Nursing Legal Terms and Ethical Principles Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers essential legal terms, ethical principles, and key concepts relevant to nursing practice, including definitions, rights of clients, and preventive health strategies.

Malpractice

When a nurse fails to act as a reasonably prudent nurse would act in a similar situation, resulting in harm to the client.

Negligence

Failure to use ordinary or reasonable care, often characterized by acts of omission or poor judgment.

Assault

The threat to touch or harm a client without consent.

Battery

Actual physical contact with a client without the client’s consent.

False Imprisonment

Restricting a client’s freedom without legal justification.

Abuse

Intentional harm or mistreatment of a client.

Prudent Nurse

A nurse who acts carefully and responsibly, using good judgment.

Nurse Practice Act

Defines the scope of nursing practice, legal duties, responsibilities, and grounds for disciplinary action.

Board of Nursing (BON)

The state board that issues and renews nursing licenses and monitors nursing practice.

Confidentiality

Protecting private client information and only sharing it with authorized individuals.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects a client's health information.

Informed Consent

The process by which a client agrees to a procedure after being informed of relevant details by the provider.

Client Rights

Rights that clients have, including privacy, informed consent, the right to refuse treatment, and the right to make decisions about their care.

Therapeutic Communication

Communication that supports the client and helps promote trust.

Incident Report

Document completed for unusual or unexpected events in a healthcare setting.

Documentation

Recording client status, care provided, and communication among healthcare team members.

Value Clarification

The process of identifying and examining one’s own beliefs and values.

Client Identification

The use of two identifiers to confirm client identity before medications or procedures.

Primary Prevention

Actions taken to prevent disease before it occurs, such as immunizations.

Secondary Prevention

Early detection and screening activities, like mammograms or blood pressure checks.

Tertiary Prevention

Managing an existing disease to reduce complications.