N402 EXAM 1: Legal and Ethical Issues

ethics

distinguishing right from wrong

bioethics

ethics refering to scope of nursingm etc.

ethical dilema

moral appeals can be made for either option

- taking no action IS an action

autonomy

patient has the right to determine there destinies --> should be respected

beneficence

one's duty to beneift or promote the good of others

ex: no shoe laces for any patient on psych unit (that patient may be safe, but others wouldn't)

nonmaleficence

abstaining from negative act toward another --> careful to avoid harm

EX: de-escalation

justice

treat everyone equal and fair

everyone is fed, gets meds, etc.

veracity

one's duty to be truthful

***we chart everything we see, it is our duty

B52

haldol and ativan (mixed together)

benadryl (separate) --> decreases haldol effects

can psych patients refuse meds?

YES - try to get more info though

***unless on court order/forced meds

legal issues in psych

seclusion restrain

NEED:

- indications

- review

- orders

- monitoring

- release

- documentation

commitment issues

voluntary and involuntary admission

nursing liability

malpractice and negligence

assault and battery

false imprisonment

invasion of privacy

psychiatric advance directive

allows for competent person to document preferences regarding mental health Tx

- power of attorney

As a last resort, an agitated, physically aggressive client is placed in four-point restraints. The client yells, "I'll sue you for assault and battery." The unit manager determines that the nurses are protected under which condition?

A. The client is voluntarily committed and poses a danger to others on the unit.

B. The client is voluntarily committed and has a history of being a danger to others.

C. The client is involuntarily committed because of a history of violent behavior.

D. The client is involuntarily committed and is refusing treatment.

A

--> As a threat to others, the client can be restrained despite objections and voluntary commitment.

3.A nurse gave a client 5 mg of haloperidol (Haldol) for agitation. The client's chart was clearly stamped "Allergic HALDOL." The client suffered anaphylactic shock and died. How would the nurse's actions be labeled?

A. Intentional tort

B. Negligence

C. Battery

D.Assault

B

--> The nursing action was an unreasonable and careless act. The nurse was negligent and could be held liable for the client's death.

avoiding liability