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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Asking the client's closest kin to convince him to stop fasting due to his injuries is not an appropriate action. Respecting the client's religious beliefs and practices is crucial, and attempting to persuade the client to stop fasting would infringe upon their autonomy and cultural values.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to stop fasting goes against respecting the client's religious observance and autonomy. The nurse should prioritize culturally competent care and support the client in their religious practices, while also ensuring their nutritional needs are met.
Choice C rationale:
Calling dietary to reschedule the client's meals might seem like a reasonable action, but it does not address the client's religious needs or their wound healing process. Ramadan fasting is an important religious practice, and the nurse should find a way to accommodate the client's fasting while also ensuring appropriate nutritional support.
Choice D rationale:
Starting enteral tube feedings if the client refuses to take food orally is the correct action. Beneficence, a principle of ethical nursing care, emphasizes promoting the well-being of the patient. In this case, the nurse should prioritize the client's wound healing by ensuring they receive necessary nutrition through enteral feeding while still respecting their fasting during Ramadan.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Helping the client select a low-salt diet is not directly related to addressing tenacious bronchial secretions. While a low-salt diet might have some implications for overall cardiovascular health, it doesn't specifically address the issue of secretions in the lungs.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily is generally beneficial for maintaining hydration and thinning mucus secretions. However, it doesn't directly address the problem of not being able to bring up secretions. Other interventions are more suitable for that issue.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can provide respiratory support, but it doesn't directly address the problem of tenacious bronchial secretions. Oxygen therapy primarily aims to improve oxygenation, not facilitate mucus clearance.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position (head of the bed elevated to approximately 30-45 degrees) can help improve lung expansion and facilitate drainage of bronchial secretions. This position helps to reduce the pooling of secretions in the airways, making it easier for the client to cough and bring up the mucus.
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