A nurse in the emergency department is caring for an older adult client who has dementia and exhibits clinical findings of abuse.
The nurse reports the abuse to social services. Which of the following provisions in the American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics best describes the nurse's action?
Advocating for the client.
Committing to quality client care.
Honoring the client's human dignity.
Promoting research to advance nursing practice.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Advocating for the client is a fundamental ethical responsibility of nurses, as outlined in the ANA Code of Ethics. In this scenario, reporting abuse to social services demonstrates the nurse's commitment to protecting the client's rights, well-being, and safety, especially for vulnerable individuals who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
Choice B rationale
Committing to quality client care is a broad ethical principle that encompasses many aspects of nursing practice, including providing competent care. While reporting abuse contributes to quality care by ensuring safety, "advocating for the client" more specifically describes the nurse's direct action in protecting a vulnerable individual from harm.
Choice C rationale
Honoring the client's human dignity involves treating clients with respect and preserving their inherent worth. While reporting abuse helps to restore dignity by stopping mistreatment, the direct action of intervening on behalf of the client in a protective manner is best described as advocacy.
Choice D rationale
Promoting research to advance nursing practice involves contributing to the development of new knowledge and evidence-based interventions. While important for professional growth, it is not the primary ethical provision that describes the direct act of reporting client abuse. The immediate action is focused on client protection.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nurse-client ratios are typically regulated at the state level through state boards of nursing or state legislative bodies, reflecting variations in healthcare demands and resource allocations across different states. There is no nationwide federal mandate establishing specific nurse-client ratios for all healthcare settings, allowing states to adapt to their unique circumstances.
Choice B rationale
Clients' rights for advance directives, such as living wills and durable powers of attorney for healthcare, are mandated at the federal level primarily through the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1990. This legislation requires most healthcare institutions receiving federal funding to provide information to adult patients about their rights regarding advance directives.
Choice C rationale
Nursing malpractice insurance is generally a professional responsibility of individual nurses, often required by employers or professional organizations, and is regulated at the state level, not federally. While some federal programs might have requirements related to liability, the direct mandate for nurses to carry malpractice insurance is state-specific.
Choice D rationale
State boards of nursing regulations are established and enforced at the state level. Each state has its own board responsible for defining the scope of nursing practice, licensing nurses, establishing educational requirements, and investigating complaints, all within the legal framework of that specific state. These regulations vary significantly from state to state.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Using silence when a team discussion becomes uncomfortable is generally a passive response, not assertive. Assertiveness involves expressing one's thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully, even in challenging situations, rather than withdrawing or avoiding communication.
Choice B rationale
Discussing feeling unprepared for an assignment with the charge nurse is an assertive action. It demonstrates self-awareness and responsible communication, advocating for one's professional needs while also ensuring patient safety by addressing potential deficiencies in preparation.
Choice C rationale
Apologizing to a coworker for needing help finishing an assignment is more indicative of a passive or submissive communication style. While politeness is important, an assertive individual would focus on expressing their need for assistance directly and professionally without excessive apology.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding confrontation by deferring to others' opinions is a passive communication strategy. Assertiveness involves expressing one's own opinions and ideas, even if they differ from others, and engaging in constructive dialogue rather than simply yielding to avoid conflict. .
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