Factors That Determine Reliability of Actions in Nursing - Essay Example

 Legal actions that are brought against the nurses by either the patient or the patient’s advocate are mostly claims that the nurse contravened the care standard and the breach caused harm to the patient. Although the nurse’s main concern is the safety of the patient, nurses can protect themselves from facing any legal actions by adhering to nursing principles before taking any action. It is important to ensure that all the actions are within the nursing practice.

 Before taking any action in nursing practice one needs to consider the patient's signs and symptoms. This is done by assessing the patient’s data and appropriate identification of the patient’s problem. Proper assessment of the symptoms and signs allows for proper diagnosis which in turn leads to proper medication. Properly administering medication is key to determining whether an identified action falls within the sphere of nurse practice. The frequent errors in administering medication jeopardize the safety of the patient. Besides causing harm to the patient, such action leads to expensive follow-up litigation, care, and financial awards for compensation. In nursing practice, it is important to know the right drugs to administer.

 In nursing practice, it is important to consider the health conditions of the patient. Patients’ conditions are useful in telling of any improvements or deterioration in the patient’s health.  This is achievable through continuous assessment of the patient. Understanding the patient’s condition allows for appropriate responses.