A nurse is educating a newly licensed nurse about ethical principles. Which of the following situations is an example of beneficence?
A nurse keeps a promise to a client not to tell their family about their diagnosis.
A nurse provides therapeutic touch by holding a dying patient's hand.
A nurse involves a client in making decisions about their care.
A nurse tells the truth about forgetting to perform a procedure for a client.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Keeping a promise to a client not to tell their family about their diagnosis is an example of fidelity, respecting confidentiality and maintaining trust. However, it does not directly reflect the ethical principle of beneficence, which focuses on actions that promote the patient's well-being and best interests.
Choice B rationale:
Providing therapeutic touch to a dying patient by holding their hand is an example of beneficence. This action demonstrates compassion, emotional support, and comfort to the patient in a critical and vulnerable time. It promotes the patient's well-being by addressing their emotional and psychological needs.
Choice C rationale:
Involving a client in making decisions about their care is an example of respecting their autonomy and practicing shared decision-making. While this action is important and aligns with the principle of autonomy, it is not a direct example of beneficence, which centers on actively doing good for the patient.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the truth about forgetting to perform a procedure for a client is an example of honesty and integrity, which are essential ethical principles in nursing. However, it does not directly relate to beneficence, which emphasizes actions that actively contribute to the patient's well-being and benefit.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Necrotic subcutaneous tissue.
Choice A rationale:
Partial-thickness skin loss (Choice A) is characteristic of a stage II pressure ulcer, not a stage III ulcer. A stage II pressure ulcer involves the loss of the epidermis and possibly the dermis, resulting in a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
Choice B rationale:
Necrotic subcutaneous tissue is a manifestation of a stage III pressure ulcer. A stage III ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss where subcutaneous fat may be visible, but exposed bone or muscle is not yet present. Necrotic tissue in the wound bed indicates a more advanced level of tissue damage and the need for appropriate wound care to promote healing.
Choice C rationale:
Blood-filled blisters (Choice C) are not specific to pressure ulcers and are more commonly associated with friction or shear forces. These blisters are not indicative of a stage III pressure ulcer, which involves visible full-thickness tissue loss.
Choice D rationale:
Exposed bone (Choice D) is a characteristic of a stage IV pressure ulcer, not a stage III ulcer. A stage IV ulcer involves extensive tissue loss with exposure of muscle, tendon, or bone. This represents a severe level of tissue damage and requires intensive wound care and management.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Justice. Justice refers to fair and equitable treatment for all individuals. While it is an important ethical principle, it does not directly relate to the nurse's action of returning a telephone call promptly and as promised. Justice involves issues of fairness and distribution of resources, and it's not the most applicable principle in this context.
Choice B rationale:
Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence refers to the principle of "do no harm." While it is crucial in healthcare, it doesn't directly address the nurse's action of returning a client's call promptly. This principle is more concerned with preventing harm in clinical interventions and decision-making.
Choice C rationale:
Fidelity. Fidelity, or faithfulness, is the ethical principle that aligns with the nurse's action in this scenario. By returning the call by the end of the day as promised, the nurse is demonstrating fidelity to the client's trust and expectations. This principle emphasizes the importance of keeping promises and being loyal to commitments made to clients.
Choice D rationale:
Autonomy. Autonomy pertains to an individual's right to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. While autonomy is a vital principle in healthcare, it does not directly relate to the nurse's action of returning a telephone call promptly. Autonomy focuses more on involving the client in their care decisions and respecting their choices.
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