Legal and ethical aspects of nursing Flashcards
A primary care provider’s orders indicate that a surgical consent form needs to be signed. Since the nurse was not present when the primary care provider discussed the surgical procedure, what statement best illustrates the nurse fulfilling the client advocate role?
“What were you told about the procedure you are going to have?”; the nurse is assessing the clients level of knowledge following the discussion with the pcp. Based on this assessment, the nurse may initiate other actions.
A client refuses a procedure, the nurse insists and inserts a NGT in the right nostril. The nurse committed what?
Battery- the willful touching of a person w/o permission. the nurse intentionally executed an act willingly against the clients wishes and could be pursued as a crime.
A primary care provider prescribes one tablet, but the nurse accidently administers two. After notifying the pcp, the nurse monitors the client carefully for untoward effects of which there are none. Is the client likely to be successful in suing the nurse for malpractice?
No, the client was not harmed;
A nursing student is employed and working as an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on a busy surgical unit. The nurse knows that the UAP is enrolled in a nursing program and will be graduating soon. A nurse asks the UAP if he has performed a urinary catheterization on clients while in the nursing program. When the UAP says “yes,” the nurse asks him to help her out by doing a urinary catheterization on a postsurgical client. What is the best response by the UAP?
“I can’t do it. Is there something else I can help you with?” its outside the scope of practice for the UAP
The nurse’s partner/spouse undergoes exploratory surgery at the hospital where the nurse is employed. What practice would be most appropriate?
Access to the chart requires a signed release form from the client. The only person entitled to information w/o written consent is the client and those providing direct care.
An ethical issue arises involving the nurse’s assigned client. One of the most important nursing responsibilities in managing this client care situation would be what?
Be able to defend the morality of one’s own action.
Which of the following situations most clearly demonstrates that the nurse is violating the underlying principles associated with professional nursing ethics?
When asked about the purpose of a medication, a nurse colleague responds, “Oh, I never look them up. I just give what is prescribed.”; the nurse has an ethical responsibility to act only when actions are safe or risks minimized.
Following a motor vehicle accident, the parents refuse to permit w/drawl of life support from the child who has no apparent brain function. Although the nurse believes the child should be allowed to die and organ donation should be considered, the nurse supports their decision. Which moral principle provides the basis for the nurse’s action?
Respect for autonomy; the client’s right to make his or her own decision.
What would be most helpful when a nurse is assisting clients in clarifying their value?
“Some people might have made a different decision. What led you to make your decision?”; in value clarification clients are assisted to think about the factors that influence their beliefs and decisions.
After recovering from her hip replacement, an older adult client wants to go home. The family wants the client to go to a nursing home. If the nurse were acting as a client advocate, what should the nurse do?
Help the client and family communicate their view to each other.
