What are the issues that support the client’s malpractice claim? A male client who has heart failure receives an additional dose of bumetanide as prescribed 4 hours after the daily dose. The nurse assesses him 15 minutes after administering the medication and reminds him to save all urine in the bathroom. Thirty minutes later the nurse finds the client on the floor. unresponsive. and bleeding from a laceration.

Increased risk of hypotension
Failure to teach the client adequately
Increased need to protect the client
Lack of follow-up nursing actions

To prove malpractice against a nurse. the plaintiff must prove that the nurse owed a duty to the client. that the nurse breached the duty. and that as a result harm was caused to person or property. The client has an increased risk of hypotension (option 2) because hypotension is a common adverse effect of bumetanide. this is the second dose within 4 hours. and the client has heart failure. The client can prove that the nurse did not protect him by failing to provide adequate teaching and perform correct and timely nursing interventions (options 3. 4. and 6) after administering the bumetanide. After the first 15-minute check. the nurse should continue increased client monitoring to ensure client compliance with safety measures. Replacing fluid volume is not the issue; furthermore. the goal of therapy is to reduce total body fluid. No data indicate that the dose of bumetanide. a loop diuretic. was excessive. However. because this medication can cause hypotension. especially after a repeat dose. the nurse should instruct the client to remain in bed and provide him with a urinal. It may be difficult for the client to prove that the second dose of bumetanide caused the injury.