A psychiatric nurse is involved in the care of a client who attempted self-harm after a missed suicide risk assessment. The client's family is considering a malpractice lawsuit. Which of the following elements must the family prove to establish malpractice against the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
The nurse owed a duty of care to the client.
Voluntary Act
The act was willful
The nurse breached the standard of care expected of them
The client experienced harm
Correct Answer : A,D,E
Rationale:
A. To prove malpractice, it must be shown that a duty of care existed—meaning the nurse had a legal responsibility to provide care to the client.
B. A voluntary act is not a required legal element for malpractice; professional negligence can occur even without intentional acts.
C. Willful intent is not necessary for malpractice; it is based on negligence, not intent.
D. The family must show that the nurse breached the standard of care, meaning the nurse failed to act as a reasonable nurse would under similar circumstances.
E. There must be evidence that the client suffered harm as a direct result of the nurse’s breach in care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. To prove malpractice, it must be shown that a duty of care existed—meaning the nurse had a legal responsibility to provide care to the client.
B. A voluntary act is not a required legal element for malpractice; professional negligence can occur even without intentional acts.
C. Willful intent is not necessary for malpractice; it is based on negligence, not intent.
D. The family must show that the nurse breached the standard of care, meaning the nurse failed to act as a reasonable nurse would under similar circumstances.
E. There must be evidence that the client suffered harm as a direct result of the nurse’s breach in care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Reassurance alone does not address the underlying cause of the restlessness, which may be distressing and impair functioning.
B. Although this can be an expected side effect (akathisia), documenting without intervention neglects the client's discomfort.
C. Notifying the provider is important, but immediate symptom relief is the priority before adjusting long-term therapy.
D. The client is exhibiting signs of akathisia, a common extrapyramidal side effect of haloperidol. Diphenhydramine (an anticholinergic/antihistamine) can relieve symptoms promptly and should be administered as the first nursing action.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.