A charge nurse provides an annual in-service for the nursing staff regarding ethical practice. Which of the following actions should the nurse include as an example of ethical practice?
A nurse raises all four side rails on the bed of a client who is confused.
A nurse administers prescribed opioids to a client who has a terminal illness and respiratory rate of 8/min.
A nurse elects not to care for a client who had an abortion.
A nurse withholds nutrition from a client who has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Raising all four side rails on a confused client’s bed is considered a restraint and violates the principle of autonomy. Restraints should only be used as a last resort and require a provider’s order. Ethical practice involves finding less restrictive alternatives, such as using a sitter or bed alarms.
B. Administering opioids to a terminally ill client, even with a low respiratory rate, aligns with ethical nursing principles such as beneficence (relieving suffering) and nonmaleficence (preventing harm) when used for palliative care. In end-of-life care, the priority is comfort, and pain management is considered ethical even if it may impact respiration. This aligns with the principle of double effect, which justifies an action intended for good (pain relief) even if it has potential negative side effects (respiratory depression).
C. Electing not to care for a client due to personal beliefs is an example of bias and does not adhere to the ethical principle of fidelity, which requires nurses to provide care regardless of personal beliefs.
D. Withholding nutrition from a client with a DNR order is not ethical unless there is a clear directive regarding the client's wishes, and it may cause harm.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Restraints should be tied using a quick-release knot, not a square knot. A quick-release knot allows for easy removal in emergencies.
B. A provider cannot write a prescription for restraints "as needed" because restraints must be prescribed for a specific duration and reason, ensuring they are used safely and appropriately.
C. Restraints should be removed as soon as they are no longer necessary, typically every 2 hours, not every 4 hours, to ensure the client's comfort and safety.
D. Restraints should always be secured to a part of the bed frame that moves with the client’s position. This prevents excessive tightening or loosening of the restraint, which could cause injury or compromise circulation. Restraints should never be tied to side rails, as this can lead to serious harm if the rails are moved.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While root cause analysis is useful for identifying specific issues, it is not the primary action in the benchmarking process.
B. Determining how current practices will affect future performance is important but comes after comparing current practices to established benchmarks.
C. Comparing practices within the facility against other high-performing facilities is essential in benchmarking, as it helps identify areas for improvement and set performance goals.
D. Establishing work initiatives is beneficial for improving workplace culture but does not directly relate to the benchmarking process for policies and procedures.
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