A client woke in the middle of the night, confused and unaware of the

A client woke in the middle of the night, confused and unaware of the surroundings. Although the call light was within reach, the client got out of bed unassisted, tripped on the bedside chair, and fell.

Which of the following elements of malpractice is missing in this case?
1. Foreseeability
2. Damages
3. Injury
4. Duty

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Foreseeability is the link between the nurse’s act and the injury suffered. The call light was within reach, but the client did not use it and got out of bed unassisted. Nighttime confusion occurs with some clients but unless the nurse had knowledge or awareness that this would happen, there was no link between the nurse’s action and the client’s fall.
Rationale 2: Damages may well be present, but these probably are not due to any action or inaction on the nurse’s part.
Rationale 3: Injury may well be present, but these probably are not due to any action or inaction on the nurse’s part.
Rationale 4: Duty was addressed this case since the call light was within reach.