Chapter 28. The Law, The Courts, and the
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The RN delegates changing a sterile dressing over a central line to a licensed
practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). The LPN/LVN contaminated the site during the
dressing change, and an infection developed in the patient. Which of the following
statements is true?
a. The LPN/LVN is guilty of malpractice.
b. The RN is ultimately responsible for acts he or she delegates.
c. The hospital cannot be held responsible for the acts of its employees.
d. A malpractice suit cannot be brought as no harm came to the patient.
ANS: B
Feedback
A. Guilt has to be determined in a court of law. The LPN/LVN can be held
responsible for actions in relation to the LPN/LVN scope of practice in the state.
B. The RN is responsible for tasks delegated to both licensed and unlicensed
personnel.
C. The hospital can be held responsible for employees not correctly following
policies related to the standards of quality care.
D. The patient was harmed.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 74
, 2. Which of the following is a legitimate defense to a charge of assault and battery?
a. Presence of a medical order
b. Knowledge of what is best for the patient
c. Informed consent
d. Living will
ANS: C
Feedback
A. The presence of a medical order does not negate the need for informed
consent.
B. Even if the treatment is in the patients best interest, without informed consent
it cannot be done.
C. Informed consent is a viable defense against an accusation of assault and
battery.
D. Having a living will does not replace the need for informed consent.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 80
3. In which of the following situations should the legality of an informed consent be
questioned?
a. Patient with dementia; consent given by spouse
b. Patient who received a preoperative dose of Demerol before giving consent
c. Patient who is anxious and asks many questions of the physician
d. Patient who expresses concern about the cost of the procedure
ANS: B
Feedback
A. When the patient is incompetent, a spouse may give informed consent.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The RN delegates changing a sterile dressing over a central line to a licensed
practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). The LPN/LVN contaminated the site during the
dressing change, and an infection developed in the patient. Which of the following
statements is true?
a. The LPN/LVN is guilty of malpractice.
b. The RN is ultimately responsible for acts he or she delegates.
c. The hospital cannot be held responsible for the acts of its employees.
d. A malpractice suit cannot be brought as no harm came to the patient.
ANS: B
Feedback
A. Guilt has to be determined in a court of law. The LPN/LVN can be held
responsible for actions in relation to the LPN/LVN scope of practice in the state.
B. The RN is responsible for tasks delegated to both licensed and unlicensed
personnel.
C. The hospital can be held responsible for employees not correctly following
policies related to the standards of quality care.
D. The patient was harmed.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 74
, 2. Which of the following is a legitimate defense to a charge of assault and battery?
a. Presence of a medical order
b. Knowledge of what is best for the patient
c. Informed consent
d. Living will
ANS: C
Feedback
A. The presence of a medical order does not negate the need for informed
consent.
B. Even if the treatment is in the patients best interest, without informed consent
it cannot be done.
C. Informed consent is a viable defense against an accusation of assault and
battery.
D. Having a living will does not replace the need for informed consent.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 80
3. In which of the following situations should the legality of an informed consent be
questioned?
a. Patient with dementia; consent given by spouse
b. Patient who received a preoperative dose of Demerol before giving consent
c. Patient who is anxious and asks many questions of the physician
d. Patient who expresses concern about the cost of the procedure
ANS: B
Feedback
A. When the patient is incompetent, a spouse may give informed consent.
