Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

2-General Principles Exam 3 > Medical Legal > Flashcards

Medical Legal Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two types of law that pertain to anesthesia?

A

Criminal and Civil or Tort

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define criminal law.

A

Protect society from harm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the ciminal CRNA concerns?

A
  • Fraudulent insurance claims
  • Misuse of controlled substances
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Medication errors are what type of law?

A

Criminally negligent homicide nd gross neglect of an impaired adult

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define civil or tort.

A

A civil wrong in which a party is injured dur to the failure of another part to carry out their duties to the injuried party

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the different types of civil or tort?

A

Intentional or Unintentional

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are intentional civil or tort classified as?

A
  • Assault
  • Battery
  • False imprisonment
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define assault.

A

A threat of bodily harm coupled with an apparent, present ability to cause the harm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Define battery

A

Unlawful touching of another person

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is a type of false imprisonment unique to anesthesia?

A

can be chemically done

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is unintetional civil or tort?

A

Malpractice

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Define malpractice

A

professional misconduct

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the characteristics of standard of proof with civil or tort?

A

Preponderance of evidence

  • Does enough evidence exist to assume negligence occurred?
  • Does not require proof beyond a reasonable doubt
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is a preponderance of evidence classified as with civil or tort?

A

51% is only needed to be sure that it happened and you caused it

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is scope of practice?

A

The basic licensure that allows a nurse to practice in anesthesia is a
registered nursing license

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What do some states require for APRN?

A

Some states require additional certification

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the requirements of scope of practice from states?

A

These requirements and titles vary from state to state

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are components of scope of practice?

A
  • Standards of Care
  • SBON Nurse Practice Act
  • Anesthesia Department or Group
  • Malpractice Policy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the components of standards of care?

A
  • AANA Standards of Care
  • AANA Office Based
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the characteristics of SBON Nurse Practice Act?

A

APRN requirements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What should be reviewed within Anesthesia Department or Group?

A

Policy and Procedure Manual

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

An anesthesia provider should always plan to be __________ for
their conduct and judgements of all their patient’s care.

A

held accountable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

__________ varies from state to state.

A

Accountability

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Who is involved in determining lines of responsibility?

A

The hospital is generally responsible for the conduct of everyone performing within its walls and the surgeon was responsible for all events occurring in the operating roo

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is vicarious liability?

A

Concept dates back to ancient times

Respondeat Superior: Let the master answer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What are the basic rules stated for directly liability?

A

An employer is directly liable for the negligent conduct of an employee
when the wrongdoer is acting within the scope of their employment at the time the negligence occurred.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are the basic rules for indirect liability?

A

This indirect responsibility for an employee’s negligence does NOT excuse
the individual provider

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What are the current trends regarding liability?

A

More recent trends consider the technical knowledge required of
each individual involved in the case:

  • Surgeon
  • Anesthesia
  • Nurses
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What are the more realistica specific obligations for liability?

A

Each healthcare provider is generally held accountable for their area of
responsibility

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What is the professional standards of care?

A

The trend regarding the standard of care is to apply a state or
nationwide standard to all health professionals of a given
discipline and compare a defendant charged with professional
malpractice with reasonably competent peers acting under the
same or similar conditions without regard to geographical
limitations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Why is professional standards of care applied legally?

A

Courts and legislators are applying this standard because of standardization in
education, training, and advances in communication.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What organization regulates CRNA standards of care?

A

AANA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the intentions of the AANA standards of care?

A
  1. Assist the profession in evaluating the quality of care provided by it practitioners
  2. Provide a common base for practitioners to use in their development of a quality practice
  3. Assist the public in understanding what to expect from the practitioner
  4. Support and preserve the basic rights of the patient
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

How many standards of care are outlined by the AANA?

A

14

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is AANA Standard I?

A

Patient’s Rights

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Define AANA Standard I: patient rights.

A

Interpretation: Respect the patient’s autonomy, dignity, and privacy, and support the patient’s needs and safety

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Review the code of ethics for the crna.

A

AANA Standard I: patient rights.

Code of Ethics for the CRNA: https://www.aana.com/docs/default-
source/practice-aana-com-web-documents-(all)/professional-practice- manual/code-of-ethics-for-the-crna.pdf?sfvrsn=d70049b1_8

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is the AANA Standard II?

A

Preanesthesia Patient Assessment and Evaluation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Define the components of AANA Standard II: Preanesthesia Patient Assessment and Evaluation.

A
  • Perform and document or verify documentation of a preanesthesia evaluation of the patient’s general health, allergies, medication history, preexisting conditions, anesthesia history, and any relevant diagnostic tests.
  • Perform and document or verify documentation of an anesthesiafocused physical assessment to form the anesthesia plan of care.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Review documenting important documents for AANA Standard II: Preanesthesia Patient Assessment and Evaluation.

A

AANA Standard II: Preanesthesia Patient Assessment and Evaluation.

Documenting Anesthesia Care: https://www.aana.com/docs/default-
source/practice-aana-com-web-documents-(all)/professional-practice- manual/documenting-anesthesia-care.pdf?sfvrsn=ac0049b1_8

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What is AANA Standard III?

A

Plan for Anesthesia Care

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What is the definition of AANA Standard III: Plan for Anesthesia Care?

A
  • After the patient has had the opportunity to consider anesthesia care options and address his or her concerns, formulate a patient-specific plan for anesthesia care.
  • When indicated, the anesthesia care plan can be formulated with members of the healthcare team and the patient’s legal representative (e.g., healthcare proxy, surrogate).
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What are the important documents pertaining to AANA Standard III: Plan for Anesthesia Care?

A
  • Documenting Anesthesia Care, Practice and Policy Considerations
  • Informed Consent for Anesthesia Care, Policy and Practice Considerations:

https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-com-web- documents-(all)/professional-practice-manual/informed-consent-for- anesthesia-care.pdf?sfvrsn=8a0049b1_8

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What is the AANA Standard IV?

A

Informed Consent for Anesthesia Care and Related Services

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard IV: Informed Consent for Anesthesia Care and Related Services?

A

Obtain and document or verify documentation that the patient or legal representative (e.g., healthcare proxy, surrogate) has given informed consent for planned anesthesia care or related services in accordance with law, accreditation standards, and institutional policy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What are the important documents for AANA Standard IV: Informed Consent for Anesthesia Care and Related Services?

A
  • Code of Ethics for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
  • Informed Consent for Anesthesia Care, Policy and Practice Considerations,
  • Reconsideration of Advanced Directives, Practice Guidelines and Policy Considerations: https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-com- web-documents-(all)/professional-practice-manual/reconsideration-of-advanced- directives.pdf?sfvrsn=550049b1_10
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What is the AANA Standard V?

A

Documentation

48
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard V: Documentation?

A

Communicate anesthesia care data and activities through legible, timely, accurate, and complete documentation in the patient’s healthcare record

49
Q

What are important documents for the AANA Standard V: Documentation?

A

Documenting Anesthesia Care, Practice and Policy Considerations

50
Q

What is AANA Standard: VI?

51
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard VI: Equipment?

A
  • Adhere to manufacturer’s operating instructions and other safety precautions to complete a daily anesthesia equipment check.
  • Verify function of anesthesia equipment prior to each anesthetic.
  • Operate equipment to minimize the risk of fire, explosion, electrical shock, and equipment malfunction.
52
Q

What is the documentation for AANA Standard VI: Equipment?

A

Documenting Anesthesia Care, Practice and Policy Considerations

53
Q

What is AANA Standard VII?

A

Anesthesia Plan Implementation and Management

54
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard VII:Anesthesia Plan Implementation and Management?

A
  • Implement and, if needed, modify the anesthesia plan of care by continuously assessing the patient’s response to the anesthetic and surgical or procedural intervention.
  • The CRNA provides anesthesia care until the responsibility has been accepted by another anesthesia professional.
55
Q

What is the documentation for AANA Standard VII:Anesthesia Plan Implementation and Management?

A

Documenting Anesthesia Care, Practice and Policy Considerations

56
Q

What is AANA Standard VIII?

A

Patient Positioning

57
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard VIII: Patient positioning?

A

Collaborate with the surgical or procedure team to position, assess, and monitor proper body alignment. Use protective measures to maintain perfusion and protect pressure points and nerve plexus.

58
Q

What is AANA Standard IX?

A

Monitoring, Alarms

59
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard IX: Monitoring, Alarms?

A
  • Monitor, evaluate, and document the patient’s physiologic condition as appropriate for the procedure and anesthetic technique.
  • When a physiological monitoring device is used, variable pitch and threshold alarms are turned on and audible.
  • Document blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration at least every five minutes for all anesthetics.
60
Q

What are the components of AANA Standard IX: Monitoring, Alarms?

A
  • Oxygenation
  • Ventilation
  • Cardiovascular
  • Thermoregulation
  • Neuromuscular
61
Q

AANA Standard IX: Define oxygenation

A
  • Continuously monitor oxygenation by clinical observation and pulse oximetry.
  • The surgical or procedure team communicates and collaborates to mitigate the risk of fire
62
Q

AANA Standard IX: Define ventilation

A
  • Continuously monitor ventilation by clinical observation and confirmation of continuous expired carbon dioxide during moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia.
  • Verify intubation of the trachea or placement of other artificial airway device by auscultation, chest excursion, and confirmation of expired carbon dioxide.
  • Use ventilatory monitors as indicated
63
Q

AANA Standard IX: Define cardiovascular

A
  • Monitor and evaluate circulation to maintain patient’s hemodynamic status.
  • Continuously monitor heart rate and cardiovascular status. Use invasive monitoring as appropriate
64
Q

AANA Standard IX: Define thermoregulation

A
  • When clinically significant changes in body temperature are intended, anticipated, or suspected, monitor body temperature.
  • Use active measures to facilitate normothermia.
  • When malignant hyperthermia (MH) triggering agents are used, monitor temperature and recognize signs and symptoms to immediately initiate appropriate treatment and management of MH
65
Q

AANA Standard IX: Define neuromuscular

A

When neuromuscular blocking agents are administered, monitor neuromuscular response to assess depth of blockade and degree of recovery.

66
Q

What is the AANA information of mh?

A

Malignant Hyperthermia Crisis Preparedness and Treatment, Position Statement

https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-
com-web-documents-(all)/professional-practice-manual/malignant-hyperthermia-crisis-preparedness-and-treatment.pdf?sfvrsn=630049b1_10

67
Q

What is AANA Standard X?

A

Infection Control and Prevention

68
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard X: Infection Control and Prevention?

A

Verify and adhere to infection control policies and procedures as established within the practice setting to minimize the risk of infection to patients, the CRNA, and other healthcare providers

69
Q

What are the documentation of AANA Standard X: Infection Control and Prevention?

A
  • Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for Anesthesia Care:https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-com-web- documents-(all)/professional-practice-manual/safe-injection-guidelines-for- needle-and-syringe-use.pdf?sfvrsn=5f0049b1_8
  • Safe Injection Guidelines for Needle and Syringe Use:https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-com-web- documents-(all)/professional-practice-manual/infection-prevention-and- control-guidelines-for-anesthesia-care.pdf?sfvrsn=850049b1_6
70
Q

What is AANA Standard XI?

A

Transfer of Care

71
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard XI: Transfer of Care?

A
  • Evaluate the patient’s status and determine when it is appropriate to transfer the responsibility of care to another qualified healthcare provider.
  • Communicate the patient’s condition and essential information for continuity of care.
72
Q

What are the documents for AANA Standard XI: Transfer of Care?

A

Patient-Centered Perianesthesia Communication, Practice Considerations

https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-com-web- documents-(all)/professional-practice-manual/patient-centered- perianesthesia-communication.pdf?sfvrsn=7a0049b1_6

73
Q

What is AANA Standard XII?

A

Quality Improvement Process

74
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard XII??

A

Participate in the ongoing review and evaluation of anesthesia care to assess quality and appropriateness to improve outcomes.

75
Q

What is the AANA Standard XlII?

76
Q

What is the interpretation of Standard XlII: Wellness?

A

Is physically and mentally able to perform duties of the role

77
Q

What is the documents reviews for AANA Standard XlII: Wellness?

A
  • Professional Attributes of the Nurse Anesthetist, Practice Considerations
  • Patient Safety: Fatigue, Sleep, and Work Schedule Effects, Practice and Policy Considerations
  • Promoting a Culture of Safety and Healthy Work Environment, Practice Considerations
  • Addressing Substance Use Disorder for Anesthesia Professionals, Position Statement and Policy Considerations
78
Q

What is the AANA Standard XlV?

A

A Culture of Safety

79
Q

What is the interpretation of AANA Standard XlV?

A

Foster a collaborative and cooperative patient care environment through interdisciplinary engagement, open communication, a culture of safety, and supportive leadership.

80
Q

What is the documents of Standard XlV: A Culture of Safety?

A
  • Code of Ethics for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
  • Professional Attributes of the Nurse Anesthetist, Practice Considerations
  • Patient-Centered Perianesthesia Communication, Practice Considerations.
81
Q

What are the components of malpractice?

A
  • Duty
  • Breach
  • Causation
  • Damages
82
Q

Define the components of duty.

A 
The plaintiff (party that is suing) must establish that a duty flows from the
defendant (person being sued) to the plaintiff.
83
Q

Define the components of breach.

A
  • The plaintiff must prove that a breach of the appropriate standard of care has
    occurred.
  • The most common method of establishing this element of breach is through
    expert testimony.
84
Q

Define the components of Causation.

A
  • The plaintiff must introduce information that affords the jury a reason tovconclude that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s conduct caused or contributed to the cause of injury
85
Q

Define the components of damages.

A

The nature and the extent of injury

86
Q

When is the components of duty established?

A

Provider patient relationship

  • Preoperative interview
  • Holding area
  • Consent signing
87
Q

What are the different types of consent?

A
  • Written
  • Implied
  • Verbal
88
Q

Define verbal consent.

A
  • As valid as written consent
  • Harder to prove
89
Q

Define implied consent.

A
  • Patient is unconscious or unable, for any reason, to give consent
  • Presumed that any reasonable and prudent patient would give consent
90
Q

What are the types of breach of duty?

A
  • Error of Commission
  • Error of Omission
91
Q

Define error of commission.

A

Error in performance of an act during the administration of anesthesia

92
Q

Define error of omission.

A

Failure to perform an act that should have been performed

93
Q

CRNA must act as a reasonably _______ would in
similar circumstances

A

prudent nurse anesthetist

94
Q

Standards are the _____ for the entire country

95
Q

What can be used to establish standards?

A

Expert testimony is used to establish ‘standard of care’

96
Q

What are standards not based on?

A

Not community-based standards

97
Q

What should the CRNA look at when it is concerned?

A
  • Knowledge of AANA Scope of Practice
  • AANA Standards of Care
  • Hospital policy and procedure
  • State Board of Nursing
98
Q

What are examples of state boards of nursing?

A
  • Boards
  • Office practice
  • Non-physician presence
99
Q

What is the definition of causation?

A

Plaintiff (patient) must prove that the damages were caused by the
defendant (provider)

100
Q

What are the common tests for causation?

A
  • but for’ test
  • ‘substantial factor’ test
101
Q

Define the ‘but for’ test.

A

• If the injury would not have occurred but for the action of the anesthesia provider then proximate cause is established

102
Q

Define ‘substantial factor’ test.

A

if the act of the anesthesia provider was substantial factor in the injury despite other causes the proximate cause is established

103
Q

What is Causation: Res Ipsa Loquitor?

A

Res Ipsa Loquitor

• The act speaks for itself

104
Q

What does res ipsa loquitor requires that the injury?

A
  • Is of a kind that typically would not occur in the absence of negligence
  • Must be caused by something under the anesthesia provider’s exclusive control
  • Must not be attributable to any contribution on the part of the patient
105
Q

What are the different kinds of damages?

A

Plaintiff must prove the negligent activities caused actual harm or
damage:

  • Financial
  • Physical
  • Emotional
106
Q

What are special damages?

A

Those damages that are the actual result of an injury

  • Past and future loss of income
  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral expenses
107
Q

What are general damages?

A
  • Pain and suffering that are a direct result of injury
  • Some states limit the amount of award
108
Q

What are punitive damages?

A
  • Awarded for courts to punish defendants for outrageous conduct
  • Rare in medical malpractice cases
109
Q

What is the statute of limitations for malpractice?

A

Most states = 2 years

110
Q

What is the theory behind statue of limitations?

A

As time goes on it becomes more difficult to gather evidence for a medical malpractice
case

111
Q

What is the special circumstances of malpractice?

A

Fraud or concealment of injury

  • Negates statute of limitations because of ‘unclean hands’
  • Infants and children statute begins on their 18 th birthday
112
Q

What is contributory negligence?

A
  • Many states have replaced contributory negligence (total bar) with a theory of comparative negligence:
113
Q

Contributory negligence: The damage is reduced by the _______ of the plaintiff’s negligence

114
Q

What is the Good Samaritan Statute?

A

Most states protect providers who provide emergency aid

115
Q

What needs to be aware of the Good Samaritan Statute?

A

As long as provider renders care in good faith, there is no liability unless gross
negligence occurred

116
Q

The defendant can be responsible for the medical negligence only if the negligent act caused _______

A

injury or harm.

2-General Principles Exam 3 (11 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions