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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Have you thought about moving to a new neighborhood?": This response may dismiss the client’s feelings and doesn't directly address the anxiety. It also suggests an unrealistic solution without understanding the root cause of the client's anxiety.

B. "Let's discuss how you feel when you leave your house.": This response encourages open communication and invites the client to express their feelings. It focuses on understanding the client’s anxiety, which is the first step in addressing and managing it.

C. "Tell me why you have developed an aversion to leaving your house.": While exploring the cause of the anxiety is important, this response may come across as judgmental and could make the client feel defensive. A more open and empathetic approach would help the client feel more comfortable discussing their feelings.

D. "Have you tried leaving your house just once per day?": While this might be helpful in a later stage of treatment, it doesn't address the underlying anxiety and could be perceived as a directive instead of an empathetic, open-ended question to explore the client's emotions and experiences.

A. "Advance directives are the same as a consent form for health care treatment” B. "Advance directives are for clients who have life-threatening conditions." C. "Advance directives must be approved by your lawyer.” D. "Advance directives protect your right to make your own health care decisions.”

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Advance directives are the same as a consent form for health care treatment": Advance directives are different from a consent form. A consent form is specific to the current treatment or procedure, while advance directives outline future healthcare wishes in the event the client becomes unable to make decisions.

B. "Advance directives are for clients who have life-threatening conditions.": While advance directives are especially important for clients with serious illnesses, they are appropriate for all adults, regardless of current health status, to ensure their wishes are known and respected if they become incapacitated.

C. "Advance directives must be approved by your lawyer.": Advance directives do not require a lawyer's approval to be valid. They usually need to be signed by the client and witnessed or notarized, depending on state laws, but legal counsel is not mandatory for completing one.

D. "Advance directives protect your right to make your own health care decisions.": Advance directives ensure that a client’s wishes regarding healthcare are known and respected even if they cannot voice them later. They preserve the client’s autonomy and legal rights concerning treatment preferences.

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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

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

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