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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A: While explaining the negative consequences of refusal is important, it may not change the client's decision, and respect for the client's autonomy must be upheld.
B: Discussing the treatment with the client's partner without the client's consent may breach patient confidentiality and privacy.
C: Correct. The nurse should document the client's refusal of the medical treatment in the client's medical record. This documentation is essential for legal and ethical purposes and to ensure that the refusal is adequately communicated to the healthcare team.
D: Trying to convince the client to undergo the treatment is not appropriate and may violate the principle of informed consent. The client has the right to refuse treatment after being adequately informed of the risks and benefits.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A: Asking the client why they are angry may come across as confrontational and defensive, potentially escalating the situation. It does not promote open communication or therapeutic rapport.
B: Sharing personal information about diabetes running in the nurse's family is not relevant to the client's feelings or concerns and may not be helpful in addressing the client's anger.
C: Correct. Acknowledging the client's feelings of anger and offering to sit down and talk provides an opportunity for therapeutic communication. This response demonstrates empathy and a willingness to listen and address the client's concerns about insulin therapy.
D: While it is true that insulin therapy can help reduce the risk of complications in type 2 diabetes, this response may come across as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns. It does not address the emotional aspect of the client's anger.
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