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Difficulty: EasyLegal Rights and Responsibilities

A nurse manager is evaluating the clinical practices of staff nurses on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following observed actions demonstrate a correct understanding of the legal rights and responsibilities of the registered nurse? (Select all that apply.)

  1. Honoring a competent adult's informed decision to decline a recommended blood transfusion.Answer
  2. Signing as a witness on a procedure consent document after the healthcare provider has reviewed the risks with the client.Answer
  3. C
    Delaying the notification of adult protective services regarding suspected abuse until indisputable evidence is discovered.
  4. D
    Placing physical restraints on an anxious client before implementing less restrictive safety measures such as a bed alarm.
  5. E
    Assigning an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to explain the risks of leaving the facility against medical advice (AMA).
  6. Distributing written documentation regarding the Patient Bill of Rights during the admission process.Answer

Answer

The correct actions are honoring a competent client's refusal of treatment, acting as a witness for informed consent, and providing the Patient Bill of Rights upon admission.
Legally sound nursing practice requires the registered nurse to uphold client autonomy, which includes respecting a competent individual's right to refuse treatment. The nurse's role in the informed consent process is properly limited to witnessing the signature after the primary provider has fulfilled the duty of explaining the procedure. Furthermore, providing written documentation of patient rights during admission is a standard legal requirement to ensure clients are aware of their healthcare protections.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the action regarding treatment refusal.
It is recognized as a correct action.
Competent adults possess the legal right to autonomy and can refuse any medical intervention.
2
Evaluate the action concerning informed consent.
It is recognized as a correct action.
The provider is responsible for explaining the procedure; the nurse's legal duty is to witness the voluntary signature.
3
Assess the action regarding mandatory reporting of abuse.
It is recognized as an incorrect action.
Suspected abuse must be reported immediately; waiting for indisputable evidence violates mandatory reporting laws.
4
Examine the action regarding the application of restraints.
It is recognized as an incorrect action.
The law mandates that less restrictive measures must be attempted and documented before restraints are utilized.
5
Evaluate the action regarding delegation of AMA teaching.
It is recognized as an incorrect action.
Explaining clinical risks involves nursing judgment and patient education, which fall outside the UAP's scope of practice.
6
Analyze the action concerning the Patient Bill of Rights.
It is recognized as a correct action.
Providing this documentation ensures compliance with federal guidelines regarding patient rights.

Key Concept

Nursing Legal Responsibilities and Client Rights
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Topics

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

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