A client has recently returned from major surgery with general anesthesia. The nurse intends to turn the client, but decides not to because it would cause great pain. Which ethical principle is guiding the nurse's actions?
Beneficence.
Veracity
Advocacy.
Non-maleficence.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Beneficence: Beneficence involves promoting the well-being of the client and taking actions that benefit them. While the nurse’s actions may also benefit the client, the decision is primarily focused on avoiding harm.
B. Veracity: Veracity refers to truth-telling and honesty in communication. This principle does not directly relate to the decision to delay turning due to pain.
C. Advocacy: Advocacy involves supporting the client’s rights and needs. While the nurse is attentive to the client’s comfort, the ethical decision in this scenario is based on avoiding harm rather than advocating per se.
D. Non-maleficence: Non-maleficence is the principle of “do no harm.” By choosing not to turn the client to prevent causing severe pain, the nurse is adhering to this principle, prioritizing the avoidance of harm over routine interventions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client is admitted to the hospital with a wound infection: While concerning, this is typically a healthcare-associated infection, not a sentinel event, unless it results from a clear and preventable error.
B. A nurse makes a derogatory comment about the client's religion: This is unprofessional behavior and may constitute a patient rights violation, but it is not classified as a sentinel event.
C. An ordered dose of medication was not given to the client: Missing a medication dose is a medication error, but it does not meet the definition of a sentinel event unless it results in severe harm or death.
D. A hip replacement was performed on the wrong leg: Performing a procedure on the wrong site is a sentinel event because it is a preventable, serious adverse event that results in significant harm and requires immediate investigation and response.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. When the client is due financial compensation: Financial compensation may result if negligence leads to harm, but the concept of “standard of care” is not defined by payment or legal restitution.
B. When the nurse is charged with a criminal violation of law: Violating the standard of care does not automatically constitute a criminal offense. It is primarily a measure of professional practice rather than a legal charge.
C. When the nurse's action is compared to other nurses in similar circumstances: The standard of care refers to the level of practice expected of a reasonably competent nurse under similar conditions. Administering a medication despite a documented allergy deviates from what another competent nurse would do, representing a breach of the standard of care.
D. When there is injury to the client: Injury may occur as a consequence of violating the standard of care, but the standard itself is determined by professional expectations and not solely by whether harm occurred.
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