Theory, Research and Evidence-Based
PracticeCh 5
Glossary Know the Key Terms at beginning of
chapter
Sources of Knowledge Traditional — passed down from generation
to generation Authoritative — comes from an expert Scientific — arrived at through the scientific
method
Types of Knowledge Science — knowledge in and of nursing Philosophy — the study of wisdom Process — conceptual frameworks and
theories Historical influences — Florence
Nightingale, societal changes Societal influences — schools of nursing
Framework of Nursing Theory Theory — group of concepts that describe a
pattern of reality Can be tested, changed, or used to guide
research
Concepts — abstract impressions organized into symbols of reality
Conceptual framework or model
Types of Reasoning Deductive reasoning — examines general
ideas and considers specific actions or ideas
Inductive reasoning — builds from specific ideas or action to conclusions about general ideas
Interdisciplinary Base for Nursing Theories General systems theory — theory for
universal application Adaptation theory — adjustment of living
matter to other living things and environment
Developmental theory — orderly and predictable growth and development
Benefits of Nursing Theory
Directs nurses toward common goal Leads to improved patient care Provides rational and knowledgeable
reasons for nursing actions
Benefits of Nursing Theory
Gives nurses knowledge base necessary for appropriate actions
Helps resolve current nursing issues Prepares nurses to question assumptions
and values Serves research, education, and practice
Goal of Theoretical Frameworks Holistic patient care Individualized care to meet needs of
patients Promotion of health Prevention or treatment of illness
Common Concepts in Nursing Theories Person (patient) Environment Health Nursing
Goals of Research Develop explanations (in theories) Find solutions to problems
Methods of Nursing Research Quantitative
Involves concepts of basic and applied research
Qualitative Conducted to gain insight by discovering
meanings Based on belief that reality is based on various
and differing perceptions
Protecting Rights of Research Subjects Informed consent Federal regulations Review boards
Legal ImplicationsCh 7
Glossary Know the Key Terms at beginning of
chapter
Definition of Law Standard or rule of conduct established and
enforced by government Designed to protect the rights of the public
Types of Laws Public law — government is directly involved
Regulates relationships between individuals and government
Private law — civil law Regulates relationships among people
Criminal law — concerns state and federal criminal statutes
Defines criminal actions, e.g., murder, theft
Four Sources of Law Constitutions — serve as guides to
legislative bodies Statutes — enacted by a legislative body Administrative law — empowered by
executive officers Common law — judiciary systems
reconciles controversies, creates body of common law
Law Terminology Litigation — process of bringing and trying a
lawsuit Plaintiff — person bring suit Defendant — person being accused of a
crime
Professional and Legal Regulation of Nursing Practice Nurse practice acts Standards Credentialing
Accreditation Licensure Certification
Reasons for Suspending or Revoking a License Drug or alcohol abuse Fraud, deceptive practice Criminal acts, previous disciplinary actions Gross or ordinary negligence Physical or mental impairments
Due Cause for Revoking a License Notice of investigation Fair and impartial hearing Proper decision based on substantial
evidence
Nurse’s Best Defense of License Investigation Early legal counseling Character and expert witnesses Thorough preparation for all proceedings
Criminal Law Crime — wrong against a person or his or
her property as well as the public Misdemeanor — punishable by fines or less
than one year imprisonment Felony — punishable by imprisonment for more
than one year
Criminal Law Tort — a wrong committed by a person
against another person or his or her property
Intentional Unintentional - negligence
Intentional Torts Assault and battery Defamation of character Invasion of privacy False imprisonment Fraud
Four Elements of Liability Duty Breach of duty Causation Damages
Three Outcomes of Malpractice Litigation All parties work toward fair settlement. Case is presented to malpractice arbitration
panel. Case is brought to trial court.
Roles of Nurses in Legal Proceedings Nurse as defendant Nurse as fact witness Nurse as expert witness
Recommendations for Nurse Defendant Do not discuss the case with those involved
in it. Do not alter patient records. Cooperate fully with your attorney. Be courteous on witness stand. Do not volunteer any information.
Legal Safeguards for Nurses Informed consent Contracts Collective bargaining Competent practice Patient education Documentation
Legal Safeguards for Nurses (continued) Adequate staffing Professional liability insurance Risk management programs Incident reports, JCAHO sentinel events Patient bill of rights Good Samaritan Laws
Safeguards to Competent Practice Respecting legal boundaries of practice Following institutional procedures and
policies Owning personal strengths and
weaknesses
Safeguards to Competent Practice Evaluating proposed assignments Keeping current Respecting patient rights and developing
rapport with patients Keeping careful documentation Working within agency for management
policies
Types of Risk Management Programs Safety program Products safety program Quality assurance programs
Information Contained in Incident Reports Complete name of person and names of
witnesses Factual account of incident Date, time and place of incident
Information Contained in Incident Reports Pertinent characteristics of person involved Any equipment or resources being used Any other important variables Documentation by physician of medical
examination of person involved
OSHA Legal Regulations Use of electrical equipment Use of isolation techniques Use of radiation Use of chemicals
Glossary Know Key Terms at beginning of Chapters
8, 9 & 10