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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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This outcome is specific, measurable, and directly addresses the goal of managing constipation by aiming for a bowel movement.
B. Discontinuing pain medication abruptly may be unrealistic and can cause distress for the patient.
C. Ambulation may help with constipation but does not directly measure or ensure bowel movement.
D. Offering laxatives or stool softeners is an intervention rather than a measurable patient outcome.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Chest physiotherapy is used to mobilize secretions and improve lung function, not specifically for increasing stroke volume or preload.
B. Diuretics would decrease preload by removing excess fluid, which is counterproductive in a patient with inadequate stroke volume related to decreased preload.
C. Vasodilators can further decrease preload and are not appropriate in this scenario where preload needs to be increased.
D. Intravenous (IV) fluids are administered to increase preload and improve stroke volume by enhancing the circulating blood volume.