The maternity nurse's best defense against an accusation of malpractice or negligence is that the nurse:
1. Followed the physician's written orders.
2. Met the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) standards of practice.
3. Is a certified nurse–midwife or nurse practitioner.
4. Was acting on the advice of the nurse manager.
2
Rationale:
1. Following the physician's written orders is not enough to defend the nurse from accusations because the orders and/or advice might be wrong or unethical.
2. Meeting the AWHONN standards of practice would cover the maternity nurse against an accusation of malpractice or negligence because the standards are rigorous and cover all bases of excellent nursing practice.
3. Being a certified nurse–midwife or nurse practitioner does not defend the nurse against these accusations if she does not follow the AWHONN standards of practice.
4. Acting on the advice of the nurse manager is not enough to defend the nurse from accusations because the orders and/or advice might be wrong or unethical.
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