A client, whose cancer is very advanced, has decided not to have surgery or chemotherapy. The nurse believes that, as a rule, everything possible should be done to preserve life. However, once the client has decided, the nurse supports the decision. Which ethical principle provides the best basis for the nurse's actions?
Justice
Nonmaleficence
Beneficence
Respect for autonomy
The Correct Answer is D
A. Justice: Justice refers to fairness and equitable distribution of resources and treatment. While it is important in healthcare decision-making, it is not directly applicable in this scenario, where the focus is on respecting the client's autonomy in decision-making.
B. Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. While it is essential for healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to clients, it does not directly address the client's right to make autonomous decisions about their care.
C. Beneficence: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the client. While it is important for nurses to promote the well-being of their clients, in this scenario, the client's autonomous decision not to undergo surgery or chemotherapy takes precedence over the nurse's desire to promote beneficence.
D. Respect for autonomy: This is the correct answer. Respect for autonomy is the ethical principle that recognizes individuals' right to make their own decisions and choices regarding their healthcare, based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. In this scenario, the nurse respects the client's autonomous decision not to pursue surgery or chemotherapy, even though it may conflict with the nurse's personal beliefs about preserving life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
When administering an enema to an adult patient with constipation, the nurse must insert the tubing into the patient's rectum to deliver the enema solution effectively. However, it's crucial to avoid inserting the tubing too far to prevent injury or discomfort to the patient. The recommended insertion distance varies depending on the individual patient's anatomy and the type of enema being administered.
A. 4 in. (10.2 cm):
Inserting the enema tubing approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) into the patient's rectum is considered a safe and effective distance for most adult patients. This depth allows the enema solution to reach the sigmoid colon, facilitating the evacuation of stool and relieving constipation without risking insertion too deeply into the rectum.
B. 5 in (12.7 cm): Inserting the tubing 5 inches into the rectum is generally deeper than necessary and may increase the risk of injury or discomfort. This distance is not typically recommended for safe and effective administration of an enema.
C. 6 in. (15.25 cm): Inserting the tubing 6 inches into the rectum is deeper than necessary and may increase the risk of injury or discomfort. This distance is generally not recommended for safe and effective administration of an enema.
D. 2 in. (5.1 cm): Inserting the tubing 2 inches into the rectum is not considered a safe and effective distance for many adult patients. This distance does not allow for the effective delivery of the enema solution into the lower rectum and sigmoid colon without inserting the tubing too far.
E. 3 in. (7.6 cm): Inserting the tubing 3 inches into the rectum is also considered a safe and effective distance for many adult patients. This distance allows for the delivery of the enema solution into the lower rectum and sigmoid colon without inserting the tubing too far.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ask about medications the client currently takes: The first nursing action should be to gather information about potential causes of the pink coloration of the urine. Certain medications, foods, and medical conditions can cause urine discoloration. Asking about the medications the client currently takes can help identify if the pink coloration is due to a medication side effect, such as certain antibiotics, laxatives, or antipsychotics, which can cause urine to appear pink or reddish.
B. Check the client's vital signs: While assessing the client's vital signs is important for obtaining baseline data and assessing the client's overall health status, it may not provide immediate insights into the cause of the pink urine. Vital signs are unlikely to reveal the underlying cause of urine discoloration.
C. Notify the healthcare provider about the bleeding: Notifying the healthcare provider about the presence of pink urine is important, but it should not be the first action taken without gathering more information. Before contacting the healthcare provider, the nurse should assess the client's medications, recent dietary intake, and medical history to identify potential causes of the urine discoloration.
D. Send the urine to the lab for culture and sensitivity: Sending the urine to the lab for culture and sensitivity is not the first action indicated in this scenario. While urine analysis may be warranted to further evaluate the pink urine, it should be done after assessing the client's medications and obtaining additional information to determine the likely cause of the urine discoloration.
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