An 18-year-old client in the emergency department is scheduled for an appendectomy. Although the client's parents advocate for the surgery, the client declines the procedure. Which of the following ethical principles is the nurse displaying by respecting the client's decision?
Nonmaleficence
Autonomy
Beneficence
Justice
The Correct Answer is B
A. Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence refers to the obligation to do no harm and to avoid causing injury. While this principle is always important in healthcare, the central issue in this scenario involves respecting the client's decision-making rights rather than directly preventing harm.
B. Autonomy: Autonomy is the ethical principle that supports a client's right to make their own healthcare decisions, even if those decisions differ from the wishes of others, including family members. Respecting the 18-year-old client's choice to decline surgery honors their legal and moral right to self-determination.
C. Beneficence: Beneficence involves taking actions that promote the well-being and best interests of the client. While advocating for the surgery could be seen as promoting beneficence, the nurse’s primary ethical duty in this situation is to respect the client’s independent decision.
D. Justice: Justice is concerned with fairness and the equitable distribution of healthcare resources. Although justice is a core ethical principle, it does not directly apply to an individual’s right to refuse treatment as seen in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.25"]
Explanation
Desired dose = 0.25 mg
Available concentration = 1 mg/mL
Calculate the volume to administer:
Volume to administer (mL) = Desired dose (mg) / Available concentration (mg/mL)
= 0.25 mg / 1 mg/mL
= 0.25 mL
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
• Repeat quantitative B-hCG level: Monitoring the trend of quantitative beta-hCG levels is crucial in suspected ectopic pregnancy. Falling or plateauing hCG levels confirm the diagnosis and guide the management plan, especially if methotrexate is administered or surgical intervention is considered.
• Methotrexate IM: Methotrexate is an anticipated prescription for the medical management of a stable ectopic pregnancy. It works by stopping the growth of rapidly dividing cells and is appropriate when the client is hemodynamically stable and the ectopic pregnancy is unruptured.
• Blood typing: Blood typing is essential to determine Rh factor status. If the client is Rh-negative, Rh immune globulin should be administered to prevent isoimmunization, which could impact future pregnancies. This is a standard part of the care plan for any pregnancy loss or threatened pregnancy complication.
• Transvaginal ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound is needed to confirm the location of the pregnancy. In ectopic pregnancies, it helps visualize the presence or absence of an intrauterine gestational sac and may directly identify ectopic implantation, such as in the fallopian tube.
• Cervical cerclage: Cervical cerclage is contraindicated in this case. It is used to prevent preterm birth in clients with cervical insufficiency but is not appropriate in a non-viable pregnancy or suspected ectopic pregnancy. Placing a cerclage could worsen the clinical situation and delay necessary treatment.
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