Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Question 73
Case Study #1 -
Dr. Roberts, an orthopedic surgeon, and Nurse Parrish head nurse on the orthopedic surgery unit, have had an acrimonious working relationship for years. While making rounds on the unit, Dr. Roberts discovered that the physical therapy evaluation he has ordered for one of his patients had not been performed and became outraged. Even though he did not have proof, Dr. Roberts placed the blame for missed evaluation with Nurse Parresh. Dr.
Roberts wrote in the patients medical record that Nurse Parrish frilled to properly order the physical therapy evaluation because she was incompetent and could not be trusted to carry out even the simplest order. After heaving read Dr. Roberts note, Nurse Parrish countered by making a disparaging remark about Dr. Roberts to the medical personnel at the nurces station. Nurse Parrish stated that Dr. Roberts was one who was incompetent and was responsible for the needless suffering of countless patients over the years.
Referring to Case Study #1, the oral statement by Nurse Parrish about Dr. Roberts's professional practices at the nurses' station can constitute
Answer options
- A. libel.
- B. slander.
- C. perjury.
- D. defamation. B
Correct answer:
Explanation
The correct answer is B. Slander refers to spoken statements that can harm someone's reputation. In this scenario, Nurse Parrish verbally criticized Dr. Roberts at the nurses' station, which is a classic example of slander, while libel refers to written defamation. Perjury is lying under oath, and defamation is a broader term that encompasses both slander and libel.