[community Public Health] Chapter 6: Legal Context For Community/Public Health Nursing

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  • 1/33 Questions

    The nurse described the risks and benefits of immunization to an infants mother and told her what immunization would be administered. The mother held the infants leg as the nurse administered the injection. The next day the mother called the clinic supervisor and stated she was going to sue because the infants leg was red, swollen, and clearly painful. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

    • Explain that the symptoms, if given some time, will eventually resolve on their own.
    • Emphasize that this type of a reaction is rare and unpredictable.
    • Remind the mother that they had discussed immunizations and that she had held the infants leg during the injection, and therefore informed consent had been given.
    • Stress that the infant has more immunity against the disease because of the immunization.
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About This Quiz

This quiz in Community Public Health Nursing covers legal frameworks affecting health practices. It assesses knowledge of state statutes, administrative law, and local ordinances, focusing on how nurses can influence law and protect stakeholders.

[community Public Health] Chapter 6: Legal Context For Community/Public Health Nursing - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    In which legislation can most public health documents be found?

    • County or district law

    • Federal acts

    • Local ordinances

    • State statutes

    Correct Answer
    A. State statutes
    Explanation
    Public health documents can be found in state statutes because these statutes are laws enacted by the state government that specifically pertain to public health. State statutes often cover a wide range of public health issues, such as disease control, sanitation standards, vaccination requirements, and emergency preparedness. These documents are important for ensuring the health and safety of the public within a particular state.

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  • 3. 

    A community/public health nurse offered to take a client to and from the pharmacy in the nurses car as the client had no other means of getting her prescription medications. Which of the following statements would most likely be made by the nurses supervisor?

    • Please dont do that; other clients will start expecting the same service.

    • That was very kind and considerate of you to spend your gas and time driving the client.

    • You shouldnt start a habit like that; the client may expect transportation for other errands now.

    • Your insurance as an employee may not cover doing personal errands for clients, so avoid taking clients in your personal car.

    Correct Answer
    A. Your insurance as an employee may not cover doing personal errands for clients, so avoid taking clients in your personal car.
    Explanation
    The nurses supervisor would most likely make the statement "Your insurance as an employee may not cover doing personal errands for clients, so avoid taking clients in your personal car" because it addresses the potential insurance coverage issue and advises the nurse to avoid providing personal transportation to clients. This suggests that there may be potential liability or policy concerns related to using personal vehicles for client transportation.

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  • 4. 

     If a case of failure to act as a reasonably prudent professional is brought to court, what would this failure be called?

    • Vicarious liability

    •  Civil disobedience

    • Criminal action

    • Negligence under tort law

    Correct Answer
    A. Negligence under tort law
    Explanation
    Negligence under tort law refers to the failure of a professional to act with reasonable care and skill, resulting in harm or injury to another person. In the context of the question, if a case of failure to act as a reasonably prudent professional is brought to court, it would be considered negligence under tort law. This means that the professional did not meet the standard of care expected in their profession, and they may be held legally responsible for any damages caused by their actions or inactions.

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  • 5. 

     What is the relationship between legal obligations and ethical obligations?

    • Legal concerns are always in the news, whereas ethical concerns are not.

    • Legal issues are typically observed before ethical issues are noticed.

    • The nurse must fulfill legal obligations but not necessarily ethical ones.

    • When ethical issues become a social concern, laws are passed to provide guidance.

    Correct Answer
    A. When ethical issues become a social concern, laws are passed to provide guidance.
    Explanation
    The relationship between legal obligations and ethical obligations is that when ethical issues become a social concern, laws are passed to provide guidance. This means that ethical concerns may not always be immediately addressed, but once they gain enough attention and become a societal issue, laws are enacted to provide legal obligations and guidelines to address those ethical concerns.

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  • 6. 

     The nurse left a client a telephone answering machine message with his laboratory results so that he could listen at his convenience. Upon hearing that this happened, which of the following would be the most likely action taken by the nurses supervisor?

    • Explaining to the nurse that it is the clients responsibility to get in touch with the clinic office

    • Applauding the nurses actions for showing good use of technology

    • Asking other nurses to follow this example as it made very efficient use of agency time

    • Instructing the nurse to leave a name and phone number for the client to return the call

    Correct Answer
    A. Instructing the nurse to leave a name and phone number for the client to return the call
    Explanation
    The nurse left a client a telephone answering machine message with his laboratory results so that he could listen at his convenience. However, this may not be the most appropriate or professional method of communication. Instructing the nurse to leave a name and phone number for the client to return the call would be the most likely action taken by the nurse's supervisor. This ensures that the client can reach out to the clinic office directly to discuss their laboratory results and ask any questions they may have.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following is the name for the rules and regulations written by state boards of nursing?

    • Administrative law

    • Common law

    • Legislative law

    • Tort law

    Correct Answer
    A. Administrative law
    Explanation
    Administrative law refers to the rules and regulations established by state boards of nursing. These laws govern the practice of nursing and ensure that nurses adhere to certain standards and guidelines. They are created by the state boards of nursing to protect the public and regulate the nursing profession. Administrative law is specific to the field of nursing and is distinct from common law, legislative law, and tort law, which pertain to different areas of legal practice.

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  • 8. 

    Which of the following actions should be taken by a nurse who wants to influence proposed administrative law?

    • Calling, e-mailing, faxing, or writing the leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate concerning what should be included in the administrative law

    •  Writing the state legislators to suggest that appropriate legislation be introduced

    • Promising to contribute money to the legislators reelection campaign if the administrative law reflects the nurses views

    • Providing input, either verbally or in writing, to the involved agency, after notice of proposed rules is published

    Correct Answer
    A. Providing input, either verbally or in writing, to the involved agency, after notice of proposed rules is published
    Explanation
    The correct answer is providing input, either verbally or in writing, to the involved agency, after notice of proposed rules is published. This is the most appropriate action for a nurse who wants to influence proposed administrative law because it allows them to directly communicate their views and suggestions to the agency responsible for making the rules. Calling, e-mailing, faxing, or writing the leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate may not have a direct impact on the administrative law. Writing to state legislators to suggest appropriate legislation may be a valid action, but it may not directly influence the administrative law. Promising to contribute money to legislators' reelection campaign is unethical and may not guarantee that the administrative law reflects the nurse's views.

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  • 9. 

    Who is protected by state laws when an employed nurse provides care to a client?

    • The health care provider and the client

    • The agency or hospital and the client

    • The health care provider and the agency or hospital

    • The client and the general population

    Correct Answer
    A. The health care provider and the client
    Explanation
    When an employed nurse provides care to a client, state laws protect both the health care provider and the client. This means that the nurse is protected from any legal actions or liabilities that may arise from providing care, while the client is protected by ensuring that the nurse adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the state laws. These laws aim to ensure the safety and well-being of both parties involved in the care process.

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  • 10. 

    A client was extremely upset about her prognosis. The nurse looked the client directly in the eye while holding her hand and reassured her by saying, You're going to be alright. You can get through this. The clients husband was also present when the nurse reassured his wife. When the wife died, the husband sued the nurse for breach of contract. On what basis can the husband win his case?

    • The nurse should have avoided reassurance, because the client took the reassurance as a promise of the outcome.

    • The nurse should have given better care to help ensure that the wife survived her treatment.

    • The nurse should have read the wifes medical record to determine her prognosis before reassuring her.

    • The nurse should have reassured the wife only when they were alone, without the husband knowing what was said.

    Correct Answer
    A. The nurse should have avoided reassurance, because the client took the reassurance as a promise of the outcome.
    Explanation
    The husband can win his case on the basis that the nurse should have avoided reassurance, as the client interpreted it as a promise of the outcome. This implies that the nurse provided false hope and potentially misled the client and her husband regarding the prognosis. By reassuring the client in such a manner, the nurse may have breached the standard of care and contributed to the husband's belief that his wife would survive.

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  • 11. 

     A 17-year-old mother signed her name on the consent form for her child to have an influenza immunization. The nurse asked the mother if she also wanted a flu immunization. If the mother said, Yes, can the nurse give her the injection?

    • No, unless the 17-year-old had her parents consent

    • Yes, if the mother signs her own consent form

    • Yes; it is important that both mother and child be protected

    •  It would depend on the laws in that state regarding emancipated minors

    Correct Answer
    A.  It would depend on the laws in that state regarding emancipated minors
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that it would depend on the laws in that state regarding emancipated minors. Emancipated minors are individuals under the age of 18 who are considered legally independent from their parents or guardians. In some states, these minors have the ability to make their own medical decisions, including consenting to vaccinations. However, in other states, parental consent may still be required. Therefore, whether or not the nurse can give the mother the injection would depend on the specific laws in the state where this situation is taking place.

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  • 12. 

     What is the primary purpose of incident reports?

    • Documenting that a particular nurse should not be retained

    • Documenting the breach in a standard of care

    • Punishing the employee at fault

    • Recognizing patterns of possible problems

    Correct Answer
    A. Recognizing patterns of possible problems
    Explanation
    The primary purpose of incident reports is to recognize patterns of possible problems. Incident reports are used to document and report any unexpected or adverse events that occur in a healthcare setting. By analyzing these reports, patterns and trends can be identified, allowing for proactive measures to be taken to prevent future incidents. Incident reports are not meant to document that a particular nurse should not be retained, punish the employee at fault, or solely document a breach in a standard of care.

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  • 13. 

    After a nurse talked to the physician over the phone, a medication was ordered over the phone, and the nurse gave the young boy his first dose. The boy almost immediately showed serious signs of allergy, and the nurse immediately administered adrenaline per standing orders of the agency. The nurse breathed a sigh of relief that the boy was okay until the boys mother exclaimed, We are definitely suing you. Which of the following would be the most likely reason that the mother would win such a suit?

    • The nurse did not correctly apply the rights of medication administration.

    • The nurse caused significant emotional distress to the boy and mother.

    • The nurse is the one who administered the drug to the boy that caused the reaction.

    • The nurse has no evidence that the physician ordered the offending drug.

    Correct Answer
    A. The nurse has no evidence that the physician ordered the offending drug.
    Explanation
    The mother would most likely win the suit because the nurse does not have any evidence that the physician ordered the medication that caused the allergic reaction in the boy. This lack of evidence raises questions about the nurse's adherence to proper protocols and procedures for medication administration, potentially leading to negligence on the nurse's part. Without evidence of a valid order, it becomes difficult for the nurse to defend their actions and avoid liability in the lawsuit.

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  • 14. 

     A community/public health nurse was assigned to care for a home care client whose condition was constantly worsening. Because of overwhelming work issues, the community/public health nurse asked a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to care for the client for one day. When the LPN made an error that harmed the client, the client sued both the LPN and the community/public health nurse. Which of the following is the most likely outcome for this lawsuit?

    •  As the supervisor responsible for delegating the care, the nurse is also responsible.

    • The nurse cannot be sued for an error made by someone else.

    • The nurse cannot be sued because the statute of limitations has been met.

    • Under respondeat superior, the nurse is responsible for everything any staff member does at any time.

    Correct Answer
    A.  As the supervisor responsible for delegating the care, the nurse is also responsible.
    Explanation
    The most likely outcome for this lawsuit is that the nurse will be held responsible for the error made by the LPN. As the supervisor who delegated the care to the LPN, the nurse has a duty to ensure that the LPN is competent and capable of providing safe care to the client. If the LPN's error resulted in harm to the client, the nurse can be held accountable for failing to properly supervise and delegate the care. This is known as respondeat superior, which holds the employer (in this case, the nurse) responsible for the actions of their employees.

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  • 15. 

    What are laws passed by a local government unit such as a village, town, or city called?

    • Acts

    • Judicial law

    • Ordinances

    • Statutes

    Correct Answer
    A. Ordinances
    Explanation
    Laws passed by a local government unit such as a village, town, or city are called ordinances. These ordinances are specific to the jurisdiction of the local government and are typically enacted to regulate various aspects of community life, such as zoning, building codes, noise regulations, and public health. Unlike statutes, which are laws passed by a higher level of government, ordinances only apply within the local jurisdiction. Acts and judicial law refer to laws passed at a higher level of government or decisions made by the judiciary, respectively.

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  • 16. 

    A newly employed nurse had read the nurse practice act very carefully. After the first orientation day, the nurse read the agency procedure book from cover to cover and discovered that some policies seemed to be contradictory to the state law. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

    • Ask another nurse working at the agency what to do.

    • Ask the physician what should be done when there are discrepancies.

    • Follow agency policy and procedures that are in place.

    • Report the discrepancies to the agency and volunteer to help revise the policy.

    Correct Answer
    A. Report the discrepancies to the agency and volunteer to help revise the policy.
    Explanation
    The nurse should report the discrepancies to the agency and volunteer to help revise the policy. By doing so, the nurse is ensuring that the agency is made aware of the contradictions between their policies and the state law. Additionally, by offering to help revise the policy, the nurse is taking an active role in finding a solution to the problem. This action demonstrates the nurse's commitment to upholding the law and promoting the best interests of the patients and the agency.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following is the best definition for standard of care?

    • What a reasonably prudent nurse would do in the same situation

    • What is currently being advocated in nursing textbooks

    • What has been outlined in the policies and procedures of the agency

    • What the customary traditional practices in the community are

    Correct Answer
    A. What a reasonably prudent nurse would do in the same situation
    Explanation
    The best definition for standard of care is what a reasonably prudent nurse would do in the same situation. This means that the standard of care is based on the actions and decisions that a nurse with similar knowledge, skills, and experience would make when faced with a specific situation. It takes into consideration the accepted practices and guidelines within the nursing profession and ensures that the nurse provides care that is in line with these standards to promote patient safety and well-being.

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  • 18. 

    What is the main difference between civil cases and criminal cases?

    • Civil cases involve society as a whole, whereas criminal cases are more limited.

    • Criminal cases are prosecuted by the government, while civil cases involve private persons or businesses.

    • Only in civil cases does the guilty party go to jail; in criminal cases, financial penalties are imposed.

    • The penalties are more severe for civil than for criminal violations because more people are affected.

    Correct Answer
    A. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the government, while civil cases involve private persons or businesses.
    Explanation
    In criminal cases, the government takes legal action against individuals who have committed a crime, while in civil cases, private individuals or businesses file lawsuits against each other to resolve disputes. This means that the government is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, while civil cases involve private parties seeking resolution through the legal system.

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  • 19. 

    An 84-year-old woman with diabetes had leg ulcers that necessitated long-term treatment because of her condition. One day, the client was angry because the nurse was late for their scheduled appointment and refused to let the nurse enter the house. Which of the following would be the best action for the nurse to take?

    •  Accept that the client has the right to deny consent but try to visit later when she may not be quite so upset

    • Call a legal consult because the client has obviously lost the ability to make rational decisions.

    • Demand the client sign an against medical advice slip or else change the dressings, using coercion as necessary.

    • Walk away, document the clients refusal, and accept the clients decision.

    Correct Answer
    A.  Accept that the client has the right to deny consent but try to visit later when she may not be quite so upset
    Explanation
    The best action for the nurse to take in this situation is to accept that the client has the right to deny consent but try to visit later when she may not be quite so upset. It is important to respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own care. By acknowledging the client's emotions and attempting to visit at a later time, the nurse can maintain a therapeutic relationship and provide the necessary treatment when the client is more receptive. This approach demonstrates empathy and understanding towards the client's feelings while still prioritizing their health and well-being.

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  • 20. 

    Under which of the following conditions can a nurse knowingly share confidential information about a particular client with anyone not involved in the clients care?

    • If a client states lack of concern about publicly sharing information with anyone

    •  If the client has an extremely contagious disease, in which case the nurse may tell those possibly exposed

    • If the local public health department decides to encourage the general population to take protective measures

    • If the family requests that others are informed so they may be supportive of the client

    Correct Answer
    A.  If the client has an extremely contagious disease, in which case the nurse may tell those possibly exposed
    Explanation
    If the client has an extremely contagious disease, it is necessary for the nurse to share confidential information with those who may have been exposed in order to prevent the further spread of the disease. This is done in the interest of public health and safety.

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  • 21. 

    In which of the following statements are legal terms common to civil cases used correctly?

    • The attorney sued for damages from the plaintiff.

    •  The defendant sued the plaintiff for damages.

    • The plaintiff sued the defendant for damages.

    • The plaintiff sued the defendant so that he would be incarcerated.

    Correct Answer
    A. The plaintiff sued the defendant for damages.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "The plaintiff sued the defendant for damages." In civil cases, the party who initiates the lawsuit is called the plaintiff, and the party being sued is called the defendant. The term "sued" is correctly used to indicate that the plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against the defendant. Additionally, "damages" refers to the monetary compensation that the plaintiff is seeking from the defendant.

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  • 22. 

     In which of the following situations would immunity be granted to a health care provider who reports suspected abuse of a client to a legal authority?

    • The provider believes abuse is occurring and reports it in good faith.

    • The provider can prove the abuse.

    • The provider has at least one other witness to the abuse.

    •  The provider has good evidence of abuse.

    Correct Answer
    A. The provider believes abuse is occurring and reports it in good faith.
    Explanation
    In this situation, immunity would be granted to a healthcare provider who reports suspected abuse of a client to a legal authority if they believe abuse is occurring and report it in good faith. This means that even if the provider cannot prove the abuse or does not have any other witnesses or concrete evidence, they will still be protected from legal action as long as they genuinely believe that abuse is taking place and they report it honestly and with good intentions.

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  • 23. 

    Because the client was not incorporating the behavior changes the nurse suggested, the nurse decided to no longer visit the clients home to give care. Which of the following events would allow the client to successfully sue the nurse?

    • The nurse did not tell the client that no further visits would be made and did not suggest other options for care.

    • The nurse supervisor agreed that the suggested changes for the clients care were unreasonable.

    • The jury believed that the client was always right, regardless of the improperness of the clients behavior.

    • The physician sided with the client against the nurse and stated that the nursing plan of care was unreasonable.

    Correct Answer
    A. The nurse did not tell the client that no further visits would be made and did not suggest other options for care.
    Explanation
    The client would be able to successfully sue the nurse because the nurse did not inform the client that no further visits would be made and did not provide alternative options for care. This lack of communication and failure to address the situation properly could be seen as negligence on the part of the nurse, leading to a potential lawsuit.

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  • 24. 

     During orientation at a public health agency, the supervisor informed the nurse that all nurses were legally covered because the agency had its own malpractice/negligence insurance. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

    • Ask to see a copy of the policy and make sure it totals at least $1 million per occurrence.

    • Continue to carry personal liability insurance for self-protection.

    • Express gratitude because of the high cost of carrying personal liability insurance.

    • Concentrate on providing the best care possible to avoid lawsuits.

    Correct Answer
    A. Continue to carry personal liability insurance for self-protection.
    Explanation
    The nurse should continue to carry personal liability insurance for self-protection. While the agency may have its own malpractice/negligence insurance, it is still important for the nurse to have their own coverage. This is because the agency's insurance may not provide adequate coverage or may not cover all potential liabilities that the nurse may face. Carrying personal liability insurance ensures that the nurse is protected in case of any legal claims or lawsuits that may arise. It is a proactive measure to safeguard the nurse's professional and financial well-being.

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  • 25. 

    A nurses action resulted in serious harm to a client. Many years later, the client brings a court case against the nurse for damages. What might prevent the case from going to court for a ruling against the nurse?

    • The client agreed to the care at the time.

    • The nurse did not know the chosen action was inappropriate.

    • The nurse thought what was being done was appropriate.

    •  The time limit for suing had passed.

    Correct Answer
    A.  The time limit for suing had passed.
    Explanation
    The case may not go to court for a ruling against the nurse because the time limit for suing had passed. This means that the client waited too long to bring the court case, and as a result, their claim may be barred by the statute of limitations.

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  • 26. 

    A nurse is the subject of a lawsuit and attempts to demonstrate that her behavior was appropriate. To demonstrate this most effectively, the nurse should do which of the following?

    • Call an expert witness to testify that the behavior was prudent and reasonable for a nurse in such a situation.

    • Hire an attorney who will argue that the physician was responsible for the nurses behavior.

    •  Describe how the textbooks used while the nurse was enrolled in nursing education endorsed the action that the nurse performed.

    • Explain that the client asked the nurse to engage in that behavior, and the client has the authority to decide on personal care.

    Correct Answer
    A. Call an expert witness to testify that the behavior was prudent and reasonable for a nurse in such a situation.
    Explanation
    To demonstrate that her behavior was appropriate, the nurse should call an expert witness to testify. This is the most effective approach because an expert witness can provide professional testimony and opinions based on their knowledge and experience in the field. Their testimony can carry significant weight in a lawsuit, as they can explain why the nurse's behavior was prudent and reasonable for a nurse in that specific situation. This can help to establish that the nurse acted within the accepted standards of care and strengthen her defense in the case.

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  • 27. 

    A nurse is caring for a client who is ill with a contagious infectious disease that has a high death rate. Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse?

    • Asking the client to talk to a health care provider about disease progression

    •  Reporting the disease if such reporting is required by state law

    • Determining whether the disease is easily transmitted through air or body fluids

    • Encouraging the client to stay at home and not have visitors

    Correct Answer
    A.  Reporting the disease if such reporting is required by state law
    Explanation
    The nurse should report the disease if required by state law because it is a contagious infectious disease with a high death rate. Reporting the disease is important for public health purposes, as it allows for proper monitoring, control, and prevention of the spread of the disease. This information can also help in identifying any potential outbreaks and implementing necessary measures to protect the community.

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  • 28. 

     Why is it especially important for the community/public health nurse who provides direct care to clients to know federal legislation?

    • The nurse will be able to inform clients of existing federal programs for which the client may be eligible.

    • The nurse will be aware of new resources and opportunities for clients.

    • The nurse will be able to uphold the current administrative rules and regulations.

    • The nurse will be able to protect himself or herself from nuisance suits by knowing all the legal safeguards.

    Correct Answer
    A. The nurse will be able to inform clients of existing federal programs for which the client may be eligible.
    Explanation
    Knowing federal legislation is especially important for the community/public health nurse who provides direct care to clients because it enables them to inform clients of existing federal programs for which the client may be eligible. This knowledge allows the nurse to connect clients with resources and opportunities that can support their health and well-being. By being aware of federal programs, the nurse can ensure that clients receive the necessary assistance and support they are entitled to, ultimately improving their overall health outcomes.

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  • 29. 

     What should incident reports always include?

    • The person who was responsible for the occurrence of the incident

    • The nurses objective observation of the incident

    • The nurses perspective as to what probably happened

    • The nurses speculation on how such incidents could be avoided in the future

    Correct Answer
    A. The nurses objective observation of the incident
    Explanation
    Incident reports should always include the nurses' objective observation of the incident because this helps provide an accurate and unbiased account of what actually occurred. By focusing on the factual details and avoiding personal opinions or speculations, the objective observation can serve as a reliable source of information for analyzing the incident and implementing preventive measures in the future.

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  • 30. 

    Which of the following descriptions best reflects the central purpose of laws?

    •  Ensuring that the highest priority needs in society are met

    • Ensuring that ethical issues are resolved on the basis of the majorities agreement about the conclusion represented in the law

    •  Helping society maintain employment (e.g., courts, jails and prisons, police officers, attorneys)

    • Maintaining public order and communicating expectations about behavior

    Correct Answer
    A. Maintaining public order and communicating expectations about behavior
    Explanation
    The central purpose of laws is to maintain public order and communicate expectations about behavior. Laws are put in place to establish a set of rules and regulations that govern society and ensure that individuals behave in a manner that is acceptable and does not disrupt the overall order. By enforcing laws, society can function smoothly and individuals can understand what is expected of them in terms of their behavior and actions.

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  • 31. 

    A community/public health nurse is providing care to a client who reports that he has received a diagnosis of tuberculosis. The nurse wants to be sure that the legally safe action is chosen when care is provided to this client. With whom should the nurse consult?

    • Agency director

    • State hygienic laboratory personnel

    • Attending physician

    • States attorney general

    Correct Answer
    A. States attorney general
    Explanation
    The nurse should consult with the State Attorney General because they are responsible for interpreting and enforcing the laws of the state. In the case of a client with tuberculosis, there may be legal requirements and regulations regarding reporting, treatment, and contact tracing that the nurse needs to be aware of. Consulting with the State Attorney General ensures that the nurse is following the legally safe actions and providing appropriate care to the client.

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  • 32. 

    Which of the following events best describes how judicial law is typically created?

    • Suggestions from agency personnel

    • Case precedents or similar previous court decisions

    • Extensive public debate and a legislative vote

    • Decisions made by judges

    Correct Answer
    A. Case precedents or similar previous court decisions
    Explanation
    Case precedents or similar previous court decisions best describes how judicial law is typically created. This means that judges often make decisions based on previous court rulings, which then become the basis for future legal interpretations and decisions. This process, known as stare decisis, helps ensure consistency and predictability in the legal system. By relying on established precedents, judges can build upon existing legal principles and provide guidance for future cases. This approach allows for incremental changes in the law over time and helps maintain the stability and integrity of the judicial system.

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  • 33. 

    The new nurse was proceeding through orientation and following the assigned mentor throughout the day when an elderly man was admitted to the home care agency for post-hospitalization care. The mentor stressed the importance of asking whether the client had a durable power of attorney. Why would the mentor want this question answered?

    • Agencies are required by law to ask whether such a document exists.

    • The elderly client may not be capable of making his own decisions much longer.

    • If the client becomes confused, the nurse will know which family member to ask for a decision about his care.

    • The information will tell the nurse whether resuscitation should be performed.

    Correct Answer
    A. Agencies are required by law to ask whether such a document exists.
    Explanation
    The mentor would want the question about a durable power of attorney answered because agencies are required by law to ask whether such a document exists. This is important because a durable power of attorney allows a designated person to make decisions on behalf of the client if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. By knowing whether or not the client has a durable power of attorney, the agency can ensure that the client's wishes and best interests are being upheld and that the designated person is involved in the decision-making process.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): May 3, 2023 +

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  • May 03, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • May 05, 2020
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    Draconisnightman
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