What action by a nurse is considered the best defense against malpractice?

Ensuring documentation is complete and accurate serves as the best defense against malpractice because comprehensive documentation creates a clear and lasting record of the care provided to the patient. This includes documenting assessments, interventions, and the patient’s responses to treatments. In the event of a legal issue, detailed records can demonstrate that the nurse adhered to the standard of care, followed relevant protocols, and acted professionally.

Accurate documentation helps to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider by providing evidence of the decision-making process and the rationale behind care decisions. It can also help verify that all necessary procedures were followed and that the patient was informed and involved in their care. This is crucial in legal contexts where the focus is often on what was done or not done regarding a patient's care.

While maintaining good rapport with a client, providing frequent updates, and following personal intuition can be important in creating a positive nurse-client relationship and ensuring patient satisfaction, they do not offer the same level of legal protection as thorough documentation does. In malpractice cases, the strength of the documented evidence can significantly influence the outcome.