Legal Nursing or Whatever Flashcards
What is the Good Samaritan Act?
Often questions are asked regarding the Good Samaritan Act, which is the means of protecting a nurse when she or he is performing emergency care. Good Samaritan Act: Protects health practitioners against malpractice claims for care provided in emer- gency situations (e.g., the nurse gives aid at the scene to an automobile accident victim).
What is the nurse’s legal role for explaining surgical procedures and obtaining consent?
Often an NCLEX-RN® question asks who should explain a surgical procedure to the client. The answer is the health care provider. Remember that it is the nurse’s responsibility to be sure that the operative permit is signed and is on the chart. It is not the nurse’s responsibility to explain the procedure to the client.
What is the nurse’s liability in carrying out prescriptions?
If the nurse carries out a health care provider’s prescription for which he or she is not prepared and does not inform the health care provider of his or her lack of preparation, the nurse is solely liable for any damages. If the nurse informs the health care provider of his or her lack of preparation in carrying out a prescription and carries out the prescription anyway, the nurse and the health care provider are liable for any damages.
How does a nurse designate assignments for care?
Assignments are often tested on the NCLEX-RN.The Nurse Practice Acts of each state govern policies related to making assignments. Usually, when determining who should be assigned to do a sterile dressing change, for example, a licensed nurse should be chosen—that is, an RN or licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has been checked off on this procedure.
What is the legality of restraints?
Restraints of any kind may constitute false imprisonment.
Freedom from unlawful restraint is a basic human right and is protected by law. Clients may be restrained only under the following circumstances:
1. In an emergency
2. For a limited time
3. For the purpose of protecting the client from injury or from harm
