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Essentials of Nursing Practice Chapter 5: Legal Principles in Nursing

Terms in this set (12)

Where are RN's licensed? (Key point)
In the state in which they practice.
What three things are nurses legally obligated to follow when practicing? (Key point)
1. Standards of care (originating in Nursing Practice Acts)
2. Guidelines of professional organizations
3. Documented policies and procedures of employing institutions
What are the main responsibilities of a nurse? (Key point)
To perform procedures correctly, and to exercise professional judgement when carrying our provider's orders.
True or False: Patients are legally entitled to confidentiality. (Key point)
True. Patients are entitled to confidential healthcare and freedom from unauthorized release of information.
What is the difference between the civil and criminal law systems? (Key point)
--The civil system is concerned with the protection of a person's private rights.
--The criminal system deals with the rights of individuals and society as defined by legislative statutes.
What four things must be established for you to be liable for a malpractice lawsuit? (Key point)
1. You owe a duty to the patient because of a provider-patient relationship
2. You did not carry out or breached that duty
3. The patient was injured
4. Your failure to carry out your duty caused the patient's injury.
Informed consent must meet what 4 criteria? (Key point)
1. The person giving consent is competent and of legal age
2. The consent was given voluntarily
3. The person giving consent thoroughly understands the procedure, risks/benefits, and alternatives
4. The person giving consent is allowed to have all questions answered satisfactorily
A nurse is obligated to follow a healthcare provider's order unless... (Key point)
They believe it is erroneous, violates hospital policy, or is possibly harmful to a patient.
If a nurse refuses to carry out a healthcare provider's order, what extra step must they take? (Key point)
Making a formal report explaining the refusal.
When should an occurrence report be filed? (Key point)
In any unusual situation that will potentially cause harm to the patient. These reports also may be used for quality improvement and risk management
What legal issues surrounding a patient death must be considered? (Key point)
--Appropriate documentation of all events surrounding the death
--Treating the deceased person with dignity
--Obtaining timely consent for autopsy from family/decedent.
Depending on state laws, what activities might a nurse be expected to report? (Key point)
Possible criminal activities including child abuse, as well as certain commmunicable diseases.
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