Fundamentals of Nursing Q 40

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When a client is confused, left alone with the side rails down, and the bed in a high position, the client falls and breaks a hip. What law has been broken?

  

     A. Assault

     B. Battery

     C. Negligence

     D. Civil tort

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Negligence

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Knowing what to do to prevent injury is a part of the standards of care for nurses to follow. Safety guidelines dictate raising the side rails, staying with the client, lowering the bed, and observing the client until the environment is safe. As a nurse, these activities are known as basic safety measures that prevent injuries, and to not perform them is not acting in a safe manner. Negligence is conduct that falls below the standard of care that protects others against unreasonable risk of harm.

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Option A: Assault is the intentional act of making someone fear that the nurse will cause them harm. One does not have to actually harm them to commit assault. Threatening them verbally or pretending to hit them are both examples of assault.

Option B: Battery is the intentional act of causing physical harm to someone. Unlike assault, one doesn’t have to warn the victim or make him fearful before they hurt them for it to count as a battery. If a nursing home attendant surprises the patient and pushes the patient from behind, that would qualify as a battery.

Option D: Torts are civil laws that address the legal rights of patients and the responsibilities of the nurse in the nurse-patient relationship. Some torts specific to nursing and nursing practice include things like malpractice, negligence, and violations relating to patient confidentiality.

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