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?

Choice A Reason:
Whether the facility ethics committee reaches a consensus on the case is incorrect. While an ethics committee may provide guidance and recommendations, its decision alone typically does not determine whether a surgery will be performed. Ethics committees are advisory bodies and their decisions may not necessarily override the wishes of the patient or their legal representative.
Choice B Reason:
Whether the client's refusal is based on religious belief is incorrect. Religious beliefs may influence a patient's decision-making process, but they do not automatically determine whether a surgery will be performed. Healthcare decisions are generally based on medical factors, patient autonomy, and legal considerations rather than solely on religious beliefs.
Choice C Reason:
Whether the client understands the risk of refusing the procedure is incorrect. Patient autonomy and informed consent are essential principles in medical ethics. Understanding the risks and benefits of a medical procedure is important for informed decision-making. However, even if the client understands the risks of refusing the procedure, they still have the right to refuse treatment based on their personal preferences and values.
Choice D Reason:
Whether the partner is the client's durable power of attorney for health care is correct. A durable power of attorney for healthcare, also known as a healthcare proxy or surrogate decision-maker, is legally authorized to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient if the patient is unable to do so themselves. If the partner is designated as the client's durable power of attorney for healthcare, they have the legal authority to make decisions regarding the surgery, even if the client refuses. This is because the surrogate decision-maker is tasked with acting in the best interests of the patient when the patient cannot make decisions for themselves.

Choice A Reason:
Raising all four side rails on the bed of a confused client can be considered a form of restraint, which should be avoided unless necessary for the safety of the patient. It may infringe on the client's autonomy and dignity.
Choice B Reason:
Electing not to care for a client who had an abortion is discriminatory and violates the principle of nonmaleficence (doing no harm). Nurses have a professional obligation to provide care to all patients regardless of their personal beliefs or circumstances.
Choice C Reason:
Withholding nutrition from a client with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order without clear medical indications goes against the principle of beneficence and could be considered unethical. Nutritional support is a basic aspect of care that should not be withheld unless it is medically indicated or aligns with the patient's wishes.
Choice D Reason:
A nurse administers prescribed opioids to a client who has a terminal illness and respiratory rate of 8/min represents ethical practice because administering prescribed opioids to a client with a terminal illness and a respiratory rate of 8/min is appropriate and aligns with the principle of beneficence. The nurse's action aims to alleviate the client's pain and suffering, which is essential in end-of-life care.