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 ["A","B","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
- Administer betamethasone: Betamethasone is administered to pregnant clients at risk of preterm delivery to promote fetal lung maturity. Given the client's gestational age of 31 weeks and signs of severe preeclampsia, administering corticosteroids is critical to prepare for potential early delivery.
- Monitor intake and output every hour: Severe preeclampsia can impair renal function, leading to decreased urine output and worsening fluid retention. Hourly monitoring of intake and output helps detect early signs of renal compromise and fluid overload, both of which require immediate intervention.
- Assist RN with performing a vaginal examination every 12 hr: Vaginal examinations are avoided in cases of severe preeclampsia unless absolutely necessary because they can stimulate uterine contractions or introduce infection. Therefore, routinely assisting every 12 hours with vaginal exams is not appropriate in this client's plan of care.
- Obtain a 24-hr urine specimen: A 24-hour urine collection assesses the degree of proteinuria and provides a clearer diagnostic picture of the severity of preeclampsia. Quantifying protein excretion helps guide clinical management and decisions about timing of delivery.
- Provide a low-stimulation environment: A calm, quiet environment minimizes the risk of seizure activity in clients with severe preeclampsia. Reducing auditory, visual, and environmental stimulation is a standard preventative measure to decrease neurological irritability.
- Give antihypertensive medication: Severe hypertension must be promptly treated to prevent complications like stroke, placental abruption, and progression to eclampsia. Administering antihypertensive therapy helps stabilize maternal blood pressure and protects both maternal and fetal health.
- Maintain bedrest: Bedrest helps reduce blood pressure and physical stress, promoting better perfusion to the placenta. Although strict bedrest is controversial long-term, short-term bedrest is often used in severe preeclampsia management while stabilization measures are implemented.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Recommend frequent hot baths: Hot baths can exacerbate symptoms in clients with multiple sclerosis by increasing fatigue and worsening muscle weakness due to a rise in core body temperature. Clients are usually advised to avoid overheating and use cooling strategies instead to manage their symptoms.
B. Encourage the client to restrict performing range-of-motion exercises: Range-of-motion exercises are important in maintaining joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility. Restricting these exercises could lead to increased stiffness, weakness, and decreased functional ability in clients with multiple sclerosis.
C. Monitor the client's ability to perform ADLs: Monitoring the client's ability to perform activities of daily living is essential because multiple sclerosis often leads to progressive physical limitations. Regular assessment helps in planning appropriate interventions, promoting independence, and adjusting care as the disease progresses.
D. Initiate contact precautions: Contact precautions are not necessary for clients with multiple sclerosis because it is not an infectious disease. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative condition that requires supportive care rather than infection control measures.
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.
