A client nearing the end of life requests that he be given no food or fluids.
The physician orders the insertion of a nasogastric tube to feed the client.
What situation does this create for the nurse providing care?
The nurse must follow the physician's orders.
The physician's order creates a barrier to establishing an effective nurse-client relationship.
The nurse faces an ethical dilemma about inconsistent courses of action.
The nurse is unable to provide care for the client.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While nurses are generally expected to follow physician's orders, they also have a professional and ethical responsibility to advocate for their patients. In situations where an order conflicts with the patient's wishes and ethical principles, blindly following the order can lead to moral distress.
Choice B rationale
The physician's order, which contradicts the patient's explicit request, can indeed create a barrier to establishing an effective nurse-client relationship built on trust and respect for the patient's autonomy. The nurse may feel conflicted in carrying out an unwanted intervention.
Choice C rationale
The situation creates an ethical dilemma for the nurse because there are conflicting courses of action with moral implications. The nurse faces a conflict between the duty to follow the physician's order and the ethical principle of respecting the patient's autonomy and right to refuse treatment, even life-sustaining measures at the end of life.
Choice D rationale
The nurse is not unable to provide care but faces a complex ethical challenge in determining the most appropriate and ethical course of action that respects the patient's wishes while navigating the physician's order.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Performing nursing tasks quickly might compromise the quality and thoroughness of care. Unconscious patients still require careful and meticulous attention to their needs, and rushing could lead to errors or omissions in care.
Choice B rationale
Discouraging family members from touching an unconscious patient can be detrimental to the patient's well-being. Even in an unconscious state, patients may benefit from the familiar touch and presence of loved ones, which can provide comfort and potentially aid in sensory processing.
Choice C rationale
Turning the television to a loud volume is unlikely to be beneficial for an unconscious patient and could be overstimulating or even distressing. Sensory stimulation for unconscious patients should be carefully considered and usually involves gentle, controlled inputs rather than loud, indiscriminate noise.
Choice D rationale
Explaining procedures to an unconscious patient in a normal tone of voice is an appropriate action. Although the patient may not consciously understand, they may still have some level of auditory processing. Speaking calmly and explaining actions can also provide a sense of respect and dignity for the patient. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Identifying factors that interfere with normal sleep patterns is a crucial step in addressing sleep disturbances, but it doesn't directly demonstrate the effectiveness of a plan of care to promote rest and sleep. While understanding these factors can lead to interventions, the actual outcome is reflected in the improvement of sleep quality.
Choice B rationale
Verbalizing an ability to sleep without medications is a positive outcome, but it doesn't solely indicate the effectiveness of a comprehensive plan of care. The quality and duration of sleep are also critical indicators of successful interventions aimed at promoting rest and sleep, beyond just medication independence.
Choice C rationale
Engaging in relaxing activities before bedtime is a helpful strategy to promote sleep, but it is an action taken by the patient, not a direct measure of the plan's effectiveness. The ultimate success of the plan is determined by whether these activities actually result in improved rest and sleep.
Choice D rationale
Reporting improved quality of rest and sleep directly indicates that the plan of care has been effective in achieving its goal. This subjective measure, when consistently reported by the patient, signifies that the interventions implemented have positively impacted their ability to rest and sleep well.
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