ADMAIN, Heba O.

NSG 102

1. While performing a breast exam on a patient, the patient shrieks, “What do you think you are doing?”
How would you respond to this patient? (10pts.)

- I deeply apologize for causing you discomfort, ma'am, but I assure you that I do not have any ill
intentions towards you and that you can trust me. I also do not mean to disrespect you in any way.
This is merely a part of the breast exam, as I will need to assess you to determine for any
abnormalities that may indicate a health condition. Thus, I ask for your permission for me to
continue as I will need to inspect and palpate some parts of your breast. Needless to say, I will
make sure to uphold your privacy. If you are still reluctant with this process, I will understand
your decision, ma'am. However, skipping the assessment may also mean being unable to
promptly attend to your medical needs as we are not able to diagnose and document any abnormal
findings in your current body condition. At the end of the day, it is completely up to you to
decide. I just want you to know that I am merely concerned for your health. If it is me who you
are uncomfortable with, I can call for another nurse to take over the assessment. Just please tell
me how I can make this process comfortable for you and I will gladly try to find a way to attend
to that.

2. During deep palpation of the abdomen, your patient responds, “Ouch, you hurt me!” How do you
respond? (10pts.)

- I am sincerely sorry for that, ma’am. That was not my intention at all. However, pain or
tenderness during palpation may be associated with certain health conditions. I will try to be
gentler and more mindful from now on. Would you allow me to go through the procedure? Please
tell me again if I cause further discomfort or unnecessary pain to you. I would be willing to be
held accountable. Before I start again, have you felt any abdominal pain prior to the assessment?
Where does the pain come from, if ever?

3. What strategies can you incorporate into your practice to decrease your legal liability? (10pts.)

- Of course, to decrease legal liability, it is important to familiarize ourselves with the protocols
and standard of our workplace and follow them. Next, improving communication is important.
Always remember to inform the patient of the procedure to be done to avoid misunderstandings,
similar to the situation on the first question. Acquire consent and respect privacy and dignity of
patient. Along with this, we should also try to build a strong foundation of trust so that our
patients can feel more comfortable with us on various nursing procedures. Building trust will also
help the patient become vocal on their concerns, and so the nurse can attend to these immediately
and avoid fall outs. Instead of approaching them with the sole purpose of doing our jobs, it is
better to see them in the same level, as other individuals who worry and feel about different
matters. By doing this, it is much easier to empathize with them and we will know better how to
deal with them. Lastly, document every procedure accurately and truthfully.