Author Question: A nurse who works in the emergency department of a large, urban hospital often provides care for ... (Read 317 times)

craiczarry · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

A nurse who works in the emergency department of a large, urban hospital often provides care for patients who must be temporarily restrained for their own protection.

Which of the following measures lessens the chance that the nurse will be faced with a false imprisonment
suit?

A) Utilize physical restraints whenever possible and chemical restraints only as a last resort.
B) Use the least restrictive means possible to restrain patients.
C) Delegate the management of confused and aggressive patients to unlicensed care personnel.
D) Have all patients sign blanket consent when admitted.

Question 2

Despite the fact that all nurses face the potential risk of being named in a lawsuit there are measures that nurses can take to significantly reduce this risk. Which of the following measures has the greatest potential to prevent a malpractice claim?

A) Complete continuing competence requirements on time
B) Carry adequate liability insurance that provides comprehensive coverage
C) Avoid interacting with clients or patients without a witness
D) Maintain a high-quality standard of nursing care

jointhecircus · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Any time patients pose a danger to themselves or others, the law requires that the
least restrictive means available be used to protect patients and others. Physical restraints are
not usually preferable to chemical restraints and neither method exempts the nurse from
potential liability. It would be inappropriate to delegate the care of patients who pose a danger
and blanket consent does not have legal standing.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
There are many actions that nurses can take to prevent lawsuits. Paramount among
these is maintaining a high standard of care. Insurance does not necessarily prevent claims, but
rather mitigates the consequences of these claims. It is normally unnecessary to avoid one-onone
interaction with patients and clients and continuing competence requirements do not
necessarily prevent lawsuits.