A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and states that they wish to discontinue their enteral feedings. The nurse responds by saying "You have a right to refuse treatment." This response by the nurse demonstrates which of the following ethical principles?
Beneficence
Fidelity
Autonomy
Justice
The Correct Answer is C
A. Beneficence:
Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good or promoting the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, the nurse is respecting the client's autonomy rather than actively promoting a specific course of action.
B. Fidelity:
Fidelity refers to the principle of being faithful or keeping promises. While being truthful and honest with the client is important, the nurse's response is primarily addressing the client's autonomy.
C. Autonomy:
This is the correct answer. Autonomy is the ethical principle that emphasizes the individual's right to make decisions about their own care, including the right to refuse treatment. The nurse's response acknowledges and respects the client's autonomy in deciding to discontinue enteral feedings.
D. Justice:
Justice pertains to fairness and equitable distribution of resources. It is not the primary ethical principle being demonstrated in this scenario, as the focus is on the individual's right to make a decision about their own care.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The statement "Libel is the intentional infliction of emotional distress due to negligent nursing actions" is incorrect. Libel refers to written or published false statements that damage a person's reputation. It is not related to intentional infliction of emotional distress or negligence in nursing actions. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of the concept of libel.
B. The statement "Documenting negative opinions about a client's personality is considered libel" is also incorrect. Libel involves false statements, and expressing negative opinions, even in documentation, may not necessarily qualify as false unless they are untrue statements. However, negative opinions about a client's personality may be considered unprofessional or inappropriate, but they do not constitute libel.
C. The statement "Failing to complete an incident report following a client injury is an act of libel" is incorrect. Libel is related to false statements, and failing to complete an incident report is a failure in documentation but does not inherently involve making false statements. This statement demonstrates a misunderstanding of what constitutes libel.
D. The statement "A nurse can be charged with libel if she discusses client information in a public area" is correct. Discussing client information in a public area, where unauthorized individuals may overhear and obtain sensitive information, can be a violation of confidentiality. While it may not strictly be libel, it could lead to legal and ethical consequences. This statement reflects an understanding of the importance of maintaining client confidentiality and the potential legal implications of disclosing private information in public areas.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Maybe you should wait to have the procedure."
This response may come across as directive and could potentially influence the client's decision. It does not encourage the client to express their feelings or concerns but suggests a specific course of action.
B. "This is a common feeling for clients to have before the procedure."
While it's true that many clients may experience conflicted feelings before undergoing certain procedures, this response is somewhat dismissive. It does not invite the client to explore their specific concerns and may not address the individual nature of the client's feelings.
C. Share more with me about your concerns related to the procedure.
This response encourages the client to express their concerns and provides an opportunity for the nurse to understand the specific issues causing the conflict. It demonstrates empathy and openness, fostering a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. By inviting the client to share more, the nurse can gain insight into the client's emotional and psychological concerns about the tubal ligation.
D. "Why are you concerned about the procedure?"
While this question is an attempt to understand the client's concerns, it may be perceived as too direct or confrontational. The wording might make the client feel defensive or pressured to justify their feelings. The more open-ended phrasing in option C is generally more conducive to therapeutic communication.
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