Which of the following actions can help nurses avoid being liable for negligence?(Select All that Apply.)
Developing a caring rapport with clients
Failing to notify the provider of a change in the client's condition
Following standards of care
Communicate effectively with other health team members
Fully documenting assessments, interventions, and evaluations
Failing to document care provided
Ignoring facility policies and procedures
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
A. Developing a caring rapport with clients is correct. Building a strong, trusting relationship with clients can help reduce the likelihood of miscommunication or misunderstandings, which could lead to negligence. A caring rapport promotes effective communication and patient satisfaction.
B. Failing to notify the provider of a change in the client's condition is incorrect. Failing to notify the provider when a client's condition changes is an example of negligence. Nurses must report any changes in the patient's condition promptly to prevent harm.
C. Following standards of care is correct. Adhering to established standards of care is essential to ensure that the nurse provides safe and competent care. Deviating from these standards can lead to negligence and potential liability.
D. Communicate effectively with other health team members is correct. Effective communication among healthcare team members helps ensure that everyone is informed about the patient's condition and care plan. Poor communication is a common cause of medical errors and negligence.
E. Fully documenting assessments, interventions, and evaluations is correct. Proper documentation is a legal record of the care provided. Thorough, accurate documentation helps protect nurses from liability and serves as evidence of care in the event of a legal dispute.
F. Failing to document care provided is incorrect. Failure to document the care provided is a form of negligence. Documentation is essential for patient safety and for providing a clear, detailed record of care, which protects both the nurse and the patient.
G. Ignoring facility policies and procedures is incorrect. Ignoring facility policies and procedures increases the risk of negligence and potential harm to patients. Policies and procedures are put in place to ensure the delivery of safe and effective care, and failure to follow them could lead to liability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer an oral potassium supplement is incorrect. Potassium imbalances can cause muscle weakness and cramps, but the client’s symptoms are more likely related to hypocalcemia rather than hypokalemia. Administering potassium without verifying the actual cause of the symptoms could be inappropriate.
B. Request prescription for a relaxant is incorrect. While muscle spasms can be painful, the first priority is to address the underlying cause of the spasms, which in this case is likely hypocalcemia. A muscle relaxant might not address the root cause and could delay appropriate treatment.
C. Check the pedal pulses is incorrect. While checking pedal pulses is important for assessing circulation, the client's symptoms of severe muscle spasms are more indicative of hypocalcemia rather than a circulation issue. The nurse's priority should be to address the electrolyte imbalance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Staffing practices are unrelated to nursing fatigue is incorrect. Research consistently shows that inadequate staffing contributes to nurse fatigue and burnout. When there are fewer nurses than needed, it can lead to longer shifts, more stress, and exhaustion, negatively affecting both nurse well-being and patient care.
B. Adequate staffing places little demand on the budgeting of nursing units is incorrect. While adequate staffing may require a higher initial budget, the long-term benefits (such as improved patient outcomes and nurse retention) can lead to cost savings. Inadequate staffing can result in more complications, longer hospital stays, and higher turnover rates, which can ultimately increase costs.
C. Adequate staffing helps to promote both patient and nurse satisfaction is correct. Current clinical research supports the idea that adequate staffing directly improves both patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction. When staffing levels are appropriate, nurses are less likely to experience burnout, and patients are more likely to receive safe, quality care, leading to higher satisfaction for both parties.
D. Staffing patterns do not affect hospital infection rate is incorrect. Staffing patterns are directly linked to patient safety and infection rates. Research shows that lower staffing levels can result in higher patient infection rates due to decreased nurse-patient interaction and the inability to provide timely interventions.
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