A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the ethical concept of autonomy?
Spending extra time to calm an agitated client
Ensuring that a client understands expectations for group participation
Describing the adverse effects of a client's medications
Importing a client's wishes to refuse prescribed treatments
The Correct Answer is D
Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. Respecting autonomy means acknowledging and honoring a person's right to make choices based on their own values, beliefs, and preferences. By importing a client's wishes to refuse prescribed treatments, the nurse is recognizing and respecting the client's autonomy. This shows that the nurse values the client's right to make decisions about their own healthcare and supports their choice, even if it may differ from what the nurse may recommend.
Incorrect:
A. Spending extra time to calm an agitated client demonstrates the ethical principle of beneficence, which is the duty to promote the well-being and welfare of the client.
B. Ensuring that a client understands expectations for group participation relates to the ethical principle of fidelity, which involves maintaining trust and keeping promises to the client.
C. Describing the adverse effects of a client's medications is important for informed consent and promoting understanding, but it does not directly involve the client's autonomy unless it is accompanied by a discussion of the client's choices and preferences regarding medication.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This response is an appropriate nursing response in this situation. It acknowledges the client's need for assistance with grocery shopping while also recognizing that shopping and personal errands are not within the nurse's job description. By suggesting to explore other resources, the nurse can help the client find alternative solutions to meet their needs. This response demonstrates a willingness to support the client and collaborate on finding appropriate assistance, while also maintaining professional boundaries and responsibilities.
A. "I won't be able to shop for you today because I have to get home to my family." This response is inappropriate because it focuses on the nurse's personal circumstances and may come across as dismissive of the client's request for help. It does not address the client's needs or offer any alternative solutions.
B. "What I think you should do is wait for the days when you feel better and do your grocery shopping then." This response is dismissive of the client's current situation and does not offer any practical assistance or support. It implies that the client should simply wait for their condition to improve without addressing their immediate needs.
D. "I would be happy to do whatever I can to help you." While this response may initially seem supportive, it is inappropriate because shopping and performing personal errands for the client are not within the nurse's job description. It is important for the nurse to establish professional boundaries and adhere to the responsibilities outlined in their job description.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This response acknowledges the client's need for assistance while redirecting the focus towards exploring alternative solutions. It demonstrates the nurse's willingness to help and initiates a collaborative problem-solving approach. By engaging in a discussion about available resources, the nurse can help the client explore options such as home delivery services, community support programs, or involving family and friends in assisting with grocery shopping.
Let's review the other options and explain why they are not the most appropriate responses:
A. "I won't be able to shop for you today because I have to get home to my family." This response lacks empathy and doesn't address the client's needs. It is important for the nurse to prioritize the client's well-being and explore appropriate solutions rather than providing personal reasons for not being able to assist.
B. "What I think you should do is wait for the days when you feel better and do your grocery shopping then." This response overlooks the client's current limitations and implies that the client should solely rely on their own abilities, which may not be feasible or practical for the client.
D. "I would be happy to do whatever I can to help you." While this response conveys the nurse's willingness to assist, it is important to remember that shopping and performing personal errands are typically outside the scope of a home care nurse's responsibilities. It is more appropriate to explore other resources and options to address the client's needs effectively.
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