A nurse is caring for a client who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. She has a prescription for an opioid pain medication PRN. The nurse is concerned that administering a dose of pain medication might hasten the client's death. Which of the following ethical principles should the nurse use to support the decision not to administer the medication?

Fidelity

Veracity

Utilitarianism

Non-maleficence

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the duty to fulfill one's commitments and obligations. While important in nursing practice, fidelity is not directly applicable to the decision not to administer pain medication in this scenario.
B. Veracity: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication. While it is important for the nurse to communicate honestly with the client and their family about the risks and benefits of pain management, the decision not to administer pain medication is primarily based on the principle of non-maleficence.
C. Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. While pain relief may contribute to the overall well-being of the client, the decision not to administer pain medication in this scenario is more closely aligned with the principle of non-maleficence, as it focuses on avoiding harm to the individual client.
D. Non-maleficence: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the duty to do no harm. In this situation, the nurse's primary concern is to avoid causing harm to the client. Administering pain medication to relieve suffering, even if it might hasten death, aligns with the principle of non-maleficence because the intent is to alleviate suffering and provide comfort to the dying client.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

A) Administer ibuprofen as needed for pain: Ibuprofen is not typically recommended for pain relief in infants under 6 months old due to the risk of adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal irritation and renal impairment. Additionally, surgical repair of a cleft lip is not typically associated with severe postoperative pain requiring ibuprofen in infants.

B) Encourage the parents to rock the infant: This is the correct intervention. Rocking or gentle movement can provide comfort to infants postoperatively and may help soothe them. It can also promote bonding between the infant and parents, which is important for emotional support during the recovery period.

C) Offer the infant a pacifier: Pacifiers can be soothing for infants and may help provide non-nutritive sucking comfort. However, it's essential to ensure that the pacifier does not interfere with wound healing or exacerbate discomfort related to the cleft lip repair. Therefore, while offering a pacifier may be appropriate, it should be done with caution and under the guidance of the surgical team.

D) Position the infant on her abdomen: Placing the infant on her abdomen (prone position) is not recommended postoperatively, especially after cleft lip repair surgery. The supine position is typically preferred to reduce the risk of aspiration and ensure adequate airway patency. Additionally, the prone position may put pressure on the surgical site and cause discomfort.

A. At the beginning B. Before auscultating the chest and abdomen C. At the end D. Before examining the head and neck

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. At the beginning: Examining the tympanic membrane at the beginning of the physical examination may not be ideal because it disrupts the flow of the assessment. It's more logical to start with general observations and proceed to more specific areas of assessment.
B. Before auscultating the chest and abdomen: While examining the tympanic membrane before auscultating the chest and abdomen may seem reasonable, it's not the optimal sequence. The nurse should focus on assessing major body systems before proceeding to more specific areas, such as the ears.
C. At the end: This is the correct approach. After completing the assessment of major body systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, and abdominal systems, the nurse can then proceed to examine the ears, including the tympanic membrane. This sequence ensures a systematic and organized assessment.
D. Before examining the head and neck: While examining the tympanic membrane before the head and neck may seem logical due to proximity, it's more practical to conduct a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment first before focusing on specific areas like the ears.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who is postoperative following surgical repair of a cleft lip. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a toddler at a well-child visit. At what point in the physical examination should the nurse examine the child's tympanic membrane?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

While caring for a client, the nurse experiences a needle stick injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse cake first?

A nurse is administering a tap water enema to a client who is constipated. During the administration of the enema, the client states he is having abdominal cramps. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to relieve the client's discomfort?

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has binge-eating disorder and is morbidly obese. The client has been prescribed orlistat. Which of the following statements indicates to the nurse that the client understands the teaching?

A nurse is completing discharge teaching with a client following arthroscopic knee surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is admitting a client who has active tuberculosis to a room on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following licensed adjustments should the nurse make for the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of urolithiasis. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an associated risk factor?