Evolve HESI Practice Exam

Which nurse is at greatest risk for malpractice in relation to a client who fell and fractured a hip?

1. The nurse who had to leave the room briefly.

2. The nurse who transferred the client to the chair.

3. The nurse who was responsible for the client's medication.

4. The nurse who documented the fall in the chart.

The correct answer is: The nurse who transferred the client to the chair.

The nurse who transferred the client to the chair is at the greatest risk for malpractice in relation to the client's fall and subsequent hip fracture. This is primarily because this nurse was directly involved in a physical action that could have precipitated the incident. When transferring clients, especially those who may be at risk of falls due to factors such as age, mobility issues, or medications, it is crucial to follow proper protocols and safety measures. If the nurse did not follow appropriate techniques, such as checking the client's stability or using assistance when necessary, they may be considered liable for negligence. This involvement places a higher burden of responsibility on the nurse, as their actions directly impacted the safety and well-being of the client during a vulnerable moment of transition. When it comes to the other scenarios, the nurse who had to leave the room briefly did not have active engagement with the client at the moment of the incident, and while it’s important to reduce the need for leaving clients unattended, this does not directly implicate them as responsible for the fall. The nurse responsible for the client's medication would primarily face liability related to medication errors rather than falls, and the nurse who documented the fall in the chart was acting appropriately by ensuring a record of the incident, which is a necessary