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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client may have a ruptured appendix, which is a life-threatening complication of appendicitis. A ruptured appendix can cause peritonitis, which is an infection of the lining of the abdomen, or an abscess, which is a collection of pus around the appendix. These conditions require immediate medical attention and surgery to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity.
Choice A is wrong because administering the prescribed medication may mask the symptoms of a ruptured appendix and delay diagnosis and treatment.
Choice B is wrong because repositioning the client and applying a heating pad may increase the risk of rupture or spread of infection.
Choice D is wrong because calling the operating room team is not the nurse’s responsibility and may not be feasible depending on the availability of the surgical team and the operating room.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should report the situation to the hospital ethics committee, which is used to resolve ethical dilemmas in the health care setting. The hospital ethics committee can help the nurse and the client’s family reach a consensus on the best course of action for the client.
Choice A is wrong because a clinical education specialist is not directly involved in the client’s care and does not have the authority to intervene in ethical issues.
Choice B is wrong because a quality improvement committee is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the quality of care and services provided by the facility, not for addressing ethical conflicts.
Choice D is wrong because a hospital administrator is not usually involved in the clinical decision-making process and may not have the expertise or time to deal with ethical issues.
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