A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill and receiving nutritional support. The client's adult children disagree about continuing nutritional support. The dilemma is referred to the ethics committee. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect the committee to take?

Assist in weighing the options involved in the decision.

Provide a legal representative for the family.

Recommend the best course of action for the client.

Decide how the nursing team should resolve the dilemma.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Ethics committees are tasked with providing guidance and recommendations in ethical dilemmas. They don't make the final decisions, but rather facilitate discussions and help individuals involved in the situation to weigh the options and make informed choices. This is consistent with the committee's role in addressing complex ethical decisions.

Choice B rationale:

Providing a legal representative for the family is not the primary role of an ethics committee. Legal representation is a separate matter and might be considered in situations where there are legal implications, but the committee's primary function is to address ethical concerns and conflicts.

Choice C rationale:

While ethics committees can offer recommendations, their focus is not necessarily on determining the best course of action for the client. Instead, they help individuals explore ethical principles and values to make decisions that align with the client's best interests.

Choice D rationale:

The ethics committee does not make decisions on behalf of the nursing team. Its role is to provide guidance and promote ethical discussions. Deciding how the nursing team should resolve the dilemma is beyond the committee's scope.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Answer is c. Receiving moderate sedation.

a. Removal of staples from a surgical wound: This procedure is typically considered routine and minimally invasive, involving the removal of staples used for wound closure. While it involves physical manipulation of the wound site, it does not carry significant risks or require the alteration of the patient's consciousness. Therefore, obtaining informed consent for this procedure is not typically necessary as it falls within the standard of care for post-operative wound management.

b. Providing a sputum specimen: Collecting a sputum specimen is a non-invasive procedure commonly performed to aid in the diagnosis of respiratory conditions such as infections or chronic lung diseases. It involves expectorating mucus from the respiratory tract, which does not pose significant risks to the patient. As such, informed consent is usually not required for this procedure since it is relatively simple and does not involve any invasive interventions or alteration of consciousness.

c. Receiving moderate sedation: Correct. Moderate sedation involves the administration of drugs, typically benzodiazepines or opioids, to induce a state of decreased consciousness and relaxation while maintaining the patient's ability to respond to verbal commands and physical stimulation. This procedure carries inherent risks, including respiratory depression, cardiovascular complications, and potential allergic reactions to the medications used. Due to the potential for adverse effects and the altered state of consciousness induced by moderate sedation, informed consent is necessary to ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits of the procedure before it is performed.

d. Collection of a blood specimen for ABGs: Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis involves the collection of a blood sample from an artery, typically the radial artery in the wrist, to assess the patient's acid-base balance, oxygenation status, and ventilation. While this procedure does involve puncturing the skin and accessing the arterial blood supply, it is considered a standard diagnostic test in many clinical settings. However, the invasiveness of the procedure and potential risks such as bleeding, hematoma formation, and arterial injury may necessitate informed consent in certain situations, especially if the patient has underlying coagulopathies or other risk factors that could increase the likelihood of complications.

A. Provide the client with information about advance directives. B. Encourage the client to contact an attorney to create advance directives. C. Inform the client that they will need a relative to witness their advance directives. D. Tell the client that The Joint Commission requires clients to have advance directives.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Providing the client with information about advance directives is an appropriate intervention. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to communicate their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves. Educating the client about the importance and benefits of advance directives empowers them to make informed decisions about their care.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to contact an attorney to create advance directives is not the primary responsibility of the hospice nurse. While legal assistance might be helpful, the nurse should first ensure that the client understands the concept of advance directives and their significance before suggesting legal involvement.

Choice C rationale:

Informing the client that they will need a relative to witness their advance directives is not accurate. While witnesses are often required when signing legal documents, the specific requirements for advance directives can vary by jurisdiction. It's important for the nurse to provide accurate information and not make assumptions about legal processes.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that The Joint Commission requires clients to have advance directives is not accurate. While The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of patient rights and informed decision-making, it does not mandate that all clients must have advance directives. The decision to create advance directives is a personal choice and should be based on the individual's values and preferences.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill and receiving nutritional support. The client's adult children disagree about continuing nutritional support. The dilemma is referred to the ethics committee. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect the committee to take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client transferred from another department. The nurse should verify that the client has given informed consent prior to which of the following procedures?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A hospice nurse is planning care for a client who does not have advance directives. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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