Legal Risk Management in Nursing Practice: Lessons Learned from Obstetric Litigation

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze legal issues extract lessons from three significant case studies: shoulder dystocia, intrapartum fetal asphyxia, and postpartum hemorrhage. By analyzing clinical documents in comparison with professional laws and academic guidelines, it presents assessment standards, problem-solving approaches, and dispute prevention strategies.  The synthesis of facts revealed that the primary causes of litigation stem from a lack of risk assessment standards, ignoring warning signs from electronic fetal monitoring, incomplete medical records, and delayed physician notification.

Therefore, article this article proposes practical guidelines, including proactive maternal assessment standards, the use of standardized communication tools such as ISBAR and CUS, and the development of accurate medical record management in real-time. The findings demonstrate that integrating precise clinical competency with ethical communication skills and rigorous documentation is essential for preventing disputes and sustainably enhancing patient safety.