title: Litigation, electronic fetal monitoring, and the obstetric nurse.
abstract: Using excerpts from actual lawsuits that allege malpractice and name obstetric nurses as defendants, this article explores the process and some possible outcomes of malpractice litigation. It discusses the duty of the nurse, the concept of reasonably prudent practice, and the role of the expert. In addition, it identifies some institutional standards that can mitigate potential damages in malpractice claims.
authors.affiliation: Salem State College School of Nursing, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: McRae
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004581:Electronics; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009773:Obstetric Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States