Question

1. A client record is being reviewed following a sentinel event. The client’s record indicates a decline in vital signs throughout the shift. The nursing assistant documented a change in mental status, indicating the nurse was notified of the changes three hours before the shift ended. The patient coded just prior to the shift ended. What element of liability did the nurse violate?

Foreseeability

Breech

Damages

Injury

Answer 1

Answer Option A. Foreseeability

Option A is correct as the nurse was aware of the decline in vital signs throughout her shift which indicates she knew his health is deteriorating which can lead to serious health related complications. Also the mental change was notified way before her shift ended and still inaction was observed which led to lack of responsibility in action. All these actions clearly points out that the nurse just ignored the deteriorating health and did not foresee the health complications such as patient coding which could have saved the patient has she shown foreseeability in time to intervene and provide immediate care.

Option B is incorrect as breech is when the boundaries are broken and actions are taken outside the purview but in this care breach was not seen but inaction was caused

Option C is incorrect as damages are when caused due to action which can lead to loss of money, property or physical harm by wrongful act which in case is not observed

Option D is incorrect injury does not apply as patient coding is much serious event and cannot be just termed as normal injury related event.