Which statement about nurses and their involvement with malpractice issues is correct?
a. Most malpractice cases involving nurses are related to poor staffing levels in the institu-tion.
b. Nurses are rarely implicated in malpractice cases, because the physicians hold the greatest amount of liability.
c. Failed relationships between the nurse and family are a major reason for malpractice claims.
d. Most malpractice cases against nurses are due to medication errors.
C
One of the best ways a nurse can reduce the risk of being a defendant in a lawsuit is the development of caring relationships with clients through good communication. The client who does not feel the nurse cares about his/her condition is more likely to take legal action regarding the care received. Although staffing may contribute to malpractice issues, it is not the main cause. Currently when a malpractice action is taken, the nurse is usually involved as an employee of the health care facility. Medication errors are among a number of medical errors that lead to litigation against nurses.
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a. Wear a mask during administration of the medication. b. Clean up a spill with paper towels as quickly as possible. c. Wear a face shield if there is any danger of splashing. d. Wear triple-layered gloves during administration.
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