Chapter 5: Legal and Ethical Issues - Nurselytic

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Statutory law is a law that any local, state, or federal legislative body enacts. An example of statutory law is the nurse practice act in each state. Clients sign a general permission for care and treatment on hospitalization. The parent or guardian should provide consent if the client is a minor to protect healthcare workers from being charged with battery. In an emergency, healthcare providers can infer consent.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nurse practice acts define nursing practice and set standards for nurses in each state. Each state has its own nurse practice act, but one of the common components is the grounds for disciplinary action.
Tort law is the body of law that governs breaches of duty owed by one person to another. A duty is an expected action that is based on moral or legal obligations. A tort is an injury that occurred because of another person's intentional or unintentional actions or failure to act.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale:
To protect healthcare workers from being charged with battery, clients sign a general permission for care and treatment at the time of hospitalization. They also sign a written consent before undergoing special tests, procedures, or surgery. Obtaining a signed release for recognizable photographs for publications, using initials or code numbers instead of names in written reports or research papers, and drawing bedside curtains when giving personal care are essential for protecting a client's privacy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A nurse should not detain a competent client who wants to leave a hospital or long-term care facility before being discharged by the physician. If a client wants to leave the facility against medical advice, the client should sign a form that releases the healthcare facility from its responsibility. Mentally impaired, confused, or disoriented clients may be restrained if their safety or the safety of others is at risk; this does not apply to a competent client.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A statute of limitations is the designated time for a person to file a lawsuit. The time is typically calculated from the time the incident occurred. If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations sometimes does not commence until the victim reaches adulthood. Good Samaritan law ensures legal immunity for rescuers who provide first aid in the case of an emergency to accident victims.