In: Nursing
The risk management department reviews the nurse chart and dinds that vital signs were taken q8 hours. The unit policy on epidural morphine states that vital signs are assessed q 4 hours x 24 hours and respiratory rate is assessed q 2 hours. The policy also states that an IV must be in place for 24 hours.
1- Which of the standards of professional performance that delinates roles and behaviors for the professional nurse apply to this situation?
2- Did the nurse fulfill her legal responsiblities as a nurse?
A code blue is called, but Mary does not regain consciousness. She is intubated and transferred to the Intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator.
3- In a court of law, could the nurse's care be considered negligent?
4- If she is found negligent what will happen to the Nurse?
1. The standards of professional performance that delinates roles and behaviors for the professional nurse apply to this situation is Accountability & Education. This is because it is the legal as well as professional duty of the nursing practice personal. The nurse is suppose to have the proper awareness of the side effects of epidural morphine while caring for the patient.
2. No, the nurse did not fulfill her legal responsiblities as a nurse because according to the stated standards in the procedure book she was suppose to check the vitals sign in every four hours, respiratory rate in every two hours, and maintained IV access for 24 hours, which didn't happen.
3. Yes, in a court of law the nurse's care be considered negligent as the standard was not met, and significant harm was resulted
4. If she is found negligent, the nurse could be fined a huge sum of money, could loss her job or she can even loose her license of practice.