he newborn nursery is desperately short of staff. During the 14th hour on duty, the nurse makes a medication error. What is the nurse's legal responsibility?
The hospital accepts full responsibility for the negligent act.
No legal action can be brought against the nurse.
The nurse's legal responsibilities are met if an incident report is filed.
The nurse is held to the same standard of care as any nurse with her education and experience.
The Correct Answer is B
The hospital accepts full responsibility for the negligent act: While the hospital does have a shared responsibility for the safety of patients, individual healthcare professionals are accountable for their actions. Hospitals may face consequences as well, but individual practitioners are legally responsible for their own actions.
No legal action can be brought against the nurse: If a nurse makes a medication error, legal action can be taken. Healthcare professionals are accountable for their actions, and legal consequences can follow if negligence or malpractice occurs.
The nurse's legal responsibilities are met if an incident report is filed: Filing an incident report is an important step in addressing errors, but it does not absolve the nurse of legal responsibility. It is a tool used within healthcare institutions to improve patient safety and learn from mistakes, but it does not eliminate the legal consequences of an error.
The nurse is held to the same standard of care as any nurse with her education and experience: Nurses are held to a standard of care based on their education, experience, and the specific circumstances of the situation. If a nurse fails to meet this standard, they can be held legally responsible for their actions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Refuse to give the information over the phone:
This option respects the patient's confidentiality and is the best course of action. Sharing sensitive medical information over the phone without proper verification and consent is not appropriate.
B) Give a noncommittal response that "everything is normal" even though it is untrue:
Providing false information compromises the integrity of the healthcare professional and can lead to serious consequences if discovered. It's essential to be honest and accurate when sharing medical information.
C) Give the results as they are reported on the laboratory sheet because the insurance company is paying for the test anyway:
Sharing medical information without proper consent, especially over the phone, is a violation of patient privacy and confidentiality. Insurance payment does not negate the need for patient consent and confidentiality.
D) Tell the representative that the test results are not back yet:
If the results are not yet available, it is appropriate to inform the insurance representative truthfully. However, if the results are available, the nurse should not provide them without proper authorization.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Justice: Justice refers to the principle of fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatments. It involves treating individuals and groups fairly and equally, ensuring that everyone has access to the same healthcare services without discrimination.
Fidelity: Fidelity, also known as faithfulness or loyalty, is the ethical principle that relates to keeping promises and agreements. In the context of healthcare, fidelity means being faithful to the commitments made to patients, colleagues, and the profession. It involves being loyal to the trust that patients place in healthcare professionals.
Veracity: Veracity is the principle of truthfulness and honesty. It involves being truthful and transparent with patients, providing them with accurate and honest information about their condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes. Healthcare professionals should not deceive or withhold important information from patients.
Beneficence: Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good or promoting the well-being of patients. It involves taking actions that benefit patients and promote their welfare. Healthcare professionals have a moral obligation to act in the best interests of their patients and to provide interventions and treatments that are beneficial and minimize harm.
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