Ch. 10, 11 (Legal & Ethical Concerns, Elder Abuse) Flashcards
(15 cards)
What allows competent individuals to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incompentent?
durable power of attorney
What are situations that may increase the risk of legal liability in gerontological nursing?
- working with insufficient resources
- not following agency policies & procedures/bending rules
- taking shortcuts
- working when physically/emotionally exhausted
True or False?:
Increased responsibilities accompanied by increased risk of malpractice.
True
When is consent obtained?
prior to any medical/surgical procedures
Who can request a DNR?
competent patients
Can nurses order a DNR order at a hospital?
no, only providers can
Does mental competency affect legal consent?
yes! mental incompetent pts are unable to give legal consent
Are nurses responsible for supervising other staff?
yes
What medical order expresses patient desires for terminal care and life-sustaining measures?
advance directives
Can a pt be discharged if their a suspisicion of abuse?
no
What is the number one complication for reporting a caregiver for financial abuse?
caregiver may leave pt, pt can end up in a poorly funded nursing home
What are the measures to help nurses make ethical decisions?
- Encourage pt to express their wishes
- Identify significant others who impact/are impacted
- Know yourself
- Form an ethics committee
- Consult experts
- Share
- Understand each case is individualized
What do we do if we suspect elder abuse?
Nurses have a legal responsibility to report abuse
Who may sign consent when a patient is incapacitated?
- legal representative (durable power of attorney)
- medical orders (DNR/DNT/DNI)
How is mental competence determined for consent?
Having the cognitive capacity to understand consequences of decisions
