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Which of the following could cause a nurse to be cited for malpractice?

1) Refusing to give 60mg of morphine as ordered
2) Giving prochlorperazine (Compazine) to a patient allergic to phenothiazines
3) Dragging an injured motorist off the highway and causing further injury
4) Informing a visitor about a patient's condition

User Venables
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

A nurse can be cited for malpractice for actions such as administering a medication to which a patient is allergic, causing harm while moving an injured person, or breaching patient confidentiality standards.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of malpractice, a nurse may be cited for actions that harm or could potentially harm a patient. Refusing to give a prescribed medication like morphine without valid reason could be seen as neglect. However, administering a medication such as prochlorperazine (Compazine) to a patient allergic to phenothiazines is a clear and direct violation of the principle of nonmaleficence, as it causes harm to the patient.

Similarly, dragging an injured person from a highway and causing further injury is reckless and may fall under malpractice if the nurse is acting in a professional capacity. Informing a visitor about a patient's condition without the patient's consent may breach confidentiality agreements and can also be considered as malpractice due to the violation of privacy standards. Each action could lead to a malpractice citation due to the potential or actual harm to the patient and the breach of expected standards of care.

User Technicallynick
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