During a clinical placement on a subacute, geriatric medicine unit, a student nurse fed a stroke client some beef broth, despite the fact that the client's diet was restricted to thickened fluids. As a result, the client aspirated and developed pneumonia

Question

Which of the following statements underlies the student's potential liability in this situation?

A) The same standards of care that apply to a registered nurse apply to the student.
B) The student and the nursing instructor share liability for this lapse in care.
C) The patient's primary nurse is liable for failing to ensure that delegated care was appropriate.
D) The student's potential liability is likely negated by the insurance carried by the school of nursing.

Answer 1

Ans: A
Despite the fact that their knowledge and skills are still under development, nursing students are held to the same standards of care as registered nurses. Consequently, primary liability does not lie with the student's instructor or the patient's primary nurse. Insurance may be carried by the school of nursing, but this does not negate the student's legal responsibility to provide care at a high standard.