Question 1

Which documentation of a patient's behavior best demonstrates a nurse's observations?

Accepted Answer

The documentation states specific observations of the patient's appearance and the exact statements made. The other options are vague or subjective statements and can be interpreted in different ways.

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with mental illness asks a psychiatric technician, "What's the matter with me?" The technician replies, "Your wing nuts need tightening." The nurse who overheard the exchange should take action based on:

Accepted Answer

Patients have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Patients should never be made the butt of jokes about their illness. Patient emotional abuse has been demonstrated, not negligence. The technician's response was not clearly defamation. Patient abuse, not supervisory liability, is the issue.

Question 3

A nurse volunteers for a committee that must revise the hospital policies and procedures for suicide precautions. Which resources would provide the best guidance? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Regulations regarding hospitals provide information about the minimal standard. The American Nurses Association (ANA) national standards focus on elevating practice by setting high standards for nursing practice. The DSM-5 and the state's nurse practice act would not provide relevant information. A summary of common practices of several local hospitals cannot be guaranteed to be helpful because the customs may or may not comply with laws or best practices.

Question 4

Which situations qualify as abandonment on the part of a nurse? (Select all that apply.) The nurse:

Accepted Answer

Abandonment arises when a nurse does not place a patient safely in the hands of another health professional before discontinuing treatment. Calling the police to bring a suicidal patient to the hospital after a suicide attempt and referring a patient with schizophrenia to community treatment both provide for patient safety. Asking another nurse to provide a patient's care because of concerns about countertransference demonstrates self-awareness.

Question 5

After leaving work, a staff nurse realizes that documentation of the administration of a medication to a patient was omitted. This off-duty nurse telephones the unit and tells the nurse, "Please document the administration of the medication I forgot to do. My password is alpha1." The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

At most hospitals, termination is a possible penalty for unauthorized entry into a patient record. Referring the matter to the charge nurse will allow the observance of hospital policy while ensuring that documentation occurs. Making an exception and fulfilling the request places the on-duty staff nurse in jeopardy. Reporting the request to the patient's health care provider would be unnecessary. Accessing the record and documenting the information would be unnecessary when the charge nurse can resolve the problem.

Question 6

In which situations does a nurse have a duty to intervene and report? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Both instances jeopardize patient safety. The nurse must practice within the Code of Ethics for Nurses. A peer being unable to write behavioral outcomes is a concern but can be informally resolved. A health care provider consulting the Physicians' Desk Reference is acceptable practice.

Quiz 6: Legal and Ethical Basis for Practice