The elements of malpractice
List the elements of malpractice and give examples of each element in professional nursing practice, including ways to avoid or lessen the potential of future malpractice cases.
Read the following article:
https://www.napnap.org /sites/default/files/userfi les/for_providers/NP_ Malpractice_FAQ_NS O.pdf
Sample Solution
Malpractice is any act of negligence from a healthcare provider that leads to injury or death of a patient. In terms of professional nursing practice, the elements of malpractice include failure to obtain and review necessary information, provide proper diagnosis and treatment, maintain appropriate documentation in the medical record, adhere to standards of care, follow protocol including medication administration, maintain vigilance during treatments and procedures, and apply accepted knowledge (NAPNAP 2020).
For example, failure to obtain and review necessary information would be if a nurse failed to ask their patient about allergies before administering a prescription drug. Providing improper diagnosis and treatment could occur when a nurse incorrectly diagnoses an illness based on incorrect assessment techniques or provides treatment without first consulting with the physician. Failing to document correctly in the medical record may occur if a nurse fails to properly document vital signs or other important information related to the patients’ progress. Additionally, failing to adhere to standards of care such as not washing hands between patient contacts can lead to potential spread of disease or infection; following protocol for medications includes double-checking dosages for accuracy prior administering medications; maintaining vigilant observation during treatments or procedures means paying attention at all times so that no errors are made; and applying accepted knowledge means staying up-to-date with current evidence-based practices so that mistakes are not made due preexisting knowledge (NAPNAP 2020).
To prevent malpractice cases from occurring in professional nursing practice, it is essential that nurses stay up-to-date on protocols by attending continuing education classes as needed; double check doses before administering meds; communicate clearly with patients/family members; thoroughly document all observations/interventions; recognize changes in condition quickly; report any potential issues promptly; always use good clinical judgement (NAPNAP 2020).
