The nurse is concerned about being sued for negligence when providing care. Which nursing actions may be grounds for negligence? Select all that apply

Question

A) Client fell getting out of bed because the call light was not used.
B) Client name band was checked prior to providing all medications.
C) Client's morning medications were administered in the early afternoon.
D) Client states not understanding activity restrictions and wound eviscerated.
E) Client documentation did not include appearance of infiltrated IV site.

Answer 1

Answer: A, C, D, E

One strategy to prevent instances of professional negligence is to ensure client safety. The client fell when getting out of bed because the call light was not used. Because there is no way of knowing if the client knew how to use the call light, the nurse should be concerned with this situation. Checking the client name band before providing medications is not an action that is negligent. However providing medications beyond the prescribed time can be viewed as negligent care. Clear communication of directions, explanations, and providing effective client education regarding the client's healthcare requirements can help decrease the risk of bad outcomes so the wound evisceration could be viewed as negligent care. Poor documentation about care, wounds, and intravenous sites could be viewed as negligent care.