A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and requires mechanical ventilation. The client receives a prescription for pancuronium. The nurse recognizes that this medication is for which of the following purposes?

Choice A reason: Overflow incontinence is not the type of urinary incontinence that the client is experiencing. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is overfilled and cannot empty properly, causing frequent or constant dribbling of urine. It can be caused by a blockage in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate or a kidney stone, or by a weak bladder muscle that cannot contract enough to empty the bladder.

Choice B reason: Urge incontinence is not the type of urinary incontinence that the client is experiencing. Urge incontinence occurs when the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily and causes a sudden and strong urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. It can be caused by an infection, a neurological disorder, or an overactive bladder.

Choice C reason: Stress incontinence is not the type of urinary incontinence that the client is experiencing. Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles or the urethral sphincter are weakened or damaged and cannot hold urine in the bladder when there is increased abdominal pressure, such as from coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or surgery.

Choice D reason: Reflex incontinence is the type of urinary incontinence that the client is experiencing. Reflex incontinence occurs when the bladder muscle contracts without the sensation or control of the person, causing urine to leak without warning or awareness. It can be caused by nerve damage that affects the communication between the bladder and the brain, such as from a spinal cord injury, a stroke, or multiple sclerosis..

Choice A reason: Justice. This answer is incorrect because justice is the ethical principle that ensures fair and equal treatment for all clients, regardless of their personal or social characteristics. Justice does not apply to this situation, as the client is not being discriminated against or denied any resources.

Choice B reason: Veracity. This answer is incorrect because veracity is the ethical principle that requires honesty and truthfulness from the provider and the nurse in providing information and education to the client. Veracity does not apply to this situation, as the client is not being deceived or misled about their condition or treatment options.

Choice C reason: Fidelity. This answer is incorrect because fidelity is the ethical principle that obligates the provider and the nurse to be faithful and loyal to the client and to honor their commitments and promises. Fidelity does not apply to this situation, as the client is not being abandoned or betrayed by the provider or the nurse.

Choice D reason: Autonomy. This answer is correct because autonomy is the ethical principle that respects the client's right to make their own decisions about their health care, even if they are different from the provider's or the nurse's recommendations. Autonomy applies to this situation, as the client is expressing their preference to discontinue the ventilator, which is a life sustaining treatment.