A nurse is questioning another nurse about whether it is ethical to seclude a client because of loud and intrusive behavior on the unit. Which is the ethical principle that will best guide the nurse's decision on the appropriate use of seclusion?
Autonomy
Justice
Beneficence
Veracity
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is c. Beneficence.
Choice A: Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives and bodies. In the context of nursing, it means respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. However, in the case of seclusion due to loud and intrusive behavior, the primary concern is not about the patient’s decision-making capacity but rather the safety and well-being of the patient and others on the unit.
Choice B: Justice
Justice is the ethical principle that emphasizes fairness and equality. It involves ensuring that patients are treated fairly and that resources are distributed equitably. While justice is important in healthcare, it does not directly address the appropriateness of seclusion in response to disruptive behavior.
Choice C: Beneficence
Beneficence is the ethical principle that focuses on doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient. It involves taking actions that promote the well-being of patients and prevent harm. In the context of seclusion, beneficence guides the nurse to consider whether secluding the patient will prevent harm to the patient and others, thereby promoting overall safety and well-being.
Choice D: Veracity
Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling and honesty. It involves providing accurate and truthful information to patients. While veracity is crucial in building trust between healthcare providers and patients, it does not directly relate to the decision of whether to use seclusion for managing disruptive behavior.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
When a nurse observes another nurse acting flirtatiously and bringing small gifts to a client in the behavioral health unit, it raises concerns about professional boundaries and the potential for unethical behavior. The priority action for the observing nurse is to protect the rights and well-being of the client.
Option A, reporting the behavior to the supervisor, is the appropriate course of action. Reporting the observed behavior to the supervisor ensures that the situation is investigated and addressed by the appropriate authorities within the healthcare facility. This action helps maintain the integrity of the therapeutic relationship between the client and healthcare team and protects the client from any potential exploitation or manipulation.
Options B, C and D are not appropriate actions:
B. Ignoring the behavior is not appropriate as it does not address the concerns about professional boundaries and the potential for unethical behavior. Ignoring such behavior may allow it to continue, potentially putting the client at risk.
C. Confronting the nurse directly without first reporting the behavior to the supervisor may not be the most appropriate course of action. It is essential to involve the appropriate authorities within the healthcare facility to conduct a proper investigation and address the situation professionally.
D. Discussing the situation with the client and making assumptions about emotional manipulation may not be appropriate or accurate. It is not the observing nurse's role to discuss such matters with the client. Instead, the appropriate course of action is to report the observed behavior to the supervisor or appropriate authority within the healthcare facility.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client's observed behavior of pacing the hall with clenched fists and swearing at others indicates that they are in the escalation phase of the aggression cycle. During this phase, the individual's anger and agitation increase, and their behavior becomes more intense and aggressive. If not addressed promptly and effectively, the situation can escalate further and potentially lead to a crisis or violent outburst.
By intervening immediately and calmly, the nurse aims to prevent the situation from escalating further and moving into the crisis phase, where the risk of harm to the client and others is highest. Effective de-escalation techniques, such as using a calm and non-threatening demeanor, active listening, and providing clear and respectful communication, can help the client regain control and reduce their agitation.
Option A - Recovery: The recovery phase comes after the aggressive incident, during which the individual may feel remorse or embarrassment about their behavior.
Option B - Crisis: The crisis phase is the point where the individual's anger and agitation reach a peak, and there is a high risk of violence or harmful actions.
Option D - Triggering: The triggering phase is the initial phase of the aggression cycle, where the individual's anger begins to build, and certain triggers may set off their aggressive behavior.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.