A nurse is caring for a client who has a mental illness.
Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the ethical concept of autonomy?
Supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications.
Explaining unit rules and policies regarding unacceptable behaviors.
Making sure the client understands expectations for client participation.
Encouraging client feedback about satisfaction with the facility experience.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications directly aligns with the ethical principle of autonomy. Autonomy, in the context of healthcare, grants individuals the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies and treatment plans, even if those decisions go against medical advice. It's crucial to respect a client's autonomy, even when they have a mental illness, as long as they have the capacity to make informed decisions. Key points to elaborate on:
Capacity to make informed decisions: Assess if the client can understand the risks and benefits of refusing medication, as well as the potential consequences of their decision.
Informed consent: Ensure the client has received comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits, enabling them to make an informed choice.
Balancing autonomy with beneficence: While autonomy is paramount, nurses also have a duty of beneficence, which means acting in the client's best interests. Engaging in open discussions about the rationale for medication, exploring potential concerns, and offering alternative treatment options can help balance autonomy with beneficence.
Mental illness and decision-making: Acknowledge that mental illness can sometimes impact decision-making abilities. However, this does not automatically negate a client's right to autonomy. Careful assessment and ongoing communication are essential.
Advocacy: Nurses can play a vital role in advocating for clients' autonomy, ensuring their voices are heard and their wishes respected within the healthcare system.
I'll continue with rationales for other choices in the following responses, aiming for approximately 1000 words in total, as instructed.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
: The correct answer/s is Choice/s.
Choice A rationale: Phosphate level is a crucial indicator of the body’s electrolyte balance. In patients with anorexia nervosa, phosphate levels can be significantly affected due to malnutrition and the body’s metabolic response to starvation. Low phosphate levels, known as hypophosphatemia, can lead to serious complications such as muscle weakness, neurological dysfunction, and potentially life-threatening cardiac issues.
Choice B rationale: Capillary refill is a quick test performed on a patient to assess the adequacy of peripheral circulation. The time taken for color to return to an external capillary bed after pressure has been applied to cause blanching signifies the status of the patient’s peripheral blood circulation. Delayed capillary refill time may indicate shock or dehydration, which could be a concern in a patient with anorexia nervosa who may be dehydrated or malnourished.
Choice C rationale: Sodium level is another important electrolyte that needs to be monitored. Patients with anorexia nervosa can have abnormal sodium levels due to various factors such as vomiting, use of diuretics, or not consuming enough dietary sodium. Both high sodium (hypernatremia) and low sodium (hyponatremia) levels can lead to severe neurological symptoms and are considered medical emergencies.
Choice D rationale: Magnesium level is also an important consideration in patients with anorexia nervosa. Low magnesium levels, or hypomagnesemia, can occur due to inadequate dietary intake or excessive loss from the gastrointestinal tract, which can be seen in conditions like anorexia nervosa. Hypomagnesemia can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, seizures, and even cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice E rationale: Glucose level is a key indicator of a person’s metabolic state and energy balance. In patients with anorexia nervosa, glucose levels can be low due to inadequate food intake. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can lead to symptoms such as weakness, tremors, confusion, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
The nurse should administer 2 tablets per dose.
Rationale:
Step 1: Determine the desired dose of diphenhydramine. The desired dose is 50 mg.
Step 2: Determine the available tablet strength. The available tablet strength is 25 mg.
Step 3: Divide the desired dose by the tablet strength to determine the number of tablets needed. 50 mg / 25 mg/tablet = 2 tablets
Therefore, the nurse should administer 2 tablets of diphenhydramine 25 mg per dose to achieve the desired dose of 50 mg.
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