A nurse is providing care to a 6-year-old child with a broken arm. The nurse notices multiple ...

C
States have many statutes that require health care providers to report certain incidences or occur-rences. If the provider fails to report as required and a person is injured, there can be negligence per se. It important for nurses to be aware of the reporting statutes in the state in which they are practicing. In most states, it is the law to report evidence of child or adult abuse. It is not appro-priate to chart a decision that the child is a victim of abuse but rather to accurately describe inju-ries and comments that are made. Nurses should listen to what the patient has to saywhether the patient is a child or adult.

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A
The best legal safeguard is competent practice. Practicing within the parameters of the state's Nurse Practice Act, performing care based on established policies and procedures, and perform-ing as a reasonable nurse are the best ways for a nurse to safeguard against legal action. It is im-portant to maintain a current license and follow management policies; however, the best safe-guard is being competent. A legal contract is not necessary for all situations and is not necessarily the best legal safeguard.

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B
The patient's chart is a legal document. Changing or tampering with the chart would be in viola-tion of the standards of practice, and the Nurse Practice Act and would not be considered what a reasonable nurse would do.. The nurse is expected to perform as a reasonable nurse would. If your actions are not those of a reasonable nurse and this causes someone to be injured, you can be sued. Being discourteous on the witness stand may not be professional. It is also not appropriate to discuss the case with the plaintiff or hide information; however, tampering with the chart is a more serious error in judgment.

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D
States may regulate nursing practice by controlling the scope of practice and determining the specific activities for each level of nursing. In most states, the Nurse Practice Act provides defi-nitions and scope of practice for each level of nursing practice. The power of the board to discip-line can have an adverse effect on the nurse's ability to practice. Practicing beyond the scope of practice does not demonstrate what a good nurse the person is and does not provide enriched services. Other nurses would not be angry at increased expectations but at the foolishness of the nurse practicing beyond the scope of practice.

I just wanted to write to say thanks a bunch for the answer!