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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A client who has hearing loss with a friend interpreting: A friend interpreting does not meet the legal standards for ensuring accurate communication during informed consent. A licensed medical interpreter should be used to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure that the client fully understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure before consenting.

B. A client who has not spoken with the provider yet: Informed consent requires that the provider explain the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives directly to the client. Without this discussion, the client lacks the necessary information to make an educated decision and cannot legally or ethically provide informed consent.

C. A 15-year-old client whose caregiver is not at the bedside: Minors generally cannot give legal informed consent without a parent or legal guardian present, unless specific exceptions apply (such as for emancipated minors). A 15-year-old without their caregiver present does not meet the criteria for giving valid informed consent for surgical procedures.

D. A married 16-year-old client accompanied by their spouse: A married minor is considered emancipated in most jurisdictions and can legally make healthcare decisions, including providing informed consent. Their marital status grants them the legal autonomy needed to consent to medical treatments without requiring parental involvement.

A. Take vital signs on clients as they are admitted. B. Respond to family members about a client's condition C. Clean and dress client abdominal wounds. D. Determine which clients should be seen first.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Take vital signs on clients as they are admitted: Taking vital signs is within the scope of practice for assistive personnel (AP) and is an essential task during a mass casualty event. It provides critical baseline information that the licensed staff can use to prioritize care and identify urgent needs.

B. Respond to family members about a client's condition: Communicating about a client's medical condition requires clinical judgment and is the responsibility of licensed nursing staff or healthcare providers. APs are not trained or authorized to give out clinical information to family members.

C. Clean and dress client abdominal wounds: Wound care, especially for open or surgical wounds like those on the abdomen, involves assessment and sterile technique, which must be performed by licensed personnel, not assistive personnel.

D. Determine which clients should be seen first: Determining client priority, also known as triage, requires nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical assessment skills. It is a responsibility that falls to licensed nurses, not assistive personnel.

View Question and Answer

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

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting in the care of a group of clients in the preoperative unit. Which of the following clients can give informed consent?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the care of a group of clients during a mass casualty event. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel (APIT

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to transfer a client who is non-weight bearing from the bed to a chair with the aid of an assistive personnel. The client is cooperative and has upper body strength. Which of the following assistive devices should the nurse use when transferring the client?

A nurse is documenting client care in the nurses' notes and notices that a space was left blank. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is on isolation for an infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the spread of infection?

A nurse is monitoring a young adult client for risk-taking behavior. Which of the following statements by the client indicates they are limiting their risk-taking behavior?

A nurse is giving change-of-shift report on a group of clients. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about receiving epinephrine as an emergency intervention for anaphylaxis. Which of the following information should the nurse reinforce with the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who has lung cancer. The client tells the nurse they do not want to be resuscitated in the event of a cardiac arrest. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?