A nurse performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a 92-year-old with brittle bones and breaks a rib during the procedure, which then punctures a lung. The patient recovers completely without any residual problems and sues the nurse for pain and suffering and for malpractice. Which key point will the prosecution attempt to prove against the nurse?
The patient would have died if nothing was done.
The CPR procedure was done incorrectly.
The patient was resuscitated according to the policy.
The older patient with brittle bones might sustain fractures when chest compressions are done.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While the patient may have been in a life-threatening situation, this point is not necessarily a direct indictment of the nurse’s actions but rather a justification for performing CPR.
B. The prosecution will likely focus on whether the CPR was performed according to accepted standards of care. If it can be shown that the technique was inappropriate or negligent, this would support the claim of malpractice.
C. Performing CPR according to policy may serve as a defense for the nurse, emphasizing adherence to established protocols.
D. While it is true that older adults with brittle bones may be at risk for fractures, this is a known risk of CPR, and the prosecution will aim to demonstrate specific negligence or failure in technique rather than just acknowledging inherent risks.
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Explanation
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C. Laxatives are commonly prescribed for constipation related to pain medication and are an effective method to promote bowel movements, making this the best choice.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. An air vent allowing bubbles into the blood would be unsafe and can cause air embolism, so this option is incorrect.
B. Using tubing with a filter is standard practice for blood transfusions to prevent clots and debris from entering the patient’s bloodstream, making this the correct choice.
C. Mixing additional electrolytes into the blood is not a standard practice during transfusions, as it can cause complications; thus, this option is not appropriate.
D. Two-way valves are not typically used in blood transfusion setups; the goal is to keep the blood product separate from other fluids unless specifically indicated.