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Difficulty: HardLegal and Ethical Practice

A licensed practical nurse (PN) is prioritizing tasks while working in a multidisciplinary family practice center. Which planned action by the PN correctly adheres to professional legal boundaries and ethical mandates?

  1. Contacting designated state authorities regarding a child's unexplained injuries without waiting to obtain definitive proof of harm.Answer
  2. B
    Describing the specific surgical risks and alternative treatment options to a client prior to obtaining the informed consent signature.
  3. C
    Performing the initial comprehensive triage evaluation for an arriving client who is exhibiting signs of acute respiratory distress.
  4. D
    Disclosing a client's newly confirmed sexually transmitted infection diagnosis directly to their spouse in the interest of public health.

Answer

Contacting designated state authorities regarding a child's unexplained injuries without waiting to obtain definitive proof of harm.
The correct answer describes the proper protocol for mandatory reporting. Healthcare professionals, including practical nurses, are legally mandated to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate protective authorities. The law requires only a reasonable suspicion to initiate a report, not absolute proof. Waiting to gather conclusive evidence places the vulnerable client at ongoing risk and constitutes a breach of the nurse's legal and ethical duties.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze each proposed action to determine if it falls within the practical nurse (PN) scope of practice and ethical guidelines.
Three of the actions violate legal or ethical boundaries, while one action aligns with mandated professional responsibilities.
The PN must be able to differentiate between safe, mandated practice and actions that constitute scope violations or breaches of confidentiality.
2
Evaluate the action regarding the reporting of unexplained injuries without definitive proof.
This action is legally correct. Nurses are mandated reporters and are required by law to report suspected abuse based on reasonable suspicion.
Delaying a report to gather conclusive evidence can place a vulnerable client in immediate danger and violates mandatory reporting statutes.
3
Evaluate the remaining actions regarding informed consent, triage, and patient confidentiality.
Describing surgical risks is the provider's responsibility. Initial comprehensive triage of an unstable client requires an RN or provider. Disclosing STI results to a spouse without client consent is a HIPAA violation.
Performing any of these three actions would exceed the PN's clinical scope of practice or violate federal privacy regulations.

Key Concept

Mandatory Reporting, Scope of Practice, and Patient Confidentiality
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Topics

Legal and Ethical Practice

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