N320: Foundations Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education of Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, and Whitworth College, and College of Nursing, Washington State University |
Legal Issues
Study/Discussion Questions
1. Discuss the two types of law? What are the sources of law? What is the legal
definition of the following terms: negligence, assault, and battery,
2. What are the legal standards against which your practice will be compared ?
3. Discuss the concept of informed consent. What is it? How and when must it be obtained?
What is the nurse's role in obtaining informed consent? What are the legal charges that
may be made if informed consent is not obtained?
4. Identify the state law regarding nursing practice. Discuss the requirements for
licensure, definition of nursing, and accountability in Washington state.
5. As a student nurse, you are legally held to practice at the level of an R.N. What
are the implications of this standard for you?
6. What are advance directives? What
is the difference between a living will and a durable power of attorney? Who should have a
living will? Who should have a durable power of attorney? What are your legal
responsibilities when a client has a living will? What kinds of advance directives
have you seen in your client's charts?