A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a potassium supplement. The client tells the nurse that the pill is too large to swallow and refuses to take it. The nurse offers to break the pill into two smaller pieces. The nurse is demonstrating which of the following ethical principles?
Autonomy
Beneficence
Justice
Nonmaleficence
The Correct Answer is B
A) Autonomy refers to the right of the client to make their own decisions about their care. In this scenario, the nurse respects the client's decision not to take the pill as it is, but does not stop there.
B) Beneficence is the principle of doing good and acting in the best interest of the client. By offering to break the pill, the nurse is actively seeking a solution to ensure the client receives the necessary medication, which is in the client's best interest.
C) Justice relates to fairness and the equal distribution of resources. While important, it is not the primary principle being demonstrated in this situation.
D) Nonmaleficence means to do no harm. Although breaking the pill could be seen as avoiding harm by preventing the client from choking, it is more about ensuring the client's treatment continues effectively, which aligns more closely with beneficence.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range (1.005–1.030). While fluid volume excess may lead to a lower specific gravity due to urine dilution, this value does not indicate fluid overload and is considered normal.
B. A hematocrit level of 42% is within the normal range for adults (men: 38–50%, women: 35–45%). Hematocrit levels tend to decrease in fluid volume excess due to hemodilution, but this value does not suggest fluid overload.
C. A urine pH of 6.5 is within the normal range (4.5–8.0). Urine pH reflects the acid-base balance rather than fluid status and is not a reliable indicator of fluid volume excess.
D. A BUN level of 5 mg/dL is below the normal range (10–20 mg/dL). In fluid volume excess, the dilution of blood plasma can lead to decreased BUN levels. This low BUN value, in conjunction with clinical symptoms, supports the diagnosis of fluid volume excess.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Confidentiality: Confidentiality refers to the duty to respect and protect the client's private information and not disclose it without the client's consent or appropriate legal authorization.
B. Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence means "do no harm." It is the ethical principle that requires healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to their clients and to balance potential benefits with possible risks.
C. Accountability: Accountability is the ethical principle that refers to the responsibility of healthcare professionals to answer for their actions and decisions in providing care to clients.
D. Autonomy: Correct. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects a person's right to make their own decisions and about their healthcare. Allowing a client to make decisions about their treatment plan is an example of promoting autonomy and respecting their right to
selfdetermination.
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