Patient Safety for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)

Mr. D. is post-arrest. As part of the RN’s assessment the RN determines that his right pedal pulse is much fainter than 2 hours earlier. The RN completes the assessment and notifies the physician, who orders Doppler studies. Results show a small clot in the artery leading to the foot. The nurse-driven outcomes described in this scenario include all of the following except:

An 18-year-old man is brought to the ED unresponsive, with shallow breathing and a rapid, weak pulse; blood pressure is palpable at 80 mmHg systolic. The patient’s friends state that he just slumped over. After ensuring that the patient is stabilized, the nurse searches the patient’s pockets to confirm identification and discovers an envelope containing a white powdery substance. Which nursing action is appropriate in this situation?

The nurse disagrees with the physician’s judgment in ordering furosemide (Lasix) for a patient, feeling that, although furosemide is safe to give in this situation, dopamine (Intropin) would be more effective. If, after questioning the order, the nurse is told to administer furosemide, she should:

A woman telephones the ED, stating that she is pregnant and bleeding vaginally. Which response by the nurse would be inappropriate?

Which criterion is necessary for negligence to occur?