Question

A recent graduate of a nursing program has accepted a position in a long term care unit. The nurse can use which strategy to reduce the risk of malpractice suits?

a. Carry malpractice insurance
b. Request supervision for all care
c. Not sign his or her name in patient records
d. Maintain good relationships with patients and families

Answer 1

To reduce the risk of malpractice suits, a nurse should maintain good relationships with patients and families, ensure accurate documentation, and practice within their scope. It's important to find a balance between cost-effectiveness, patient care quality, and privacy within health records.

Step-by-step explanation:

The strategy a recent nursing graduate can use to reduce the risk of malpractice suits in a long-term care unit is to maintain good relationships with patients and families. It is also crucial to keep comprehensive and accurate health records, perform treatments within the scope of practice, seek supervision when required, and ensure open communication. While carrying malpractice insurance is a safeguard, it does not prevent suits, and requesting supervision for all care is not feasible. Not signing one's name in patient records is a malpractice and can result in legal complications as it is essential to document care provided.

When developing policies that address health records safety, it is necessary to consider the following:

1. How can we balance the cost-effectiveness of treatments and diagnoses with the provision of the highest quality patient care?
2. What strategies can be implemented to enhance patient quality of life while ensuring the financial sustainability of healthcare practices?
3. What are the best practices for safeguarding individual privacy while maintaining the necessity for accessible and accurate health records?