A client is hospitalized and is in police custody after being arrested for driving while intoxicated for the third time. The nurse assigned to the client lost her brother to a drunk driver two years prior.
Which action on the part of the nurse aligns with the professional code of ethics for nurses?
The nurse refuses care of the client.
The nurse delegates all care of the client to an assistant.
The nurse provides minimal care to keep the client alive.
The nurse cares for the patient in the same manner as for other clients.
The Correct Answer is D
This aligns with the professional code of ethics for nurses, which states that nurses should respect the dignity, worth and rights of all human beings, regardless of the nature of their health problems or their social or legal status. The nurse should not let personal feelings or biases interfere with the quality of care or the ethical obligations of the profession.
Choice A is wrong because the nurse refuses to care of the client. This violates the principle of beneficence, which means doing good and preventing harm to others.
The nurse has a duty to provide care to all patients who need it, regardless of their personal opinions or feelings.
Choice B is wrong because the nurse delegates all care of the client to an assistant. This violates the principle of accountability, which means being answerable for one’s actions and decisions. The nurse cannot delegate tasks that require nursing judgment or assessment to an unlicensed person.
The nurse is responsible for ensuring that the patient receives safe and competent care.
Choice C is wrong because the nurse provides minimal care to keep the client alive. This violates the principle of non-maleficence, which means avoiding harm or injury to others.
The nurse should not provide substandard care or neglect the patient’s needs or preferences.
The nurse should strive to promote the health and well-being of the patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm or preventing harm to a client. It is based on the Hippocratic oath of “primum non nocere” or “first, do no harm”. It means that the nurse should act in the best interest of the client and avoid any actions that could cause injury or suffering.
Choice B. Fidelity is the ethical principle of being faithful and loyal to a client.
It means that the nurse should keep promises, respect confidentiality, and maintain trust.
Choice C. Justice is the ethical principle of treating clients fairly and equally.
It means that the nurse should distribute resources and services based on the client’s needs and not on personal biases.
Choice D. Autonomy is the ethical principle of respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions.
It means that the nurse should inform the client of their options and support their choices, as long as they do not harm others.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This action is intended to prevent a sentinel event, which is a patient safety event that results in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm. A sentinel event is a serious adverse event that signals the need for immediate investigation and response. Removing the wrong arm would be a devastating and irreversible outcome for the patient and the health care provider.
Choice A is wrong because the lack of healing of the stump is not a sentinel event. It is a possible complication of amputation that may be related to the natural course of the patient’s illness or underlying condition.
Choice B is wrong because ineffective control of the client’s pain is not a sentinel event. It is a quality of care issue that may affect the patient’s comfort and recovery, but it does not result in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm.
Choice D is wrong because the client being mildly sedated is not a sentinel event. It is a level of anesthesia that may be appropriate for some types of surgery, but it does not result in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm.
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