Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
The nurse does not intervene when a client becomes hypotensive after surgery. As a result, the client requires emergency surgery to stop postoperative bleeding later that night. The nurse could potentially face which types of prosecution for failing to act? Select all that apply.
Correct answer
B,C
Rationale
Tort law deals with wrongful acts intentionally or unintentionally committed against a person or the person's property. The nurse commits a tort offense by failing to act when the client became hypotensive. Malpractice occurs when a duty to the client is established and the nurse neglects to act responsibly. Options 1 and 5 are offenses under criminal law. Option 4 describes laws enacted by state, federal, or local governments.