Legal dimensions Of Nursing Practice Flashcards
(21 cards)
Know what to do in a ethical dilemma
Ethical dilemma is conflict between two or more people. There’s not going to be a correct decision. However, the nurses will have to make a choice that may be equally unsatisfactory. The nurse should implement ethical reasoning, which is the process of thinking through what should be done in a systematic approach to provide justification. Determine if ethical dilemma exist, examined ones on value, verbalize the problem, consider possible courses of action, negotiate the outcome with a patient and others involved and evaluate the action taken. 
BenefiCence
To do good to others, and know the difference between the benefits and harm
Paternalism
Healthcare provider decides what is best for the client and encourages client to act against their own choices
Veracity
Tell the truth, and always communicate truthfully
Floating in the clinical setting
Floating is allowed. However, if a nurse lacks the knowledge for the assigned task, they must let inform a supervisor of the lack of experience in that area
Assault to a patient is ?
Assault to a client is a threat, or instilling fear into a client to do something they don’t want to do
Battery to a patient?
Intentional touching of a client without their consent
False imprisonment
When refraining a patient from leaving a healthcare facility or using restraints on a client when not necessary
AMA Against medical advice
AMAs must be signed by a patient if they are refusing medical care
Defamation of a person, but in writing on legal documents or chart records?
Libel
Verbal defamation of a person
Slander
What policy did the joint commission put in place?
They developed policy statement on the rights of mentally ill individuals
What to do if a patient is unable to sign a consent form
It can be signed with the next of Kin over the phone with a second nurse present as a witness
How to get an informed consent from a mentally or emotionally and competent person
By the next of kin, appointed, guardian or durable, power of attorney for healthcare, has legal authority to give consent
When can you wave informed consent?
Only for urgent medical or surgical intervention to preserve life as long as Institutional policy allows
What kind of patients are considered mentally or emotionally incompetent?
Declared incompetent
Unconscious
Under the influence of chemical agents, such as alcohol or drugs
Chronic dementia or other mental deficiency, that impairs thought process and ability to make decisions
Steps to take when a client no longer wants to proceed with surgery or medication
Talk to the client about the request
Explore with a client concerns about not wanting surgery or the medication
Withhold further surgical prep and or medication and contact the surgeon or provider about the request
Document the clients request and document that surgeon or provider was notified
In what cases do you not need to require a consent from parent or guardian of a minor?
In emergency situations or substance abuse, treatment of STD, HIV, AIDS, birth control, pregnancy or psychiatric treatment
What occurrences need to be reported
Accidental omission of prescribed therapies
Circumstances that led to injury, or anything that puts a patient at risk for an injury
Medication administration errors
Needlestick injuries
Procedure related or equipment related accidents
A visitor injury that occurred on the health care premises
A visitor who exhibit symptoms of a communicable disease
Any complaints made by client, family, healthcare provider, or other hospital department
Know what to do in a occurrence report
Do not place these in the patient’s records or make copies
Fill out the report, completely, accurately and factually
Follow documentation guidelines
Make no reference to the occurrence report form in the patient’s record
If an injury or error in patient care occurred, ensure to assess patient frequently
How to safeguard a clients valuables
Make sure to document location of patients valuables
Keep them locked in a designated location such as the agencies safe
Safeguarding valuables is sometimes necessary when patients request it per surgeries, swelling, etc 
