code of ethics, legal concepts, nurse practice act

ethical dilemmas

Are problems for which more than one choice can be made, and the choice is influenced by the values and beliefs of the decision-makers

What are professional responsibilities in healthcare?

Obligations

What is one area of knowledge required for professional responsibilities?

Patient advocacy

What is another area of knowledge required for professional responsibilities?

Patient rights

What is informed consent in the context of professional responsibilities?

A process to ensure patients understand and agree to treatment

What role does information technology play in professional responsibilities?

It is essential for managing patient information securely

What is confidentiality in healthcare professional responsibilities?

The obligation to protect patient information from unauthorized access

What is the importance of legal practice in professional responsibilities?

To ensure compliance with laws and regulations

What is ethical practice in healthcare?

Adhering to moral principles in patient care

What is disruptive behavior in a healthcare setting?

Actions that interfere with the delivery of care

How can healthcare professionals deescalate disruptive behavior?

By using communication techniques to calm the situation

What guarantees do clients have regarding their health care?

Clients have rights with regard to their health care.

Do clients using health care services retain their rights?

Yes, clients retain their rights while using health care services.

What is the responsibility of nurses regarding client rights?

Nurses are accountable for protecting the rights of clients.

What must nurses ensure about clients' rights?

Nurses must ensure that clients understand their rights.

How should nurses protect clients' rights during care?

Nurses must protect clients' rights during nursing care.

Are basic client rights the same for all clients?

Yes, basic rights are the same regardless of age, nursing needs, or care setting.

What role should clients take in decision making regarding their care?

Clients should take an active role in decision making.

Can clients deny care at any time?

Yes, clients can deny care anytime.

What right do patients have regarding the competence of their nurse?

Patients have the right to receive care from a competent nurse.

What is Evidence-based Practice (EBP)?

A framework used by nurses and other healthcare professionals.

How do nurses use Evidence-based Practice (EBP)?

To deliver the best possible care to patients.

What does Evidence-based Practice (EBP) incorporate?

The most current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values.

What is the first step in the evidence-based practice process?

Cultivate a spirit of inquiry and culture of Evidence-based practice among nurses and within the organization.

What is the second step in the evidence-based practice process?

Identify an issue and ask the question.

What is the third step in the evidence-based practice process?

Search for and collect the most relevant and best evidence to answer the clinical question.

What is the fourth step in the evidence-based practice process?

Critically appraise the evidence and synthesize the evidence.

What is the fifth step in the evidence-based practice process?

Integrate evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences to make the best clinical decision.

What is the sixth step in the evidence-based practice process?

Evaluate the outcome of any Evidence-based practice change.

What is the final step in the evidence-based practice process?

Disseminate the outcomes of the change.

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to the value of research?

Lack of value for research in practice

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to changing practices?

Difficulty in changing practice

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to administrative support?

Lack of administrative support

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to mentorship?

Lack of knowledgeable mentors

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to time management?

Insufficient time

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to education?

Lack of education about the research process

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to knowledge of EBP?

Lack of knowledge about EBP

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to article critique?

Lack of knowledge about the critique of articles

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to feeling overwhelmed?

Feeling overwhelmed by the process

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to control over practice?

Lack of sense of control over practice

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to confidence?

Lack of confidence to implement change

What is a barrier to evidence-based practice related to leadership?

Lack of leadership, motivation, vision, strategy, or direction among managers

What is essential for safe nursing practice?

Understanding the laws governing nursing practice

What must nurses do to practice legally?

Practice nursing in accordance with various sources of law

How can nurses provide safe care?

By understanding and adhering to legal aspects of nursing

What is one responsibility of nurses regarding patient advocacy?

To advocate for patients within the scope of practice

What protection do nurses gain by practicing within legal aspects?

Protection for themselves and their practice

What does HIPAA stand for?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

What does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) address?

It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

What is the purpose of the Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA)?

It requires that mental health benefits be equal to physical health benefits.

What does the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) promote?

It promotes the right of patients to make decisions about their medical care.

What is the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) focused on?

It regulates organ donation and transplantation.

What does the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) require?

It requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment to all patients.

What is criminal law a subsection of?

Public law

What are the two main categories of crimes in criminal law?

Felony and misdemeanor

What defines a felony?

A serious offense

What defines a misdemeanor?

A less serious crime

What are violations in the context of criminal law?

Acts that break the law but are less serious than felonies or misdemeanors

What is an example of a violation of federal law?

Falsification of a record

What does Civil Law involve?

Persons, things, and relationships that develop among them.

What types of law are excluded from Civil Law?

Criminal law, commercial law, labor law, etc.

What do Good Samaritan laws protect?

They protect nurses who provide emergency assistance outside of the employment location.

What standard of care must a nurse provide under Good Samaritan laws?

The nurse must provide a standard of care that is reasonable and prudent.

What is malpractice?

Occurs when an individual who is trained fails to act in a reasonable and prudent manner.

What does 'reasonable' mean in the context of malpractice?

It refers to the actions that a trained individual should take based on established professional standards.

What does 'prudent' mean in the context of malpractice?

It refers to the careful and sensible actions that a trained individual should take in their professional practice.

How are a nurse's actions judged in cases of malpractice?

They are judged by established professional standards of the nursing profession, not by what an average or layperson would do.

What should nurses follow to avoid liability for negligence?

They should follow professional or facility established standards of care.

How should nurses use equipment to avoid malpractice?

They should use equipment in a responsible and knowledgeable manner.

What is an important communication practice for nurses to avoid malpractice?

Nurses should communicate effectively and thoroughly with the client.

Why is documentation important for nurses?

Nurses should document care that was provided to avoid liability for negligence.

What are some ways nurses can avoid being liable for negligence?

By following standards of care, giving competent care, communicating with health team members, developing rapport with clients, and fully documenting assessments, interventions, and evaluations.

Nursing Practice Regulation

the core of practice is regulated by state law. Boards of nursing have the authority to both issue, suspend, or revoke a nursing license

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

A compact adopted by many states that allows nurses who reside in a NLC state to practice in another NLC state.

Which state is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Pennsylvania

What must nurses do when practicing in a NLC state?

Nurses must practice in accordance with the statutes and rules of the state in which the care is provided.

What must nurses who do not reside in a NLC state do?

They must practice under the state-based practice model.

What is required for licensure renewal?

Background checks.

Is it legal to practice nursing with an expired license?

No, it is illegal.

What must nurses pass to obtain licensure?

A licensure examination.

Who governs the licensure of Registered Nurses in the United States?

Each state.

What is the purpose of licensure?

To protect patients.

What are established standards of care?

Legal guidelines for care.

What is the nurse practice act?

A law that defines the scope of nursing practice in each state.

Who develops published standards of nursing practice?

Professional organizations like ANA, Joint Commission, World Health Organization, and AACN.

What role do accrediting bodies play in nursing?

They help establish and maintain standards of care.

Standards of Care

Guide, define, and direct the level of care that should be given by practicing nurse. Used in malpractice lawsuits

Where are standards of care maintained?

In policy and procedure manuals

What is the legal protection for institutional policy regarding standards of care?

It is legally protected if that standard of care still results in an injury

What happens if a nurse follows facility policies when a client files a complaint?

The nurse will not usually be charged with misconduct

What may happen if a nurse does not implement a protocol?

The nurse may be liable for failure to apply standards of care

how to avoid lawsuits

Positive professional actions. Thorough easy to understand communication with patients. Well written documentation/nurses notes

common reasons for lawsuits

Failure to follow standards of care. Failure to communicate. Failure to document.Failure to assess and monitor