A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a terminal illness and is ventilator dependent. The client is alert and oriented and he wants to discontinue use of the ventilator. The nurse should be aware that continued treatment against the client’s wishes is a violation of which of the following ethical principles?

Choice A reason: A stroke involving the right cerebral hemisphere can affect the cognitive and emotional functions of the brain, such as judgment, impulse control, and emotional regulation³. This can lead to risky or inappropriate behaviors, such as acting impulsively or disregarding social norms. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for poor impulse control and provide appropriate interventions, such as education, cueing, feedback, and environmental modifications.
Choice B reason: A stroke involving the right cerebral hemisphere can affect the visual functions of the brain, such as depth perception, spatial orientation, and visual recognition³. However, the deficits are usually in the left visual field, not the right, because the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body and the environment. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for deficits in the left visual field, not the right.
Choice C reason: A stroke involving the right cerebral hemisphere can affect the abstract reasoning functions of the brain, such as understanding metaphors, humor, or sarcasm. However, the ability to discriminate words and letters is more related to the language functions of the brain, which are mainly controlled by the left cerebral hemisphere. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for language deficits, such as aphasia or dysarthria, if the stroke involves the left cerebral hemisphere, not the right.
Choice D reason: A stroke involving the right cerebral hemisphere can affect the motor functions of the brain, such as movement, coordination, and balance³. However, the motor retardation, which is a slowing down of physical and mental activity, is more related to the mood functions of the brain, which are mainly controlled by the frontal lobe of the brain. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for motor retardation if the stroke involves the frontal lobe, not the right cerebral hemisphere.

Choice A reason: Take isoniazid with an antacid. This answer is incorrect because taking isoniazid with an antacid can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of the drug. Isoniazid should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.

Choice B reason: Drink at least 8 ounces of water when you take the pyrazinamide tablet. This answer is incorrect because drinking water with pyrazinamide is not necessary, as this drug does not cause dehydration or kidney problems. However, drinking plenty of fluids is generally recommended for clients with tuberculosis to prevent dehydration and help clear the lungs of secretions.

Choice C reason: Expect your sputum cultures to be negative after 6 months of therapy. This answer is incorrect because expecting sputum cultures to be negative after 6 months of therapy is unrealistic and misleading. The duration of treatment for tuberculosis varies depending on the type and extent of the infection, the drug regimen, and the client's response to the therapy. Some clients may need longer than 6 months to achieve negative sputum cultures.

Choice D reason: Provide a sputum specimen every 2 weeks to the clinic for testing. This answer is correct because providing sputum specimens regularly is important to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and to determine when the client is no longer infectious.