VA-BC Documentation & Legal Standards 5

Question 1

Which federal law protects the privacy of a patient's vascular access records and limits disclosure of protected health information?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA

Answer

HIPAA's Privacy Rule governs use and disclosure of protected health information, including vascular access documentation.

Question 2

After a needlestick from a used catheter stylet, the nurse should document and report the exposure primarily to comply with:

Accepted Answer

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Answer

OSHA requires employers to maintain exposure documentation, a sharps injury log, and post-exposure evaluation for bloodborne pathogen exposures.

Question 3

A power-injectable PICC fractures during a contrast injection. Beyond internal reporting, which reporting pathway applies to this device malfunction?

Accepted Answer

Report to the FDA (e.g., MedWatch/MDR process) as required by the Safe Medical Devices Act

Answer

The Safe Medical Devices Act requires facilities to report device-related serious injuries or deaths, typically via the FDA's reporting system, and MedWatch accepts voluntary reports of malfunctions.

Question 4

Which entity defines the legal scope of practice for a registered nurse inserting midline catheters?

Accepted Answer

The state Nurse Practice Act and board of nursing

Answer

Scope of practice is defined by each state's Nurse Practice Act and board of nursing; professional standards inform but do not grant legal authority.

Question 5

A nurse documents 'catheter flushed per protocol' but the protocol changed last month. What is the main legal risk?

Accepted Answer

It may be unclear which procedure was performed, weakening the record as evidence of care

Answer

Vague 'per protocol' charting can fail to show exactly what was done, especially when protocols change, so specific actions and solutions should be documented.

(VA-BC) Vascular Access Nurse Certification Practice Test

(VA-BC) Vascular Access Nurse Certification Practice Test

VA-BC Documentation & Legal Standards 5