Is obstetrics a legally high risk area of nursing practice? There are several factors which lead to the characterization of obstetrics as a legally risky area of practice. Firstly, obstetrical and neonatal nurses frequently report lawsuits and occurrences. Secondly, it is not possible to predict which babies will have poor outcomes. In lawsuits about babies…
Read MoreDocumenting accurately, as well as appropriate monitoring of both mother and fetus, is crucial in managing legal risks in obstetrical nursing. Perinatal nurses (those practising in labour and delivery, maternal care, and neonatal care) most frequently report lawsuits and occurrences – events which may become lawsuits – to the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS). In…
Read MoreA young pregnant woman asked a community health nurse how long it takes for cocaine to be cleared from the bloodstream. When the nurse responded by asking a question, the woman left the clinic and has not returned. The nurse is haunted by the feeling she has a professional duty to protect the baby but…
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