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
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication between the healthcare provider and the client. It involves providing accurate information and not deceiving the client. Discontinuing the experimental medication due to kidney failure demonstrates a commitment to the truth, but the primary ethical principle demonstrated here is nonmaleficence.
Choice B rationale:
Autonomy refers to respecting the client's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the medication was discontinued due to evidence of harm to the client's health. This action prioritizes the client's well-being over their autonomy to continue the treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Nonmaleficence, or the principle of "do no harm," is demonstrated in this scenario. The experimental medication was discontinued because it was causing rapidly advancing kidney failure. The healthcare provider's decision to stop the treatment is an example of prioritizing the client's safety and well-being by preventing further harm.
Choice D rationale:
Fidelity refers to being loyal, keeping promises, and maintaining trust in the nurse-client relationship. While this principle is important, it doesn't directly apply to the situation described, where the focus is on the ethical responsibility to prevent harm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lillian Wald is known for founding the Henry Street Settlement in New York and for her work in public health nursing and social reform, but she is not specifically associated with keeping records on sanitation techniques and their effects on health.
Choice B rationale:
Clara Barton is renowned for establishing the American Red Cross and her humanitarian efforts during the Civil War. While she contributed significantly to healthcare, her focus was not on keeping records on sanitation techniques and their effects.
Choice C rationale:
Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, is the nurse who kept records on sanitation techniques and their effects on health. She is known for her work during the Crimean War, where she improved sanitation and hygiene practices in healthcare settings, leading to significant improvements in patient outcomes.
Choice D rationale:
Mary Nutting was an influential figure in nursing education, but she is not primarily recognized for keeping records on sanitation techniques and their effects. Her contributions were more related to curriculum development and nursing education.
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