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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A client with a brain tumor and chemotherapy may require more complex assessments and management, making them less suitable for a newly licensed nurse.
B. A client with multiple sclerosis and ataxia may have fluctuating symptoms that require more experienced nursing care.
C. A client who sustained a concussion and is being monitored for complications is stable and can be appropriately assigned to a newly licensed nurse who can learn to monitor for signs of deterioration.
D. A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome and a tracheostomy requires specialized skills and knowledge in airway management, making them inappropriate for a newly licensed nurse.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While cleansing the periurethral area is important, antiseptic cleaning solutions may not be necessary and could lead to irritation. Standard soap and water are often sufficient.
B. Routine catheter irrigation is not recommended and can increase the risk of infection. Catheters should be managed without unnecessary interventions.
C. Limiting indwelling urinary catheter usage is a good practice, but the protocol should focus on maintaining the catheter system rather than a specific time frame for removal.
D. Maintaining a closed system, ensuring connections are sealed securely, is critical in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) as it minimizes the risk of pathogens entering the urinary tract.
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