Nurses are protected by laws such as Good Samaritan acts. Which of the

Nurses are protected by laws such as Good Samaritan acts. Which of the following situations would apply as part of these acts?

1. A nurse gives CPR to a client brought to the emergency department; later the client is found to have a “Do Not Resuscitate” order.
2. A nurse gives first aid to a child injured in a sporting event.
3. A nursing student tries to insert an airway in an unconscious client.
4. A nurse leaves the scene of an emergency to call for help.
5. A nurse helps deliver the baby of a neighbor during a snowstorm.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1,2,5
Rationale 1: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal standard of care. Giving CPR would be considered a level of care provided by any other reasonable person under similar circumstances. The fact that the client had a DNR order was not apparent at the time of care rendered by the nurse.
Rationale 2: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal standard of care. Giving CPR would be considered a level of care provided by any other reasonable person under similar circumstances.
Rationale 3: A nursing student trying to insert an airway is not appropriate, since it would be above the level of care a student is able to do.
Rationale 4: A nurse should not leave the scene of an emergency until another qualified person takes over. The nurse should have someone else call or go for additional help.
Rationale 5: The Good Samaritan acts are laws designed to protect health care providers against claims of malpractice in cases of emergency, unless it can be shown that there was a gross departure from the normal standard of care. Attending to the emergency delivery of an newborn would be considered a level of care provided by any other reasonable person under similar circumstances.