Question

An elderly patient has fluids and antibiotic therapy ordered for sodium electrolyte replacement and a cellulitis infectious process in the left lower extremity. The nurse recognizes the importance of continuing these orders without interruption. Due to a low sodium level, the patient is somewhat disoriented and confused, but refusing to have the IV restarted. Discuss the legal issues related to proceeding with a new IV site for this patient without their consent.

Answer 1

The legal issues in proceeding with new IV site for this patient without consent are

• The principle of Autonomy is violated here ,if a new IV site is inserted without patient consent .Though the patient is not in a status to consent at this moment later when receivers can file or sue against violating his principle of autonomy
• The second legal issues which can be claimed is the absence or no informed consent taken from patient for doing an invasive procedure.(though it is an IV line insertion )