In a team meeting a nurse says. "I'm concerned about whether we are behaving ethically by using restraints to prevent one patient from self-mutilation, while the care plan for another self-mutilating patient requires one-on-one supervision." Which ethical principle most clearly applies to this situation?
Justice
Fidelity
Beneficence
Autonomy
The Correct Answer is A
A. Justice refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of care and resources. The nurse is concerned about whether patients exhibiting similar behaviors (self-mutilation) are being treated consistently and fairly, which directly relates to the principle of justice.
B. Fidelity involves keeping promises and commitments to patients, which is not the primary concern in this scenario.
C. Beneficence involves acting in the patient’s best interest to promote well-being. While relevant to care decisions, the main ethical issue here is fairness between patients.
D. Autonomy involves respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions, which is not the central issue in comparing the care of two patients.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Offering platitudes can minimize the patient’s feelings and may shut down further disclosure.
B. Directly asking about suicidal thoughts is the most important and therapeutic response because the statement expresses hopelessness, a major risk factor for suicide. This question assesses immediate safety and guides next steps (ask about intent, plan, means; implement suicide precautions and notify the provider as indicated).
C. Exploring past interests can be therapeutic later, but it does not address the immediate safety concern suggested by the patient’s hopeless statement.
D. Saying you don’t understand is vague and avoids addressing the potential crisis; a direct, nonjudgmental assessment of suicidal ideation is required.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Neurological assessment is important, but not the priority since opioid overdose primarily causes life-threatening respiratory depression.
B. Respiratory assessment is the highest priority because opioids suppress the respiratory center, leading to hypoventilation, hypoxia, or apnea.
C. Hepatic assessment is not the immediate concern in acute overdose.
D. Cardiovascular assessment is necessary, but respiratory status takes precedence because airway and breathing are life-sustaining priorities.
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