An investigation into reports of substandard care on the subacute geriatric unit of a hospital has been undertaken. Which of the following events are representative of malpractice on the part of the nursing staff? Select all that apply

Question

A) A client with a documented history of seizures was left with his bed raised and with bedrails not in place, resulting in a fall and head injury.
B) A client was sent for a colonoscopy, after which it was learned that the client had never given written consent for the procedure.
C) A client with a diagnosis of vascular dementia was found wandering in the hall outside the unit.
D) An immobile client was not turned over the course of a night shift and developed a pressure ulcer on her coccyx.
E) A client admitted with a diagnosis of pneumonia contracted an antibiotic-resistant organism during her stay.

Answer 1

A, D
Feedback:
Answers A and D include all of the components of malpractice: duty, negligence, and injury. Answer B involves an abdication of duty on the part of the physician, not the nurse, while answer C lacks a resultant injury. Answer E does not necessarily suggest negligence on the part of care providers.