A nurse practitioner makes a medical error in which she administers gentamycin intravenously in her clinic without checking any lab work. As a result, her patient loses hearing. Why is this considered a civil case rather than a criminal case?
Nursing boards have too much power.
The NP hired a very good attorney.
Although the NP's act was voluntary, she did not have evil intent.
The patient dropped the criminal charges.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: The power of nursing boards is unrelated to the classification of a case as civil or criminal. Boards regulate licensure and professional conduct but do not determine legal case types.
Choice B reason: Hiring a good attorney may influence the outcome of a case but does not determine whether it is civil or criminal. The nature of the act and intent are the key factors.
Choice C reason: Civil cases typically involve negligence or malpractice where harm results from a lack of due care, not criminal intent. Since the NP did not act with malice or intent to harm, the case is classified as civil, focusing on compensation rather than punishment.
Choice D reason: Criminal charges are filed by the state, not the patient. A patient cannot “drop” criminal charges. The classification depends on the nature of the act, not the victim’s decision.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), but it does not cover outpatient prescription drugs.
Choice B reason: Medicare Advantage (Part C) may include drug coverage, but it varies by plan. It is not the designated part of Medicare for prescription drug coverage.
Choice C reason: Medigap is supplemental insurance that helps cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare. It does not include prescription drug coverage.
Choice D reason: Medicare Part D is specifically designed to cover outpatient prescription drugs. It is the correct answer for identifying the part of Medicare that pays for medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: An ethical dilemma occurs when two or more ethical principles are in direct opposition, and choosing one compromises the other. In this case, the PMHNP is not facing two competing ethical principles but rather a conflict between her values and the family's request.
Choice B reason: Ethical conflict arises when a healthcare provider’s personal or professional values clash with external pressures or requests, such as those from family members. Here, the PMHNP’s commitment to honesty and patient autonomy is in conflict with the family's desire to withhold information, making this a clear ethical conflict.
Choice C reason: Moral relativism is a philosophical stance that suggests moral judgments are based on cultural, societal, or personal perspectives, and no universal standard exists. While the family's reasoning may reflect moral relativism, the situation itself is not an example of this concept.
Choice D reason: Virtue signaling refers to expressing moral values primarily to gain approval or social status, often without genuine commitment. The PMHNP’s concern is rooted in professional ethics, not performative morality, so this term does not apply.
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