Apply the differences between negligence and malpractice to the practice of nursing. Provide examples to illustrate your points.
Compose at least 2-3 paragraphs all in APA format with proper references.
Discussion Board 2.
Read the following article and view the video on the same case. How can this example be used as an illustration of maintaining patient safety and providing safe, effective care? Identify some of the possible barriers that nurses face when acting on what they believe to be the morally correct action in this particular case.
For Colorado mom, story of daughter’s hospital death is key to others’ safety | Colorado Public Radio (cpr.org)
Patient Safety Advocate Carole Hemmelgarn Links to an external site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SfrQnwRIjU&t=4s
Compose at least 2-3 paragraphs all in APA format with proper references.
Full Answer Section
Malpractice is a type of negligence that occurs when a healthcare professional's breach of the standard of care causes harm to a patient. In other words, for malpractice to occur, there must be negligence, and the negligence must cause harm to the patient.
Examples of Negligence in Nursing
Here are some examples of negligence in nursing:
- Failing to assess a patient's vital signs regularly
- Failing to administer medication as prescribed
- Not properly monitoring a patient's condition after a procedure
- Leaving a patient unattended when they are at risk of falling
- Failing to follow infection control procedures
Examples of Malpractice in Nursing
Here are some examples of malpractice in nursing:
- A nurse gives a patient the wrong medication.
- A nurse fails to assess a patient's pain and does not provide adequate pain relief.
- A nurse leaves a surgical sponge inside a patient after a surgery.
- A nurse fails to follow infection control procedures and the patient contracts an infection.
- A nurse fails to monitor a patient's condition after a procedure and the patient suffers a serious complication.
Differences Between Negligence and Malpractice
The main difference between negligence and malpractice is that malpractice requires harm to the patient. Negligence can occur without causing harm to the patient.
Another difference between negligence and malpractice is that malpractice is a civil wrong, while negligence can also be a criminal wrong. If a nurse's negligence causes serious harm or death to a patient, they may be charged with a crime such as criminal negligence or manslaughter.
Preventing Negligence and Malpractice in Nursing
Nurses can reduce their risk of negligence and malpractice by following these tips:
- Always follow the standard of care. The standard of care is the level of care that other nurses would provide in the same situation. Nurses can stay up-to-date on the latest standards of care by reading nursing journals and attending continuing education courses.
- Communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals. Nurses should communicate any concerns about a patient's condition to other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and pharmacists. This will help to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.
- Document everything. Nurses should document all of their actions and observations in the patient's medical chart. This documentation can be used to protect the nurse in the event of a negligence or malpractice lawsuit.
Conclusion
Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. They provide direct care to patients and help to ensure that patients receive the care they need. However, nurses are also at risk of negligence and malpractice lawsuits. Nurses can reduce their risk of negligence and malpractice by following the standard of care, communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals, and documenting everything.
Sample Answer
Negligence and Malpractice in Nursing
Negligence is the failure to exercise the degree of care that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances. In the context of nursing, negligence can occur when a nurse fails to follow the standard of care, which is the level of care that other nurses would provide in the same situation.