Author Question: Starting an intravenous (IV) infusion line on a patient against his will may be classified as: a. ... (Read 67 times)

Alygatorr01285 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Starting an intravenous (IV) infusion line on a patient against his will may be classified as:

a. assault.
b. battery.
c. a felony.
d. a misdemeanor.

Question 2

Each state has a nurse practice act that establishes the standards of care required for legal nursing practice. In order to protect herself/himself from litigation, the nurse should understand that:

a. laws create liability issues for nurses.
b. licensure laws are devised to protect the nurse.
c. the nurse is not responsible for other disciplines' mistakes.
d. keeping current with changing laws can protect the nurse.

Sassygurl126 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Actual physical harm caused to another person is battery. The threat to hurt someone is carried out. Battery may involve angry, forceful touching of people, their clothes, or anything attached to them. Performing a surgical procedure without informed consent is an example of battery. Actions much more subtle, such as inserting an intravenous catheter or urinary catheter against the will of a patient, also may be classified as battery. Assault is a threat of bodily harm or violence caused by a demonstration of force by the perpetrator. A feeling of imminent harm or feeling of immediate danger must exist for assault to be claimed. A misdemeanor is a crime of lesser consequence that is punishable by a fine or incarceration in a local or county jail for up to 1 year. A felony is a more serious crime that results in the perpetrator's being imprisoned in a state or federal facility for more than 1 year.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Laws delineate acceptable nursing practice, provide a basis on which many health care decisions are determined, and protect nurses from liability in cases in which safe practice is maintained. Each state has a nurse practice act that establishes the standards of care required for legal nursing practice. Licensure, laws, rules, and regulations governing nursing practice are enforced to protect the public from harm. In many cases, the nurse is the last line of defense to prevent an error in medication administration or other types of patient care. Keeping current with changing laws related to nursing practice and technology can ensure safety for nurses and their patients.