Each state has a nurse practice act that establishes the standards of care required for legal nursing practice. In order to protect herself/himself from litigation, the nurse should understand that:
a. laws create liability issues for nurses.
b. licensure laws are devised to protect the nurse.
c. the nurse is not responsible for other disciplines' mistakes.
d. keeping current with changing laws can protect the nurse.
ANS: D
Laws delineate acceptable nursing practice, provide a basis on which many health care decisions are determined, and protect nurses from liability in cases in which safe practice is maintained. Each state has a nurse practice act that establishes the standards of care required for legal nursing practice. Licensure, laws, rules, and regulations governing nursing practice are enforced to protect the public from harm. In many cases, the nurse is the last line of defense to prevent an error in medication administration or other types of patient care. Keeping current with changing laws related to nursing practice and technology can ensure safety for nurses and their patients.
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