Definition and Basics
What is the definition of negligence in nursing?
Failure to provide care that a reasonably prudent nurse would under similar circumstances.
Failing to raise side rails for a confused patient is what type of negligence?
Failure to ensure patient safety.
What is the nurse’s primary legal responsibility to the patient?
To provide safe and competent care.
A nurse forgets to give a patient pain medication on time. What should the nurse do?
Report the error and document it truthfully.
What is the first step a nurse should take after witnessing abuse?
Ensure the patient’s safety.
What is malpractice?
Professional negligence by a healthcare provider that results in harm to the patient.
Giving the wrong medication to a patient is an example of what?
Medication administration negligence.
What law protects patients from abuse and neglect in healthcare facilities?
The Patient Care Partnership / OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act).
A nurse yells at a patient for not cooperating. What type of abuse is this?
Verbal/emotional abuse.
Who should a nurse report suspected abuse to in a facility?
The charge nurse or supervisor, and follow facility policy.
What is the difference between negligence and malpractice?
Negligence can be done by anyone; malpractice involves professional duty and standards.
Failing to report changes in a patient’s condition to the physician is an example of what?
Communication negligence.
What ethical principle is violated when a nurse fails to act in a patient’s best interest?
Beneficence.
A nurse restrains a patient without a doctor’s order. What kind of legal issue is this?
False imprisonment.
What is the role of risk management in nursing?
To identify, evaluate, and reduce risks of harm or legal action.
What are the four elements of negligence that must be proven in court?
Duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Not documenting care provided can lead to what type of negligence?
Documentation negligence.
What legal document outlines the nurse’s scope of practice?
The Nurse Practice Act.
In the Angela Almore case, what was the nurse accused of?
Administering lethal doses of morphine to elderly patients (leading to death).
What kind of education can reduce nurse negligence?
Ongoing competency training and continuing education.
What is the difference between intentional and unintentional torts in nursing?
Intentional torts involve deliberate acts (like assault), while unintentional torts involve mistakes (like medication errors).
What type of negligence occurs when a nurse fails to monitor a patient after surgery and the patient suffers harm?
Monitoring negligence (failure to assess).
What ethical principle is violated when a nurse fails to report suspected abuse?
Nonmaleficence (“do no harm”).
A nurse posts patient information on social media. What law does this violate?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
What should be documented when reporting suspected abuse?
Objective facts, patient statements, and observed evidence—never assumptions.