Author Question: Which of the following is a key factor in many malpractice cases? a. incomplete incident reports ... (Read 34 times)

stevenposner · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

Which of the following is a key factor in many malpractice cases?

a. incomplete incident reports
b. inadequate documentation
c. absence of signed informed-consent forms
d. lack of nursing diagnoses for clients

Question 2

A client has had blood drawn for determination of serum electrolyte levels. The nurse identifies which of the following as an abnormal value?

a. sodium, 148 mEq/L c. calcium, 95 mg/dL
b. potassium, 3.8 mEq/L d. bicarbonate, 26 mEq/L

peilian · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
The health care record is a legal document that describes what happens to a client; in case of a lawsuit, the record provides proof of actions taken or not taken. Nurses can protect themselves from implication in malpractice cases through accurate and concise documentation.

Answer to Question 2

A
The normal serum electrolyte ranges are sodium, 135 to 145 mEq/L; potassium, 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L; calcium, 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL; bicarbonate, 22 to 28 mEq/L. The serum sodium level is the only abnormal value.