Legal dimensions Of Nursing Practice

Question 1

Know what to do in a ethical dilemma

Answer 1

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. 

Question 2

BenefiCence

Answer 2

To do good to others, and know the difference between the benefits and harm

Question 3

Paternalism

Answer 3

Healthcare provider decides what is best for the client and encourages client to act against their own choices

Question 4

Veracity

Answer 4

Tell the truth, and always communicate truthfully

Question 5

Floating in the clinical setting

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Assault to a patient is ?

Answer 6

Assault to a client is a threat, or instilling fear into a client to do something they don’t want to do

Question 7

Battery to a patient?

Answer 7

Intentional touching of a client without their consent

Question 8

False imprisonment

Answer 8

When refraining a patient from leaving a healthcare facility or using restraints on a client when not necessary

Question 9

AMA Against medical advice

Answer 9

AMAs must be signed by a patient if they are refusing medical care

Question 10

Defamation of a person, but in writing on legal documents or chart records?

Answer 10

Libel

Question 11

Verbal defamation of a person

Answer 11

Slander

Question 12

What policy did the joint commission put in place?

Answer 12

They developed policy statement on the rights of mentally ill individuals

Question 13

What to do if a patient is unable to sign a consent form

Answer 13

It can be signed with the next of Kin over the phone with a second nurse present as a witness

Question 14

How to get an informed consent from a mentally or emotionally and competent person

Answer 14

By the next of kin, appointed, guardian or durable, power of attorney for healthcare, has legal authority to give consent

Question 15

When can you wave informed consent?

Answer 15

Only for urgent medical or surgical intervention to preserve life as long as Institutional policy allows

Question 16

What kind of patients are considered mentally or emotionally incompetent?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Steps to take when a client no longer wants to proceed with surgery or medication

Answer 17

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

Question 18

In what cases do you not need to require a consent from parent or guardian of a minor?

Answer 18

In emergency situations or substance abuse, treatment of STD, HIV, AIDS, birth control, pregnancy or psychiatric treatment

Question 19

What occurrences need to be reported

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Know what to do in a occurrence report

Answer 20

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

Question 21

How to safeguard a clients valuables

Answer 21

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