Legal and Documentation Considerations in End-of-Life Care
Legal and Documentation Considerations in End-of-Life Care ( 7 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing a client's medical record and notices that there is no documentation of informed consent for a surgical procedure that was performed earlier that day. Which action should the nurse take?
The nurse should report the incident to the risk management department, as this is a serious breach of legal and ethical principles that could result in legal action or disciplinary measures. The risk management department is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and minimizing risks that could harm clients, staff, or the organization.
Document the incident in the client's medical record. - This is an incorrect action, as it does not address the issue or prevent further harm. The nurse should not document anything in the client's medical record that is not related to their care or treatment, as this could be used as evidence in a lawsuit or investigation.
Contact the health care provider who performed the procedure. - This is an incorrect action, as it does not address the issue or prevent further harm. The nurse should not confront or accuse the health care provider who performed the procedure, as this could create conflict or hostility. The nurse should report the incident to the appropriate authority, such as the risk management department or the nursing supervisor.
Notify the client's family members of the incident. - This is an incorrect action, as it does not address the issue or prevent further harm. The nurse should not disclose any information about the client's care or treatment to anyone who is not authorized to receive it, unless there is a legal obligation or a valid consent from the client.
Rationale: The nurse should report the incident to the risk management department, as this is a serious breach of legal and ethical principles that could result in legal action or disciplinary measures. The risk management department is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and minimizing risks that could harm clients, staff, or the organization.
Incorrect options:
B) Document the incident in the client's medical record. - This is an incorrect action, as it does not address the issue or prevent further harm. The nurse should not document anything in the client's medical record that is not related to their care or treatment, as this could be used as evidence in a lawsuit or investigation.
C) Contact the health care provider who performed the procedure. - This is an incorrect action, as it does not address the issue or prevent further harm. The nurse should not confront or accuse the health care provider who performed the procedure, as this could create conflict or hostility. The nurse should report the incident to the appropriate authority, such as the risk management department or the nursing supervisor.
D) Notify the client's family members of the incident. - This is an incorrect action, as it does not address the issue or prevent further harm. The nurse should not disclose any information about the client's care or treatment to anyone who is not authorized to receive it, unless there is a legal obligation or a valid consent from the client.