What is the nurse's best proof against malpractice? a. The ...

[crazycityslicker]

What is the nurse's best proof against malpractice?
 
  a. The nurse supervisor's memory of the event
  b. Recorded documentation written carelessly
  c. The nurse's memory of the event
  d. Recorded documentation of nursing care

Question 2

A nurse wants to follow nursing standards of care. Which document should the nurse follow?
 
  a. World Health Organization guidelines
  b. National League for Nursing brochure
  c. Health care facility's written procedure manual
  d. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines

[LVPMS]

Answer to Question 1

D
Documentation of nursing care is the only record of what actually was done for a patient and will serve as proof that a nurse acted reasonably and safely. Nursing notes written at the time of the event, are seen as better evidence of the facts of the event than any one person's memory. Nurses' notes written carelessly and without regard to detail or hospital standards of documentation do not reflect well on the health care provider's credibility or appearance of accountability to a judge or jury.

Answer to Question 2

C
The health care facility's written procedure manual is defined as a standard of care. Standards of care are defined by the following: (1) State Nurse Practice Acts, (2) state and federal hospital licensing laws and accreditation rules, (3) professional and specialty organizations, and (4) written policies and procedures of the nurse's health care facility. Brochures are not standards of care. World Health Organization and Department of Health and Human Services are not state or federal hospitals or professional and specialty organizations for nurses.