and they should be handled as biohazardous waste to prevent the spread of infection.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice. When dealing with potentially infectious materials such as blood and purulent drainage, it's essential to dispose of them in a biohazardous waste container. This specialized container is designed to contain potentially infectious materials and prevent their spread, thereby protecting both healthcare workers and the environment.
Choice C rationale:
Discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle is not the recommended approach for disposing of materials that are contaminated with blood and purulent drainage. Simply discarding it in the regular trash increases the risk of infection transmission and is not compliant with proper infection control practices.
Choice D rationale:
Double-bagging the dressing in clear bags and labeling it "biohazard" is a good practice to ensure proper containment. However, it's not the most comprehensive method of disposal. Placing the dressing in a dedicated biohazardous waste container is a more secure and standardized method for disposing of potentially infectious materials.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Autonomy refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions about their medical care. While autonomy is an important ethical principle, it is not directly related to the situation described. The nurse providing oxygen therapy to the patient without the patient's consent is not an example of respecting autonomy.
Choice B rationale:
Beneficence is the correct choice. Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing what is best for the patient's well-being. In this situation, providing oxygen therapy to a patient experiencing difficulty in breathing aligns with the principle of beneficence. Oxygen therapy aims to improve the patient's oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale:
Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication. While honesty is important, it is not the primary ethical principle at play in this situation. Providing oxygen therapy to improve the patient's condition is more aligned with beneficence.
Choice D rationale:
Fidelity refers to the duty to be faithful and keep promises. While fidelity is important in maintaining trust between healthcare providers and patients, it is not the primary principle relevant here. The priority is to address the patient's immediate health needs through appropriate interventions like oxygen therapy.
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