Legal Issues and Ethical Issues in Nursing

Summary

Professor D's YouTube video discusses legal and ethical dilemmas in nursing, covering topics like professional negligence, informed consent, and patient rights. The video uses real-life scenarios to explain key concepts, such as the necessity of causing harm for a negligence case, the importance of checking drug dosages, and respecting a patient's refusal of treatment. It also addresses how to handle situations like witnessing abuse and the disclosure of confidential information, providing guidance for nurses to make ethical decisions.

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Q & A

What is the correct answer to the question about which circumstance would absolve a nurse from professional negligence following an error in drug administration?

The correct answer is 'two: lack of harm to the client as a result of the errant drug administration.' This is because, in legal terms, to hold someone liable for negligence, it must be proven that harm or injury occurred as a result of the negligence.

Why is it not acceptable to use 'not knowing the drug was contraindicated for the client' as a defense against negligence?

This is not an acceptable defense because nurses are expected to have the knowledge and competence to recognize contraindications as part of their professional training. If a nurse is unsure, they are obligated to consult the appropriate sources such as a pharmacist or a drug guide before administering medication.

What is the significance of confirming medication dosage with a co-worker, and why is it not a valid defense against negligence?

Even if a co-worker confirms the dosage, the responsibility for checking the medication and dosage correctly always lies with the administering nurse. It's not a valid defense because each nurse must independently verify the accuracy of medication administration.

Why should a nurse not assume that a pharmacy-dispensed dosage is correct without checking?

A nurse should always verify the dosage because it is a critical part of their role to ensure patient safety. Relying solely on the pharmacy without double-checking could lead to errors, and the nurse would be held accountable for any harm caused to the patient.

What is the nurse's responsibility when they determine that the nurse-to-patient ratio is unsafe?

If a nurse assesses the nurse-to-patient ratio as unsafe and decides to leave without clocking in, they have not established a duty to the patients and therefore cannot be sued for negligence, as they have not entered into a patient-nurse relationship.

What is the appropriate action for unlicensed assistive personnel when it comes to drug administration?

Unlicensed assistive personnel cannot administer IV infusions, obtain portable chest x-rays, or titrate oxygen. They can, however, collect routine vital signs after the nurse has completed the initial assessment.

Why must a nurse respect a client's refusal of a blood transfusion, even if it is life-saving and the family disagrees?

The client has the right to refuse treatment, including blood transfusions, especially if they are alert and oriented, indicating they have the mental capacity to make such decisions. The nurse must respect the client's autonomy.

What should a nurse do after administering incorrect medication to a client?

The priority action is to report the incident to risk management to help identify gaps in protocols and prevent future occurrences. It's also important to complete an incident report and assess the client for any adverse effects.

What should a nurse do if they smell alcohol on a co-worker's breath?

The nurse should immediately report the finding to the nursing supervisor, as patient safety is a priority. It is not the responsibility of the reporting nurse to confront the impaired colleague directly.

What is the first action a nurse should take when a client expresses unfamiliarity with a pill they are supposed to take?

The nurse should check the medication orders to confirm that the correct medication has been provided. Patient safety and accuracy are paramount, and reassurance comes after verification.

What information must be provided to a client before obtaining informed consent for a procedure?

The client must be informed about the facts, complex consequences, and implications of the scheduled procedure. This ensures that the client has all the necessary information to make an informed decision about their treatment.