Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

Practicing within established standards of care is fundamentally important to maintaining patient safety in nursing practice. Established standards are based on evidence-based guidelines and best practices that ensure nurses provide care that is safe, effective, and appropriate to the individual patient’s needs. Adhering to these standards helps to mitigate risks associated with patient care, reducing the likelihood of errors and adverse events.

These standards outline the knowledge, skills, and judgement necessary to meet patients' needs effectively. When nurses practice according to these standards, they are equipped to recognize potential complications, communicate effectively with the healthcare team, and make informed decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of their patients.

In contrast, minimizing communication between staff can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes, prioritizing administrative duties over patient care can detract from the nursing practice's core responsibilities, and focusing solely on medication administration ignores the holistic care that patients require. Each of these alternatives would jeopardize patient safety rather than enhance it.