Legal Dimensions of Care

Every question here, with the answer

1. A patient scheduled for a procedure tells the nurse, “I signed the consent form, but I still do not understand the risks or alternatives.” What is the nurse’s best action?

   1. Ask a family member to sign an additional consent after the procedure begins.
   2. Explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives in detail and ask the patient to initial the form.
   3. Proceed because the signed consent form is already in the chart.
   4. Pause the procedure process and notify the provider or supervisor that appropriate consent may not have been obtained.

   Answer: Pause the procedure process and notify the provider or supervisor that appropriate consent may not have been obtained.

   The nurse should not provide the detailed risks, benefits, and alternatives because that is the provider’s responsibility. However, the nurse must advocate for the patient and notify the appropriate provider or supervisor if informed consent may not have been properly obtained.

2. A newly admitted patient asks what rights they have regarding health information and records. Which rights should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

   1. Privacy when their information is discussed between healthcare workers.
   2. Access to their medical records.
   3. Confidentiality of communications and records.
   4. Disclosure of patient information without appropriate consent whenever staff request it.
   5. Automatic access for any family member to review their medical record.

   Answer: Privacy when their information is discussed between healthcare workers., Access to their medical records., Confidentiality of communications and records.

   The Patients’ Bill of Rights includes privacy during discussions between healthcare workers, confidentiality of communications and records, and access to medical records. The section does not state that any family member has automatic access, and it emphasizes privacy and confidentiality rather than unrestricted disclosure.

3. A nurse with a multistate compact license accepts an assignment in another participating state. Which statement reflects the nurse’s legal responsibility while practicing there?

   1. The nurse follows only the regulations of the state where the original license was issued.
   2. The nurse follows the rules and regulations of the state in which they are practicing at that time.
   3. The nurse is exempt from state board of nursing regulation while working under the compact.
   4. The nurse may use one set of rules for all participating states because the compact replaces state regulations.

   Answer: The nurse follows the rules and regulations of the state in which they are practicing at that time.

   The Nurse Licensure Compact allows practice in multiple participating states, but it does not remove the nurse’s responsibility to follow the laws where care is being provided. The nurse must know the specific participating states and their regulations.

4. During an assessment of an older adult patient, which findings should make the nurse monitor for possible abuse? Select all that apply.

   1. The patient has unexplained wounds, bruises, or scars.
   2. The patient has an advanced directive in the medical record.
   3. The patient does not have necessary assistive items, such as eyeglasses or mobility devices.
   4. The patient is withdrawn, violent, or agitated.
   5. The patient has poor personal hygiene and dirty clothing.

   Answer: The patient has unexplained wounds, bruises, or scars., The patient does not have necessary assistive items, such as eyeglasses or mobility devices., The patient is withdrawn, violent, or agitated., The patient has poor personal hygiene and dirty clothing.

   The section identifies withdrawal, agitation, unexplained injuries, poor hygiene or dirty clothing, and missing assistive items as signs and symptoms that may indicate abuse of an older adult. Having an advanced directive is listed as a patient right, not a sign of abuse.

5. An off-duty nurse stops to assist at the scene of an emergency and is concerned about civil liability. Which action is most consistent with Good Samaritan law protections described in the section?

   1. Providing care only if the emergency occurs inside the nurse’s employing facility.
   2. Ignoring usual standards because Good Samaritan laws protect all actions during emergencies.
   3. Accepting payment from the person receiving emergency assistance.
   4. Providing assistance in an expected, reasonable, and prudent way for someone with the nurse’s background.

   Answer: Providing assistance in an expected, reasonable, and prudent way for someone with the nurse’s background.

   Good Samaritan laws are described as protecting healthcare professionals from civil liability in emergency situations when they act as expected, reasonable, and prudent for someone with the same background. The protection is not described as depending on payment or the location being the nurse’s workplace, and it does not cover all actions regardless of conduct.