Exam 9: Legal and Ethical Aspects in Clinical Practice

Which actions show the nurse has an understanding of the role documentation plays in minimizing the risk of malpractice? Select all that apply.

A chronically depressed patient has been asked to participate in a research project focusing on effectiveness of alternative therapies.The nurse determines that the patient has an appropriate understanding of the guidelines that directs a research project when he states (select all that apply):

Which statement helps assure the nurse that the patient has an understanding of how their health information is managed to assure their right to confidentiality? Select all that apply.

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is hospitalized under an emergency commitment.Which nursing explanation is most effective when the patient asks,"Why am I being kept here?"

A patient has been hospitalized and is now being mandated outpatient mental health treatment as a condition for discharge.Which intervention best addresses the nurse's role of patient advocate when this patient resists the recommendation?

The nurse is explaining the advantage of advanced directives to a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia.Which psychiatric outcome is a result of such preplanning?

A patient is being treated in the inpatient unit for paranoid delusions that his wife is unfaithful resulting in threats to "get her for this whenever I get out." Which intervention to assure his wife's safety will his primary therapist include in the discharge plan?

A patient was placed in restraints for 2 hours in order to help manage impulsive,destructive,unsafe behavior.Which statement made by the charge nurse during a meeting to discuss the incident shows an understanding of the need to use restraints only as a last resort?

A patient admitted for treatment of symptoms related to paranoid schizophrenia refuses to sign a consent form allowing the nurse to discuss any aspect of his hospitalization with his parents.Which statement by the nurse best respects the patient's rights while providing effective care?

A patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia has been charged with murder.The patient's mother asks,"What will happen if my son is found not guilty by reason of insanity?" Which response shows that the nurse understands the outcome of this plea?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)has been prescribed for a patient diagnosed with chronic depression.Which statement by the patient helps assure the nurse that the patient's right to informed consent has been respected?

Which nursing interventions are required by The Joint Commission (TJC)when the decision is made that a patient will benefit from the use of physical restraints? Select all that apply.

A 15-year-old who shows poor impulse control and resistance to authority is prescribed outpatient therapy.The parents are insistent that the treatment include commitment to an inpatient facility.Which response by the nurse best supports the outpatient treatment modality?

Upon voluntary admission,the nurse will ensure that the patient's rights are preserved.Which interventions are directly related to a patient's civil right? Select all that apply.

A patient who has schizoaffective disorder is being treated with lithium carbonate.He repeatedly resists his medication based on his fine hand tremors as proof of drug poisoning.Which nursing intervention addresses both the patient's need to comply with treatment and patient rights?

Privileged communication is a legal concept that in some states protects the confidentiality of the nurse-patient relationship.Which information is not protected by this statute? Select all that apply.

A patient,who has been charged with assault with intent to commit murder,has been hallucinating.Which question when answered correctly by the patient would show competency to stand trial for the crime?

What actions by a nurse identify an understanding of the nursing responsibility to treat the patient with consideration to the ethical component of beneficence? Select all that apply.

An advanced practice nurse evaluates a patient for emergency commitment because of the likelihood the patient will do serious harm to others.Which statement best reflects the nurse's role as patient advocate during the assessment process?

After the nurse discovered a medication error had been made,the patient was carefully observed and effectively treated for symptoms of a headache.What element of malpractice is most critical in determining the nurse's liability?