When the nurse is dealing with a specific and actual legal problem involving a child or adolescent, which of the following actions is most important for the nurse to take?

Question

a. Consult with legal counsel who is familiar with the laws in the state where the problem occurred.
b. Select an attorney who appears to be sympathetic to pediatric clients, who has had success in similar cases, and who is willing to work with the nurse.
c. Contact the nursing school where he or she graduated to see if it has free legal counsel.
d. Wait to see if the problem will resolve itself without further action on the part of the nurse.

Answer 1

A

Feedback
A Correct: If a nurse needs a legal opioion about an issue or concern, a licensed attorney who is familiar with the specific area of law in the state where the problem occurred should be consulted.
B Incorrect: Although all of these attributes may be desirable in an attorney, the most important action for the nurse to take is consulting an attorney who is familiar with the specific area of law in that state. The answers to many legal questions vary from state to state, depending on the specific laws of the state and how the courts interpret those laws.
C Incorrect: The most important action for the nurse to take is consulting an attorney who is familiar with the specific area of law in the state where the problem occurred. The nurse may have graduated from a nursing school in a state other than where the legal problem ocurred.
D Incorrect: Waiting to see if the problem will resolve itself does not change the fact that the problem involves the legal system. Often waiting will only exaccerbate the problem.