Ch.3 Common Legal Terminology

Question 1

Abandonment of Patient

Answer 1

To leave a patient in your charge without appropriate nursing replacement; Wrongful termination of care; To desert and or forsake a patient

Question 2

Advance Directive

Answer 2

A written Statement indicating a patient’s wishes regarding future medical care in the event the patient becomes unable to voices their decisions; may give consent for certain aspects of care as well as refusal of specific care

Question 3

Appeal

Answer 3

To challenge the decision of a court to a higher court, where the decision will be either confirmed or revised

Question 4

Assault

Answer 4

To purposely threaten physical harm to an individual

Question 5

Battery

Answer 5

Intentional or wrongful physical acts of contact without consent that causes injury

Question 6

Malpractice

Answer 6

A nurse’s actions fail to meet the standard of care and result in patient injury; Injury, loss, or damage to a patient because of failure to provide a reasonable standard of care or demonstrate a reasonable level of skill.

Question 7

Negligence

Answer 7

Patient injury resulting from a nurse’s failure to meet a responsibility to the patient

Question 8

Controlled Substance

Answer 8

Drugs regulated by laws; drugs that have the potential for abuse, such as narcotics

Question 9

Statute

Answer 9

A written Law

Question 10

Tort

Answer 10

A violation of civil law; involves a wrong against an individual or their property

Question 11

Libel

Answer 11

False written statements about another that are made public with the intent to harm

Question 12

Advocate

Answer 12

To stand up for the Patient’s best interest

Question 13

Competency

Answer 13

The legal qualification to make one’s own decision;