Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

What is the potential consequence for nurses involved in patient abandonment?

1. Extra training requirements

2. Disciplinary actions by the Texas Board of Nursing

3. A warning from the hospital administration

4. Reassignment to another unit

The correct answer is: Disciplinary actions by the Texas Board of Nursing

Patient abandonment occurs when a healthcare professional, including nurses, leaves a patient without providing for their medical care or without ensuring that care is transferred to another qualified individual. This situation can significantly compromise patient safety and well-being. In Texas, the Board of Nursing has strict regulations to ensure that nurses uphold their duty to patients. Engaging in patient abandonment can lead to serious consequences, as it is seen as a breach of the ethical and legal duty of care that nurses owe to their patients. Disciplinary actions by the Texas Board of Nursing can include sanctions such as suspension or revocation of a nursing license. These measures are in place to maintain professional standards and protect the public, highlighting the importance of continuity of care. While other options like extra training or warnings from hospital administration may occur in some circumstances, they do not address the severity of the situation regarding patient abandonment. Likewise, reassignment to another unit does not tackle the core issue of abandonment, which is a significant violation of nursing ethics and legal responsibilities. Therefore, the most appropriate and direct consequence for such an act is indeed disciplinary action by the Texas Board of Nursing.