Final Exam - Legal

Question 1

The primary purpose of law & legislation

Answer 1

Is to protect the patient and the nurse

Question 2

Laws that affect Patient care

Answer 2

1. Patient Self-determination Act (PSDA)
2. Good Samaritan Laws
3. HIPAA

Question 3

Patient Self Determination Act

Answer 3

• Required education of staff on pt issues concerning end of life issues
• Pts have the right to refuse care

Question 4

Good Samaritan Law

Answer 4

HCPs are protected from potential liability if they volunteer their nursing skills away from the workplace, provided that actions did not recklessly or intentionally cause injury or harm

• Limited to emergencies
• Provider has to remain with the client until another provider arrives to resume care
• Providers are not required to stop except for 3 states (Minnesota, Vermont, Louisiana)

Question 5

HIPAA

Answer 5

.

Question 6

Informed consent, patient giving consent must comprehend:

Answer 6

1. The procedure to be performed
2. Risks/expected outcomes
3. Expected complications or SE
4. Alternative treatments
5. Info provided by person performing procedure

Question 7

Consent (witnessing a signature) the nurse’s obligation is to:

Answer 7

1. Ensure the pt has been fully informed and understands
2. Ensure the correct pt signs the correct consent
3. Ensure the pt’s questions have been answered
4. Ensure pt is competent, A&O, no drugs (pre-op)

Question 8

Purpose of Advance directives

Answer 8

To communicate client’s wishes regarding end-of-life care should the client be incapacitated

Question 9

Types of advanced directives

Answer 9

Living will

Durable power of attorney

Question 10

Living will

Answer 10

Legal document that expresses the client’s wishes regarding medical tx in the event the client becomes incapacitated and is facing end-of-life issues

Nurses who follow health care directives are protected from liability.

A living will can be changed as long as the client is competent

Question 11

DPOA

Answer 11

A document that designates an individual who is authorized to make health care decisions for a client who is unable to do so

CANNOT REVISE A LIVING WILL

Question 12

Sources of Law

Answer 12

Constitution
Administrative laws (each state) - statutes
Kansas board of nursing

Question 13

What agency implements/enforces the State Nurse practice act

Answer 13

Kansas State Board of Nursing

Question 14

What defines the legal boundaries of nursing

Answer 14

Nurse practice act

-sets the standard for licensure