Chapter 4 Study Guide

Question 1
A client was given the wrong dose of medication and died. The case is being tried in court and similar cases
are used by the court in comparison to arrive at a decision. What doctrine is being applied here?
1. Common law
2. Public law
3. Administrative law
4. Stare decisis
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Common lawis a type of law enacted by different entities.
Rationale 2: Public law is a type of law enacted by different entities.
Rationale 3: Administrative law is a type of law enacted by different entities.
Rationale 4: Stare decisis, "to stand by things decided," is a doctrine courts adhere to when arriving at a
ruling in a particular case. The courts apply the same rules and principles applied in previous, similar
cases.
Question 2
The student nurse is studying the various applications of law to understand the regulations surrounding
nursing practice in the state. What is the type of law that implements and enforces the nurse practice act of
any given state?
1. Statutory law
2. Administrative law
3. Common law
4. Public law
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Statutory laws are laws enacted by any legislative body.
Rationale 2: Administrative agencies are given authority to create rules and regulations to enforce statutory
law when the state legislature passes a statute. State boards of nursing write rules and regulations to
implement and enforce a nurse practice act, which was created through statutory law but is enforced by
administrative law.
Rationale 3: Common law refers to laws evolved from court decisions.
Rationale 4: Public law refers to the body of law that deals with relationships between individuals and the
government and governmental agencies.
Question 3
The admitting nurse explains the process of signing forms to allow for the client's insurance company to be
billed for services. If the insurance fails to pay for services, the client is responsible for payment. This is an
example of which of the following?
1. Contract law
2. Tort law
3. Statutory law
4. Administrative law
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Contract law involves the enforcement of agreements among private individuals or the
payment of compensation for failure to fulfill the agreements. Signing a form prior to receipt of health care
services makes the client responsible for cost, regardless of insurance payment.

Rationale 2: Tort law defines and enforces duties and rights among private individuals that are not based
on contractual agreements.
Rationale 3: Statutory laws are laws enacted by any legislative body.
Rationale 4: Administrative laws give administrative agencies the authority to create rules and regulations
to enforce statutory laws.
Question 4
A nurse forgets to put the call light within the client's reach and then leaves the room. The client reaches for
it and falls out of bed. The nurse could be charged with which of the following?
1. Assault
2. Battery
3. Negligence
4. Criminal intent
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Assault is the threat to touch another person unjustifiably.
Rationale 2: Battery is the willful touching of a person that may cause harm.
Rationale 3: Negligence is an example of a tort law. Negligence occurs when something is accidental and
harm results, as in this case. Another example of negligence would be if surgical instruments or bandages
are accidentally left in a client during surgery.
Rationale 4: Criminal intent implies preplanned actions that are illegal.
Question 5
Before a case goes to court, the attorney will make an effort to understand and obtain all the facts
surrounding a situation-for example, other staff who were working with the client, anyone who might have
had access to the client's information, and the client's mental status and condition. This is referred to as
which of the following?
1. Burden of proof
2. Complaint
3. Discovery
4. Civil action
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Burden of proof falls to the plaintiff and is the duty to prove wrongdoing.
Rationale 2: Complaint is a document filed by a person (plaintiff) who claims that his or her legal rights
have been infringed on by one or more persons (defendants).
Rationale 3: Discovery is an effort by both parties to obtain all the facts of the situation. It occurs before
the trial.
Rationale 4: Civil action is a legal action that deals with the relationships among individuals in society.
Question 6
Before the nurse can apply for re-licensure, the state board of nursing requires a specific number of hours
of continuing education in nursing in-service or education. This practice best exemplifies which of the
following?
1. Licensure
2. Competency
3. Credentialing
4. Certification

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Licensure is the process of granting a legal permit to practice or engage in a profession, such
as nursing.
Rationale 2: Competency is a level of acceptable performance, and credentialing ensures this in licensure.
Certification is also part of credentialing. It validates that an individual has met minimum standards of
nursing competency in a specialty area.
Rationale 3: Credentialing is the process of determining and maintaining competence in general nursing
practice. It is one way to maintain the professional standards of practice and accountability for the
members' educational preparation.
Rationale 4: Certification validates that an individual has met minimum standards of nursing competency
in a specialty area.
Question 7
Which of the following entities must accredit or approve all nursing programs in its jurisdiction?
1. State board of nursing
2. NLNAC
3. CCNE
4. ANA
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: All states require that all schools of nursing in their state are approved/accredited by the state
board of nursing.
Rationale 2: Some but not all states require that programs be both state approved and accredited by a
national accrediting agency such as NLNAC.
Rationale 3: Some but not all states require that programs be both state approved and accredited by a
national accrediting agency such as CCNE.
Rationale 4: Voluntary accreditation is not required by all states and is a means of informing the public and
prospective students that the nursing program has met certain criteria. The ANA (American Nurses
Association) is nursing's professional organization.
Question 8
The nurse carries out a medication order, incorrectly written by the physician and subsequently filled by
the pharmacist. Who, in this situation, is legally liable for the action?
1. Physician
2. Pharmacist
3. Hospital
4. Nurse
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Even though the physician wrote the order incorrectly the primary responsibility in question is
the administration of the medication and so responsibility is not the physicians.
Rationale 2: Even though the pharmacist filled an incorrect order, the primary responsibility in question is
the administration of the medication and so responsibility is not the pharmacists.
Rationale 3: Assuming policies and procedures were written and accessible the hospital is not legally
responsible in this case.
Rationale 4: The responsibility for the nursing activity-in this case, giving the medication-belongs to the
nurse. Liability is legal responsibility for one's action. Even though the physician wrote the order

incorrectly and the pharmacist filled it, it was the nurse who carried it out, making that person ultimately
responsible for the action.
Question 9
The doctrine that holds the hospital responsible as well as the nurse in cases of professional malpractice is
which of the following?
1. Contractual relationship
2. Stare decisis
3. Respondeat superior
4. Res ipsa loquitur
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: A contractual relationship is not a doctrine; it is what the nurse and hospital, for example,
enter when the hospital hires the nurse as an employee.
Rationale 2: "To stand by things decided," or stare decisis, is the same thing as following precedent, or
applying the same rules to a situation as were applied in similar situations.
Rationale 3: "Let the master answer," or respondeat superior, means that the master (in this case the
hospital/employer) assumes responsibility for the conduct of the servant (the nurse) and can be held
responsible for the nurse's failure to act in a competent way.
Rationale 4: "The thing speaks for itself," or res ipsa loquitur, is a doctrine in cases where harm occurs but
cannot be traced to a specific health care provider or standard.
Question 10
A client is to undergo an invasive procedure by a physician. The client is questioning some of the
terminology in the consent form. Which of the following is the appropriate response by the nurse?
1. "Just sign the form, and I'll make sure your physician talks to you before he begins the procedure."
2. "I'll explain whatever you don't understand."
3. "You should have asked your physician when he was in here."
4. "I'll call your physician back in the room to answer your questions."
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: If the client has questions, he should not sign the form.These questions require the physicians
attention before the consent is aigned.
Rationale 2: If the client has questions, he should not sign the form, and it is not the nurse's responsibility
to answer the questions.
Rationale 3: Telling the client what he "should have" done is demeaning and not an appropriate
therapeutic response.
Rationale 4: Obtaining informed consent for specific medical treatment is the responsibility of the person
who is going to perform the procedure, in this case the physician. Informed consent suggests that the client
has been given complete information, including benefits, risks, and alternatives if the treatment is not
given. An element of informed consent is that the client must be given enough information to be the
ultimate decision maker. If not, it is the physician's responsibility to make sure the client's understanding is
clear. It is important that the person obtaining the consent (the physician in this case) answer the client's
questions.
Question 11
The client presents her hand when the nurse makes this statement: "I need to start an IV so you can get
your antibiotics." This is an example of which of the following?

1. Informed consent
2. Express consent
3. Implied consent
4. Compliance
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Informed consent is an agreement by a client to accept a course of treatment or a procedure
after being provided complete information, including the benefits and risks of treatment and generally
requires the clients signature (written consent)
Rationale 2: Express consent may be either an oral or written agreement. In this case, there were neither
spoken words nor a written consent form for the IV initiation.
Rationale 3: Implied consent exists when the individual's nonverbal behavior indicates agreement. In this
case, presenting the hand for IV initiation would be a nonverbal behavior indicating agreement with the
treatment.
Rationale 4: Compliance occurs when clients agree to follow the recommended treatment, usually by their
own actions as in taking prescribed medications or following a prescribed diet.
Question 12
An adult client who cannot read needs surgery and is competent to make his own decisions. The best action
of the nurse is to:
1. Tell the client in the nurse's own words what the surgical procedure involves.
2. Read the consent form to the client and have the client state understanding.
3. Make sure the physician explains the procedure to the client.
4. Have a family member who can read sign the consent form.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Telling the client in words other than what is on the consent form is not appropriate as some
meaning and information may be lost in the transfer.
Rationale 2: If a client cannot read, the consent form must be read to the client and the client must state
understanding before the form is signed.
Rationale 3: The physician should explain the procedure to the client, regardless of the client's literacy.
Rationale 4: Since the client is a competent adult, he must be the one giving consent. Illiteracy does not
make one incompetent.
Question 13
An elderly adult fell at home and fractured a hip, which requires surgical repair. After admittance to the
emergency department, the client was given sedation for pain before a surgical permit was signed. What is
the best action necessary to obtain consent?
1. The physician should have the client's wife sign the consent form.
2. The physician should wait until the effects of the medication wear off and have the client sign.
3. Since the client has been medicated, the nurse should thoroughly explain the consent form to the client.
4. This would be considered an emergency situation and consent would be implied.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: A client who is confused, disoriented, or sedated is not considered functionally competent and
a legal guardian or representative can provide or refuse consent for the client. In this case, since the client
was given medication that sedated him, the wife would be appropriate for giving consent for the surgical
procedure.

Rationale 2: Waiting until the effects of the medication wear off would not be in the best interest of the
client.
Rationale 3: Thorough explanation may or may not matter in this case since the client is considered
functionally incompetent. Besides, it is the physician's responsibility to obtain informed consent.
Rationale 4: Implied consent may be used in a medical emergency, but in this case, there is an appropriate
option available.
Question 14
A client is brought to the emergency department after being involved in a motor vehicle crash. Although the
client is conscious, her condition is critical and will require emergency surgery. The client does not speak
English. What is the best action of the staff?
1. Read the consent form and have the client sign it anyway.
2. Explain as best they can using pictures and gestures.
3. Have the hospital interpreter explain the procedure.
4. Proceed with surgery as implied consent would be the case in this situation.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Reading the consent form to someone who doesn't understand the words is pointless.
Rationale 2: There is a better option available than using pictures and gestures in the hope of explaining the
procedure.
Rationale 3: If the client does not speak the same language as the health professional who is providing the
information, an interpreter must be present.
Rationale 4: Implied consent indicates that the person understands what will be done.
Question 15
The nurse has delegated the task of obtaining vital signs on a new admission to a UAP (unlicensed assistive
personnel). The task is completed, but the vitals were not recorded accurately. Who is fully responsible for
this action?
1. The UAP
2. The nurse
3. Both the UAP and the nurse
4. The nurse manager on the unit
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: While taking vital signs was an appropriate task to delegate to the UAP, the responsibility of
the actionin this case, the inaction since the vitals were recorded inaccurately-is not fully assumed by the
UAP.
Rationale 2: While taking vital signs was an appropriate task to delegate to the UAP, the responsibility of
the action-in this case, the inaction since the vitals were recorded inaccurately-remains with the nurse.
Rationale 3: While taking vital signs was an appropriate task to delegate to the UAP, the full responsibility
of the action-in this case, the inaction since the vitals were recorded inaccurately-remains is not shared by
both the UAP and the nurse.
Rationale 4: Delegating this task was not the responsibility of the nurse manager and so the responsibility
of the action is not his/hers.
Question 16
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who was brought in by her adult child for vague,
flu-like symptoms. While helping the client to change into a gown, the nurse notices numerous bruises on

the client's back and arms. When questioned, the client is distracted and ambiguous with her answers. The
nurse should:
1. Report the situation to law enforcement.
2. Report the situation to social services.
3. Question the adult child who brought the client to the ED.
4. File a written report in the client's chart.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: In this case, social services should be notified. Law enforcement would be notified if the results
of social services' investigation warrant it.
Rationale 2: Nurses are considered mandated reporters. As a result, they must report any situation when
an injury is present and appears to be the result of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The situation described
may or may not be one of abuse or neglect, but the nurse is required to report it to the proper authorities.
In this case, social services should be notified.
Rationale 3: Questioning the client's adult child is appropriate, but the incident needs to be reported
regardless of the questioning.
Rationale 4: Documentation in the chart is also extremely important, but this would be part of the nurse's
notes, not a separate written report.
Question 17
A nurse who has been a longtime employee of a hospital, providing bedside care to clients, was seriously
injured and is paralyzed from the shoulders down, with limited use of the upper arms. Through
rehabilitation, the nurse is able to mobilize with a wheelchair and has no cognitive or psychological deficits.
The nurse wants to return to the same position held prior to the injury. Under the guidelines of the ADA,
the hospital:
1. Is required to accommodate the nurse.
2. Must find another job for the nurse.
3. Could claim undue hardship to accommodate this nurse.
4. Will have to terminate the nurse's employment.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: The acts provisions states that the disabled must be able to perform the responsibilities of the
job with reasonable accommodations. With limited use of upper arms, this nurse would not be able to
perform the tasks required of a nurse working at the bedside.
Rationale 2: With limited use of upper arms, this nurse would not be able to perform the tasks required of
a nurse working at the bedside. However, the hospital could help find another position that utilizes the
nurse's experience and desire to continue in the field of nursing, but this would have to be a collaborate
effort with the nurse and within a reasonable request regarding the hospitals needs and resources.
Rationale 3: According to the ADA, it is the employer's responsibility to provide reasonable
accommodations that would allow the person with a disability to perform the job satisfactorily. With
limited use of upper arms, this nurse would not be able to perform the tasks required of a nurse working at
the bedside.
Rationale 4: Terminating employment may or may not occur, but not until all other options have been
explored.
Question 18
A nurse on the unit notices that a co-worker exhibits a pattern of behavior suggestive of drug abuse. The
nurse should:
1. Report the situation to the unit charge nurse.

2. Send an anonymous letter to the director of nursing.

3. Let other co-workers know about the situation.
4. Report the situation, then let management take care of it.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: As a mandatory reporter, the nurse is required to report situations where co-workers are
suspected of impairment, which includes alcohol/drug abuse as well as mental illness. The nurse should
report the matter starting at the lowest possible level in the agency hierarchy. In this case, the charge nurse
would be appropriate.
Rationale 2: The nurse shouldtake responsibility for the report by being open about it, not making an
anonymous report to the higher level of management.
Rationale 3: The nurse should also obtain support from at least one other trustworthy person before filing
the report. This doesn't mean telling the whole unit, which could be detrimental to both the nurse reporting
the incident and the co-worker.
Rationale 4: After the report is made, the nurse should see the problem through, not assume that
management will take care of the situation.
Question 19
A nurse's co-worker makes a practice of telling offensive jokes or stories with a sexual undertone during
the shift. The initial action of the nurse is to:
1. Ignore the co-worker and walk away.
2. Report the incident to the nurse manager.
3. Tell the co-worker to stop the activity because the conduct is offensive.
4. Ask to be scheduled opposite this co-worker.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Ignoring the situation is not addressing the situation in an assertive manner.
Rationale 2: Reporting the incident to the nurse manager would be an appropriate second step if the
behavior doesn't stop after the nurse's approach.
Rationale 3: Nurses must develop skills of assertiveness to deter sexual harassment in the workplace.
Telling the co-worker to stop and why, is the first step in putting an end to the situation.
Rationale 4: Asking to be scheduled opposite this person is not addressing the situation in an assertive
manner.
Question 20
A nurse who is opposed to abortion works in a hospital where they are done. According to the Supreme
Court's conscience clause, the nurse:
1. Cannot interfere with a woman's constitutional right.
2. Should not be working in this particular hospital.
3. Can counsel women before they have an abortion.
4. Has the right to refuse to participate in abortions.
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The nurse cannot interfere with a woman's right to privacy includes control over her own
body to the extent that she can abort her fetus.
Rationale 2: The conscience clause states that nurses, as well as other health care personnel, have a right to
refuse to participate in abortions.
Rationale 3: Counseling a woman prior to an abortion would not be an appropriate action since the nurse
has chosen to work in a hospital where these procedures are done.

Rationale 4: In Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, the Supreme Court upheld that a woman's right to privacy
includes control over her own body to the extent that she can abort her fetus. Although the nurse cannot
interfere with this, the conscience clause states that nurses, as well as other health care personnel, have a
right to refuse to participate in abortions and hospitals have the right to deny admission to abortion clients.
Question 21
A nurse is being sued for malpractice. Which of the following specific elements must be present for the
nurse to lose the case? (Select all that apply.)
______ Negligence
______ Damages
______ Injury
______ Malpractice
______ Causation
______ Foreseeability
______ Breach of duty
______ Duty
Standard Text:
Correct Answer: Damages; Injury; Causation; Foreseeability; Breach of duty; Duty
Rationale : Six elements (those selected) must be present for a case of nursing malpractice to be proven.
Negligence is misconduct or practice that falls below acceptable or expected standards. Malpractice is
"professional negligence"-negligence that occurs while the person performs as a professional.
Question 22
A client woke in the middle of the night, confused and unaware of the surroundings. Although the call light
was within reach, the client got out of bed unassisted, tripped on the bedside chair, and fell. Which of the
following elements of malpractice is missing in this case?
1. Foreseeability
2. Damages
3. Injury
4. Duty
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Foreseeability is the link between the nurse's act and the injury suffered. The call light was
within reach, but the client did not use it and got out of bed unassisted. Nighttime confusion occurs with
some clients but unless the nurse had knowledge or awareness that this would happen, there was no link
between the nurse's action and the client's fall.
Rationale 2: Damages may well be present, but these probably are not due to any action or inaction on the
nurse's part.
Rationale 3: Injury may well be present, but these probably are not due to any action or inaction on the
nurse's part.
Rationale 4: Duty was addressed this case since the call light was within reach.
Question 23
A client is scheduled to have surgery, has signed the consent form, but refuses to have a Foley catheter
placed, saying "That's not part of the surgery." The nurse should:
1. Explain that this is part of the surgical prep and continue with the procedure.
2. Explain that the client has already signed the consent, and place the catheter.

3. Respect the client's wishes and document accordingly.

4. Offer to call the physician.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Battery exists when there is not consent, even if the client was not asked. In this case, the client
has the right to refuse other treatment surrounding pre- and post-op care.
Rationale 2: Battery exists when there is not consent, even if the client was not asked. In this case, the client
has the right to refuse other treatment surrounding pre- and post-op care.
Rationale 3: Consent is required before procedures are performed. Depending on the invasiveness of the
procedure, a written consent may be required. The client signed a consent form for surgery, and the refusal
for placement of a catheter should be respected. The nurse should document the incident and not continue
with the procedure.
Rationale 4: - Calling the physician is not inappropriate but there is an option that addresses the situation
appropriately.
Question 24
The nurse makes this entry in a client's medical record: "The client is a drug addict and is always asking
for more medication than what is necessary." In this situation, the nurse may be charged with which of the
following?
1. Defamation
2. Slander
3. Libel
4. Incompetence
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Defamation is verbal communication that is false or made with a careless disregard for the
truth and that result in injury to the reputation of a person.
Rationale 2: Slander is defamation by the spoken word.
Rationale 3: Libel is defamation of character by means of print, writing, or pictures. Putting a statement
such as this in the client's medical record is, first, making a diagnosis which the nurse is not qualified to do
and, second, making an assumption about the client's need for medication which is a personal attitude
about how the client responds.
Rationale 4: Incompetence relates to the ineffective or improper execution of nursing tasks.
Question 25
Nurses are protected by laws such as Good Samaritan acts. Which of the following situations would apply
as part of these acts? (Select all that apply.)
1. A nurse gives CPR to a client brought to the emergency department; later the client is found to have a
"Do Not Resuscitate" order.
2. A nurse gives first aid to a child injured in a sporting event.
3. A nursing student tries to insert an airway in an unconscious client.
4. A nurse leaves the scene of an emergency to call for help.
5. A nurse helps deliver the baby of a neighbor during a snowstorm.
Correct Answer: 1,2,5
Rationale 1: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of
malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal
standard of care. Giving CPR would be considered a level of care provided by any other reasonable person
under similar circumstances. The fact that the client had a DNR order was not apparent at the time of care

rendered by the nurse. A nursing student trying to insert an airway is not appropriate, since it would be
above the level of care a student is able to do. A nurse should not leave the scene of an emergency until
another qualified person takes over. The nurse should have someone else call or go for additional help.
Question 26
A nurse is being sued for malpractice. Which of the following specific elements must be present for the
nurse to lose the case?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Negligence
2. Harm
3. Malpractice
4. Duty
5. Foreseeability
6. Breach of duty
Correct Answer: 2,4,5,6
Rationale 1: Negligence is a concept that is addressed in malpractice
Rationale 2: The client must demonstrate some type of harm or injury (physical, financial, or emotional) as
a result of the breach of duty owed the client.
Rationale 3: Malpractice is professional negligence, that is, negligence that occurred while the person
was performing as a professional.
Rationale 4: The nurse must have (or should have had) a relationship with the client that involves
providing care and following an acceptable standard of care.
Rationale 5: A link must exist between the nurses act and the injury suffered.
Rationale 6: There must be a standard of care that is expected in the specific situation but that the nurse
did not observe.
Question 27
Nurses are protected by laws such as Good Samaritan acts. Which of the following situations would apply
as part of these acts?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. A nurse gives CPR to a client brought to the emergency department; later the client is found to have a
"Do Not Resuscitate" order.
2. A nurse gives first aid to a child injured in a sporting event.
3. A nursing student tries to insert an airway in an unconscious client.
4. A nurse leaves the scene of an emergency to call for help.
5. A nurse helps deliver the baby of a neighbor during a snowstorm.
Correct Answer: 1,2,5
Rationale 1: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of
malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal
standard of care. Giving CPR would be considered a level of care provided by any other reasonable person
under similar circumstances. The fact that the client had a DNR order was not apparent at the time of care
rendered by the nurse.
Rationale 2: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of
malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal
standard of care. Giving CPR would be considered a level of care provided by any other reasonable person
under similar circumstances.

Rationale 3: A nursing student trying to insert an airway is not appropriate, since it would be above the
level of care a student is able to do.
Rationale 4: A nurse should not leave the scene of an emergency until another qualified person takes over.
The nurse should have someone else call or go for additional help.
Rationale 5: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of
malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal
standard of care. Attending to the emergency delivery of an newborn would be considered a level of care
provided by any other reasonable person under similar circumstances.
Question 28
A nurse shows an understanding of practices that are designed to provide legal protections regarding
liability for client care when:
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Checking the clients name band prior to the administration of a preoperative medication.
2. Asking for help when moving a comatose client because the client can not be safely handled by one nurse.
3. Attending an in-service on the appropriate use of a new piece of equipment used in the facility.
4. Delegating only those tasks that he/she cant personally perform.
5. Reviewing the five rights of medication administration when the client states, This doesnt look like my
usual pill.
Correct Answer: 1,2,3,5
Rationale 1: Legal Protection for Nurses is best assured by always checking the identity of the client to
make sure it is the right client.
Rationale 2: Legal Protection for Nurses is best assured by asking for assistance and/or supervision in
situations for which you feel inadequately prepared.
Rationale 3: Legal Protection for Nurses is best assured by maintaining clinical competence.
Rationale 4: Delegation is a nursing responsibility that is designed to help provide quality and timely
nursing care but that is not its sole focus.
Rationale 5: Legal Protection for Nurses is best assured by checking any order that a client questions.
Question 29
A clinical nursing instructor recognizes that a nursing student understands the legal responsibilities she/he
has to their clients when the student:
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. is prepared to discuss their clients medical diagnosis in pre-conference.
2. is overheard stating, My care is held to the same standards as that of the unit nurses.
3. offers to stay with the client who is about to experience a painful diagnostic procedure.
4. addresses the staff and clients respectfully and by their full names.
5. asks for help with a dressing change involving techniques he/she has not yet performed alone.
Correct Answer: 1,2,5
Rationale 2: Nursing students are held to the same standards as licenses nurses, and therefore need to make
sure that they are prepared to provide the necessary care to assigned clients.
Rationale 3: While offering to stay with a client during a painful procedure shows compassion, it is not a
behavior representative of legal responsibility.
Rationale 4: While showing respect for staff and clients shows professionalism, it is not a behavior that is
representative of legal responsibility.

Rationale 5: It is important that nursing students ask for help or supervision in situations for which they
feel inadequately prepared.
Question 30
A nurse is being sued for malpractice. Which of the following specific elements must be present for the
nurse to lose the case?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Negligence
2. Harm
3. Malpractice
4. Duty
5. Foreseeability
6. Breach of duty
Correct Answer: 2,4,5,6
Rationale 1: Negligence is a concept that is addressed in malpractice
Rationale 2: The client must demonstrate some type of harm or injury (physical, financial, or emotional) as
a result of the breach of duty owed the client.
Rationale 3: Malpractice is professional negligence, that is, negligence that occurred while the person
was performing as a professional.
Rationale 4: The nurse must have (or should have had) a relationship with the client that involves
providing care and following an acceptable standard of care.
Rationale 5: A link must exist between the nurses act and the injury suffered.
Rationale 6: There must be a standard of care that is expected in the specific situation but that the nurse
did not observe.
Question 31
Nurses are protected by laws such as Good Samaritan acts. Which of the following situations would apply
as part of these acts?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. A nurse gives CPR to a client brought to the emergency department; later the client is found to have a
"Do Not Resuscitate" order.
2. A nurse gives first aid to a child injured in a sporting event.
3. A nursing student tries to insert an airway in an unconscious client.
4. A nurse leaves the scene of an emergency to call for help.
5. A nurse helps deliver the baby of a neighbor during a snowstorm.
Correct Answer: 1,2,5
Rationale 1: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of
malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal
standard of care. Giving CPR would be considered a level of care provided by any other reasonable person
under similar circumstances. The fact that the client had a DNR order was not apparent at the time of care
rendered by the nurse.
Rationale 2: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of
malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal
standard of care. Giving CPR would be considered a level of care provided by any other reasonable person
under similar circumstances.

Rationale 3: A nursing student trying to insert an airway is not appropriate, since it would be above the
level of care a student is able to do.
Rationale 4: A nurse should not leave the scene of an emergency until another qualified person takes over.
The nurse should have someone else call or go for additional help.
Rationale 5: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of
malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal
standard of care. Attending to the emergency delivery of an newborn would be considered a level of care
provided by any other reasonable person under similar circumstances.
Question 32
A nurse shows an understanding of practices that are designed to provide legal protections regarding
liability for client care when:
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Checking the clients name band prior to the administration of a preoperative medication.
2. Asking for help when moving a comatose client because the client can not be safely handled by one nurse.
3. Attending an in-service on the appropriate use of a new piece of equipment used in the facility.
4. Delegating only those tasks that he/she cant personally perform.
5. Reviewing the five rights of medication administration when the client states, This doesnt look like my
usual pill.
Correct Answer: 1,2,3,5
Rationale 1: Legal Protection for Nurses is best assured by always checking the identity of the client to
make sure it is the right client.
Rationale 2: Legal Protection for Nurses is best assured by asking for assistance and/or supervision in
situations for which you feel inadequately prepared.
Rationale 3: Legal Protection for Nurses is best assured by maintaining clinical competence.
Rationale 4: Delegation is a nursing responsibility that is designed to help provide quality and timely
nursing care but that is not its sole focus.
Rationale 5: Legal Protection for Nurses is best assured by checking any order that a client questions.
Question 33
A clinical nursing instructor recognizes that a nursing student understands the legal responsibilities she/he
has to their clients when the student:
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. is prepared to discuss their clients medical diagnosis in pre-conference.
2. is overheard stating, My care is held to the same standards as that of the unit nurses.
3. offers to stay with the client who is about to experience a painful diagnostic procedure.
4. addresses the staff and clients respectfully and by their full names.
5. asks for help with a dressing change involving techniques he/she has not yet performed alone.
Correct Answer: 1,2,5
Rationale 2: Nursing students are held to the same standards as licenses nurses, and therefore need to make
sure that they are prepared to provide the necessary care to assigned clients.
Rationale 3: While offering to stay with a client during a painful procedure shows compassion, it is not a
behavior representative of legal responsibility.
Rationale 4: While showing respect for staff and clients shows professionalism, it is not a behavior that is
representative of legal responsibility.

Rationale 5: It is important that nursing students ask for help or supervision in situations for which they
feel inadequately prepared.