Nursing Negligence and Malpractice Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is negligence in nursing?

Failing to provide a reasonable standard of care that harms a patient (correct)

Providing a standard of care that is reasonable

Acting in accordance with patient wishes

Failing to make decisions on behalf of a patient

Which area of law addresses illegal actions by nurses?

Contract law

Civil law

Corporate law

Criminal law (correct)

What is the purpose of an advance directive?

To document a nurse's standards of care

To ensure a patient is compliant with treatment

To express future medical decision preferences when unable to decide (correct)

To provide a way to address patient confidentiality

What does consent refer to in a healthcare setting?

A patient's approval to undergo medical procedures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the doctrine of informed consent?

The obligation of healthcare providers to share sufficient information for patients to make informed decisions Signup and view all the answers

What does accountability mean in nursing?

Responsibility for actions and decisions, justifying them to others Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a situation where a nurse unlawfully shares a patient's medical information?

Invasion of privacy Signup and view all the answers

What is malpractice in the context of nursing?

Failing to provide the standard of care expected from a reasonably careful professional Signup and view all the answers

What must be established in a civil litigation lawsuit against a nurse?

That the nurse failed to meet the standard of care Signup and view all the answers

What does confidentiality in nursing primarily protect?

The patient's right to privacy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of informed consent?

Patient should understand the risks and benefits Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is most relevant when discussing a nurse's values in professional practice?

Accountability Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'verdict' in a legal context?

A decision made by a jury Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctrine of informed consent require from healthcare providers?

To disclose information for informed decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following constitutes an invasion of privacy in nursing?

Sharing a patient's information without consent Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected vital sign reading for pulse in a healthy adult?

60-100 bpm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Negligence and Malpractice

Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to meet a reasonable standard of care, potentially harming a patient.
Malpractice happens when a nurse doesn't meet the standard of care expected of a reasonably careful professional in similar circumstances.

Legal Aspects of Nursing

Criminal law: This area of law deals with illegal actions by nurses that could result in criminal charges.
Civil law: This governs the relationship between nurses and patients, outlining consequences for nurses' actions (e.g., personal injury).
Civil litigation: This involves lawsuits against nurses or healthcare facilities for patient injuries resulting from a breach of the standard of care.
Complaints: Patient following instructions (e.g., medication, diet)
Depositions: Question-and-answer sessions where a nurse is questioned about a patient's care in a lawsuit, often under oath.
Verdict: A decision made by a jury in a legal case.
Accountability: Responsibility for one's own actions and justifying those actions to others.
Decision made by a jury: This verdict is a decision.

Professional Standards

Standard of Care: Guidelines defining how a nurse should act, based on professional expectations and duties.
Doctrine of informed consent: Legal requirement for healthcare providers to provide patients enough information to make decisions about their care freely.
Consent: The process of a patient giving permission for a medical procedure or treatment.
Confidentiality: The practice of keeping a patient's personal health information private.
Medical information: Sharing medical information without consent is a violation of privacy.

Other Key Concepts

Euthanasia: The act of intentionally ending a patient's life, typically through the administration of a lethal drug.
Invasion of Privacy: A violation of a patient's right to confidentiality, which includes sharing medical information without consent.
Advance Directive: A written statement detailing how a person wants their medical decisions handled if they can't make them themselves.
Values: Essential core principles and beliefs guiding professional nursing practice (altruism, empathy, respect, accountability, etc).

Vital Signs

Blood Pressure: Typically 120/80 mmHg
Temperature: Normally 98.6°F
Pulse: Generally 60-100 beats per minute
Respiration: Usually 12-20 breaths per minute
Pulse Ox: Typically 95-100%

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Description

Test your knowledge on the legal aspects of nursing, focusing on negligence and malpractice. This quiz covers key concepts including the standards of care, criminal and civil law, and the processes involved in litigation against nurses. Perfect for nursing students and professionals looking to refresh their understanding of legal responsibilities.