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Nursing
Legal Test2
124
Other
Undergraduate 4
11/04/2008

Additional Other Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
What is the difference between negligence and malpractice?
Definition

Negligence= Conduct lacking in DUE CARE.  Carelessness.  Doing something a reasonable person would not do. 

 

Malpractice=More specific term.  Failure of a PROFESSIONAL person to act in accordance with the prevailing standard, or failing to forsee. 

Term
What are the six steps to prove or disprove malpractice or negligence?
Definition

1-Duty owed the pt

2-Breach of the duty owed the pt

3-Foreseeability

4-Causation

5-Injury

6-Damages

Term

Failing to report a change in a pt's status is considered what element of malpractice?

 

Duty owed the pt

Breach of the duty owed the pt

Foreseeability

Causation

Injury

Damages

 

Definition
Breach of the duty owed the pt
Term

Failing to report another health care workers incompetence is an example of:

Duty owed the pt

Breach of the duty owed the pt

Foreseeability

Causation

Injury

Damages

 

Definition
Foreseeability
Term
What are the 4 tests of Causation?
Definition

1- Cause in fact

2- But-for-test

3- Substantial Factor test

4- Alternate causes

Term
An RN who irrigated a pt wound with the wrong solution, which resulted in more amputation has breeched what element of malpractice?
Definition
Causation:  cause in fact
Term

The following is an example of which test for causation?

 

"Could somethin have been done to prevent the injury?"

1- Cause in fact

2- But-for-test

3- Substantial Factor test

4- Alternate causes

Definition
But for test
Term

The following is an example of which test for causation?

"Did the defendants action cause or contribute to the injury?"

 

1- Cause in fact

2- But-for-test

3- Substantial Factor test

4- Alternate causes

Definition
Substantial factor test
Term
What is an example of an alternate cause of malpractice?
Definition
Others being involved with the causation such as PT, OT, RT etc
Term
Allowing the pt to be burned is a breach of what element of proving malpractice?
Definition
Injury
Term
What are the 4 types of damages?
Definition

General

Special

Emotional

Punitive or exemplary

Term

What type of damage?

 

"Pain, suffering(past, present and future), permanent disability or disfigurement"

Definition
General
Term

What type of damage?

"Losses and expenses incurred as a result of the injury"

Definition
Special
Term

What type of damage?

 

"Lost wages, medical bills, future medical costs"

Definition
Special
Term

What type of damage?

"rare event usually accompanied by physical harm"

Definition
emotional
Term

What type of damage?

"awareded for malicious, willful or wanton conduct"

Definition
Punitive
Term

What type of damage?

"Plaintiff shows that the defendent acted with a conscious disregard for the plaintiffs safety"

Definition
Punitive
Term
Which type of damage is the most expensive?
Definition
punitive/exemplary
Term
_______allows a negligence cause of action without requiring that all six elements of malpractice be proven.
Definition
res ipsa loquitor
Term
What is res ipsa loquitor, and how does it work?
Definition

Usually occurs when the injured party is was

unconscious

in surgery

an infant

 

This occurs when a plaintiff is injured but connot prove how the injury happened or who was responsible

Term

This occurs when a plaintiff is injured but connot prove how the injury happened or who was responsible

Definition
res ipsa loquitor
Term
What 3 things must an injured party claiming res ipsa loquitor prove?
Definition

1.  accident must be the kind that doesn't normally occur in the absence of negligence.

 2.  The accident must be caused by an agency or intrumentality within exclusive control of the defendant.

3.  Cannot be due to any voluntary action by the plaintiff

Term
What is the differance between comparitive and contributory negligence?
Definition

Comparative negligence=% of damages the pt is responsible for.

 

Contributory negligence= If the pt actions contribute towards their own lack of health then they arent entitled to any damages.

 

 

Term

If the pt actions contribute towards their own lack of health then they arent entitled to any damages this is considered to be:

 

Contributory or Comparative negligence?

Definition
Contributory
Term
Which state practices Contributory negligence?
Definition
NC
Term

Does KS practice comparative or contributory negligence?

 

How does it work?

Definition

Modified Comparative

 

If pt found to be >50% responsible, then there is no cause of action

Term
A civil wrong committed against a person or the persons property is called?
Definition
Tort
Term

What is the difference between intentional and quasi intentional torts?

 

What are the 2 types of quasi torts?

Definition

With quasi the intent is missing. 

 

Invasion of privacy

Defamation

Term
Threatening a pt with an injection or with starting an IV is an example of?
Definition
assault
Term
Holding a pt so a NG tube can be inserted could be a violation of?
Definition
Battery
Term
battery also includes?
Definition

Things connected to the pt

a single touch is sufficient

no harm or injury need occur

pt doesnt have to be aware

Term
What are circumstances that justify detainment?
Definition

Metally ill, threat to self or others

Contagious disease that would be threat to society

Term

Refusing to allow pt's to leave against medical advice is an example of?

 

Definition
False imprisonment
Term

Handing a mother her stillborn child in a gallon of formaldehyde is an example of?

 

Why?

Definition

Intentional infliction of emotional distress

 

because the conduct goes beyond that allowed by society, calculated, causes mental distress

Term
Removing pt's clothing could be an example of what tort?
Definition

Conversion of property

Term
When is conversion of property justified?
Definition
When done to prevent injury or harm from a confused or disorientated person
Term
Mr. West is confused upon entering the ED, the RN removes a knife from his pocket.  Has the RN violated conversion of property?
Definition
No
Term
If a Pt refuses to leave hosp. after being DCd, this could be an example of what tort?
Definition
trespass to land
Term
What factors make up trespass to land?
Definition

1- intrude on others land

2- fails to leave when requested

3- puts something on property

4- causes third party to enter property

Term
Can sedated pt's sue for false imprisonment?
Definition
NO
Term

With intentional torts do damages need to be proven?

Definition
No
Term

What are the types of consent?

 

What are they used for?

Definition

Written, oral, apparent, implied by law

 

Used as defense against intentional torts

Term

What is apparent consent?

 

Example?

Definition

What a reasonable person would infer from the pt's conduct that consent was given.

 

Ex: Pt rolls up L sleeve when asked which arm they prefer the shot in.

Term

What is implied consent?

 

Definition

When a person is unable of giving or denying consent.

 

 

Term

What is necessity?

Allows what?

 

What are the restrictions?

Definition

Defense used against intentional torts

 

Allows nurses to interfere with the pt's property rights to avoid threatened injury.

 

Can only search property if there is a reason

Term

What type of defense should be used?

A pt comes into the ER with a knife..

Definition
Necessity
Term
What is defamation?
Definition
Injury to another's reputation
Term
Libel defamation is?
Definition
written communication
Term
Slander defamation is?
Definition
oral communication
Term
What are the elements of defamation?
Definition

1- adversely affect a persons rep

2- concerns a living person

3- has to be a witness

 

Term
What are the RNs defenses against defamation?
Definition

Truth- the whole statement must be true

 

Privilege- disclosure may be allowable to protect or further public interests recognized by law

Term
What is the defense for invasion of privacy?
Definition
Consent
Term
What is a disclosure statute?
Definition
Federal and state laws req. disclosure of health related info like births, deaths, child abuse, elder abuse, and communicable diseases. 
Term
Are there specific communicable diseases we have to know to report?
Definition
??
Term
What is the statute of limitations?
Definition
2 years to file claim
Term
What 3 elements are needed to prove liability of manufacturer of a product?
Definition

1-  Benefits greatly outweigh risks

2-  Risks cannot be eliminated

3-  No safer products exist

Term
What are the rules for petition/complain in KS?
Definition

Must state that an offense has been filed, but not required to specify

-dollar amount claimed

Term
How many days do you have to file a response to being served in KS, how about MO?
Definition

KS=20days

MO=30days

Term
Most timely part of litigation?
Definition
discovery process
Term

Please state each diagnosis you considered on __ when you saw mrs jons in your office. Please state whether sepsis was in your diff diagnosis for mrs jones. 

These are examples from what discovery process?

Definition
interogatories
Term
ask questions like, admit or deny this statement.  Admit or deny mr jones was septic on july 14th

Gives yes or no question.

What process within discovery is this?
Definition
admission
Term

What is the most important aspect of litigation?

why?

Definition

Depositions of the Parties

 

Because the vast majority of cases don't end up in court

Term
What is a deposition?
Definition
sworn statement made outside court that is admissible as evidence
Term
Why is a disposition taken?
Definition
1)    to get info from you.2)         To get admissions from you regarding your care. Get you to fall on your sword.  BP changes from 120/80 to 110/80 .  change example.   

    3)         To get admission regarding others.

    4)         To test your knowledge 5)         To see how you will do at trial (affect) 6)         To upset you
Term
 What is Motions, Motions in Limine?
Definition
so that certain things don’t come out in trial.  Like if you were caught as a minor in possession. 
Term
What is mediation?
Definition
parties pay someone to go between and to try for settlement
Term

What is Voir Dire ?

What does it mean?

Definition

Jury selection

means to speak, process where the attorneys ask them questions.  To widdle down impartial jury. 

Term

Who has the burden of proof?

Definition
Plaintiff, has to show all types of evidence
Term

-  find out someone did something wrong, like juror did research on internet.

THIS WOULD BE GROUNDS FOR?

Definition
REQUEST FOR A NEW TRIAL
Term

What is JNOV?

Definition
Judgement not withstanding on Verdict, judge has the right to veto
Term
What does the latin term subpeona duces tecum mean?
Definition
Under penalty bring with you
Term

Is this an objective or subjective informed consent standard?

 

 

"Factors that make a material difference are explained, don’t have to answer question that aren’t material to assent "
Definition
Objective
Term

What is

Subjective patient standard?

Definition

Requires full disclosure of information.  Answer any questions the pt has. 

Most of the time we us this

Term
Witnesses are not required to make a consent form valid?
True or False?
Definition
True
Term
Minor can give consent for treatment involving:
Definition
Minor can give consent for treatment involving:a.       Infectious, contagious, or communicable diseasesb.      Drug dependency, addiction, or conditions related to drug use.c.       Birth control devicesd.      Treatment for pregnancy
Term

What does the latin term in loco parentis mean?

Definition

the ability of a person or state to stand in the place of parents. 

Who may consent in the absence of parents

Term
What are the 2 basic concept of getting consent?
Definition
1.           Prevention of battery2.           Person’s right to control what is done to their body
Term
Who Can Give Consent?1.      Competent Adult - is one who:
Definition
a.     The court has not declared incompetentb.  Able to understand the consequences of their actions.
Term
Is there a time when a pt can't refuse consent?
Definition
yes, Limitations include times when the danger of stopping the treatment is life threatening (post-op treatment).
Term
What are the stipulations for avoiding consent with a person in custody of law enforcement?
Definition
1.     Suspect must be under formal arrest2.     Must be a likelihood that specimen will produce evidence for criminal prosecution3.     Delay in obtaining specimen would destroy evidence4.     Test is reasonable and not contraindicated
Term

What is self determination?

2 concepts:

Definition

A. Involves the right of individuals to determine what happens to their   bodies.

      B. Competent patients can refuse treatments provided the State does not have overriding interests.

Term
What are the 2 types of advance directives?
Definition

Instructional

Proxy directive

Term

What are the types of instructional advance directives?

What are the problems with each?

Definition

Living will- problem is that it is difficult to enforce with it's broad language and little direction.

 

National Death Acts- legal version of living will, may need to be reexamined reguarly, some states don't recognize if out-of-state, only useful if the person qualifies as terminal. 

 

 

Term

What is the most common type of proxy directive?

How does it work?

 

Things the appointed person can do:  ?

Definition

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

 

Allows competent indiv to appoint a surrogate or proxy to make health care decisions for them in the event that they are incompetent. 

-Ask questions

                        -Select physicians

                        -select tx

                        -right to refuse care

                        -file lawsuits

Term

Patient Self-Determination act was signed in ___?

became effective in_____?

Definition

1990

 

1991

Term
What is the patient self determination act?
Definition

A.        Requires of all Medicare and Medicaid institutional providers:

                                    1. Provide written information to inpatients upon admission about                                                           their rights to make health care decisions.

                                    2. Document in the medical record a person’s advance directive

                                    3. Not discriminate based on advance directive

                                    4. Ensure compliance with state laws

                                    5. Provide advance directive education

Term
Assisted suicide is legal in ___?
Definition
Oregon
Term

What are the stipulations for assisted suicide?

Definition

In Oreg

1. Pt has less than six months to live agreed to by attending and consulting                                        physician

                  2. Pt must make both oral and written requests followed by a second oral                                        request after 15 days

                  3. If depression is suspected then counseling must be done

                  4. Must wait 48 hours after the third request

                  5. Physician writes lethal drug prescription

 

 

Term
how do you manage a late record entry?
Definition
a.   add the entry on the first available lineb.  Label the entry as “late entry”  c.   record time and date of entryd.  Record time and date it should have been made in the body of the entry.         
Term
How should you correct a medical record error?
Definition

a.  draw single line through

b.  write mistaken entry above or beside the original words          

c.           date and initial words “mistaken entry”           

Term
You should avoid taking verbal orders over the phone, but if you must you should:
Definition

Document as stated

Read the order back to the MD

Use V.O or T.O.

Follow this with MD name and your name and status

Term

What is the proper way to write your name?

 

Definition
mwest, RN
Term
If charting continues to another page you must:
Definition

Sign at bottom of the page

On the next page write date/time and "continous from previous page"

Term

What do you do if a patient asks to view their record?

Definition
What do you do if a patient asks to view their record? Make arrangements for the record to be viewed with a hospital employee present.
Term
Who owns the medical record?
Definition
The hospital
Term

What are the common elements of insurance policies?

Definition

1.      Provides payment for a lawyer to represent the insured nurse

2.      Sets limits of legal liability

3.      Pay settlements or jury awards

Term
What are the two types of insurance policies?
Definition

Occurence based

Clamis made

Term
How does occurence based insurance work?
Definition

A. Occurrence based:  cover the cost of any injuries that are your fault that occurred during the time the policy was in effect.  Was the insurance in effect when the claim occurred? 

Term

What is claims based insurance?

 

Definition

B. Claims based:  provide coverage only if an injury occurs and the claim is reported to the insurance company during the active period during an uninterrupted extension of that policy period. 

You would not be covered if your insurance ran out and you were sued. 
Term
A second way of classifying types of insurance policies?
Definition
Individual, Group, or Employer sponsored
Term

: involves insuring a group of similarly licensed professionals in the same fashion as an individual policy usually for less money.

What type of insurance?

Definition
Group
Term
What is the problem with indiv. policies?
Definition
expensive!
Term
What are the disadvantages of employer insurance?
Definition

Doesn't cover non-work r/t activity

employer calls the shots

Term
What are insurance policy declarations?
Definition

Declarations

1.      Policy holders name

2.      Covered professional occupation

3.      Covered time period

4.      Limits of liability

5.      Additional State requirements for information that may modify policy

Term
What is an idemnity claim and how does it apply to Empoyer insurance?
Definition
Your employer has the right to take money from you if you are found at fault!
Term
What nurses are have highest need for insurance?
Definition
OB, Anesthesia
Term
What is EMTALA
Definition
Emergency Medical Tx and Labor Act
Term
When was EMTALA passed?
Definition
1986
Term
When was EMTALA ammended?
Definition
1989-1990
Term
When were final rules and regs published by HCFA for EMTALA?
Definition
1994
Term
What is the purpose of EMTALA?
Definition
To address the issues that Emergency facilities were denying care purely on financial reasons with uninsured or destitute pt's
Term

What do the EMTALA regulations say?

 

Definition

Medical screening for all pt's to see if serious

Treat and stabilize before xfer

Transfer is for medical reason

xfer is consented to by pt

Term
Pt's who are____yards from the ER qualify for EMTALA
Definition
250
Term
To whom do the EMTALA regulations apply?
Definition
Every Hosp in the US participating in medicare or medicaid regardless of presence of an ER
Term

Who are alleged violations reported to?  -

Who investigates the alleged violations? -

Definition
Who are alleged violations reported to?  - Regional CMS OfficeWho investigates the alleged violations? - Regional CMS Office
Term
What happens after the EMTALA investigation?
Definition
HCFA may terminate or suspend Medicare reimbursement to a physician or hospitalHCFA may notify Office of Inspector General which may impose a fine of up to $50,000Individuals who suffer harm may take civil action against the hospital and the physicianMalpractice Insurance does not pay a COBRA violation fine
Term
"the thing speaks for itself" is what in latin?
Definition
Res Ipsa Loquitor
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