A nurse in a primary care provider’s office is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Click to highlight the findings that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

Nurses’ Notes

Today, 0900: Client returns for a follow-up examination after new onset of symptoms; client reports loss of appetite; reports sleeping most of the day; became teary when asked about plans for activities; questions reason to live if not working; auscultated lungs for a dry, nonproductive cough; breath sounds present bilaterally; experiences occasional muscle “aches and pains”; reports having no energy.

Choice A Reason:
Autonomy refers to respecting the client's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. By supporting the client's refusal of medications, the nurse is acknowledging the client's right to self-determination and informed consent. This principle is fundamental in healthcare ethics, as it empowers clients to take control of their own treatment and make choices that align with their values and preferences. Respecting autonomy involves providing the client with all necessary information to make an informed decision and supporting their choice, even if it differs from the healthcare provider's recommendation.

Choice B Reason:
Justice in healthcare refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatment. While justice is an important ethical principle, it is not directly related to the nurse's support of the client's refusal of medications. Justice would be more relevant in ensuring that all clients have equal access to care and that resources are allocated fairly. In this scenario, the focus is on the client's individual right to make decisions about their own treatment.

Choice C Reason:
Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication between healthcare providers and clients. While veracity is crucial in building trust and ensuring informed consent, it is not the primary ethical principle at play when supporting a client's refusal of medication. Veracity would involve providing accurate information about the benefits and risks of the medication, but the act of supporting the client's decision is more closely aligned with the principle of autonomy.

Choice D Reason:
Beneficence involves acting in the best interest of the client and promoting their well-being. While beneficence is a key ethical principle in healthcare, it can sometimes conflict with autonomy. In this case, the nurse may believe that taking the medication is in the client's best interest (beneficence), but the client has the right to refuse treatment (autonomy). Supporting the client's decision respects their autonomy, even if it means not following what the nurse believes to be the best course of action for the client's health.

Choice A reason:
The statement "Rapid mood swings" is not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease. While mood changes can occur, they are usually more gradual and related to frustration or confusion rather than rapid swings. Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory and cognitive functions, leading to progressive decline in these areas.

Choice B reason:
The statement "Excessive motor activity" is not a common finding in Alzheimer's disease. Patients with Alzheimer's may experience restlessness or wandering, but excessive motor activity is more characteristic of other conditions such as mania or certain types of dementia.

Choice C reason:
The statement "Altered level of consciousness" is not a typical symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's patients usually maintain a normal level of consciousness until the later stages of the disease, where severe cognitive decline can lead to reduced awareness. Altered level of consciousness is more commonly associated with acute conditions such as delirium or other neurological disorders.

Choice D reason:
The statement "Failure to recognize familiar objects" is the correct response. This symptom, known as agnosia, is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. As the disease progresses, patients often lose the ability to recognize familiar objects, people, and places, which significantly impacts their daily functioning and independence.