Which of the following is an important step in preventing legal action against the nurse?

ANS: C

A
It is not reasonable to expect that nurses will never make a mistake.
B
Nurses must have accountability for errors.
C
Establishing and maintaining good communication and rapport with patients not only is an aspect of best practice but also protects the nurse from lawsuits.
D
Nurses should explain all procedures to patients.

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ANS: A

A
Charting that includes assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation must be present in the patient's record.
B
National, not local, standards of practice should be used.
C
Nurses must use equipment properly and replace it when it is malfunctioning.
D
Proper medication safety checks are the standard of practice for all nurses, including those with experience.

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ANS: B

A
Informed consent assures patient autonomy.
B
Advance directives describe an individual's preferences in regard to medical intervention should the individual become incapacitated, which was the primary intent of the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991.
C
The patient bill of rights assures patients certain basic rights unrelated to becoming incapacitated.
D
HIPAA protects medical records from disclosure.

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ANS: B

A
Restless and combative; SaO2 87 is an acceptable chart entry.
B
The chart entry is subjective and nonspecific. It also contains judgments about the patient which could be interpreted as bias.
C
Discovered in bathroom; instructed to ask for assistance before ambulating is an acceptable chart entry; it is accurate and concise.
D
Three-centimeter area of serosanguineous drainage noted on the dressing to the left hip is complete, accurate, and concise.