A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a life-saving treatment due to personal beliefs. What action should the nurse take to address this legal and ethical issue?
Respect the patient's decision and document their refusal.
Convince the patient to accept the treatment for their own well-being.
Override the patient's decision and administer the treatment against their will.
Seek guidance from the ethics committee or healthcare team.
The Correct Answer is D
Seek guidance from the ethics committee or healthcare team.
Respecting patient autonomy while ensuring their well-being is crucial in addressing legal and ethical issues. In this situation, the nurse should seek guidance from the ethics committee or healthcare team to navigate the conflict between the patient's refusal and the potential harm it may cause. The ethics committee can help provide a framework for decision-making that respects both the patient's autonomy and the nurse's duty to protect life.
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Option a (respecting the patient's decision and documenting refusal) is appropriate if the refusal is informed and the patient has decision-making capacity. However, seeking guidance from the ethics committee or healthcare team is still recommended.
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Option b (convincing the patient to accept treatment) violates the principle of patient autonomy and disregards their right to make decisions based on personal beliefs.
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Option c (overriding the patient's decision) is ethically and legally inappropriate without proper justification or court authorization.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Seek cultural consultation or guidance from resources within the healthcare facility.
Cultural competence and sensitivity are essential components of ethical nursing care. In this situation, the nurse should seek cultural consultation or guidance from resources within the healthcare facility, such as cultural liaisons, interpreters, or cultural competency training programs. This ensures that the nurse provides care that respects and incorporates the patient's cultural beliefs, practices, and values.
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Option a (ignoring the patient's cultural beliefs) disregards the principle of patient-centered care and may lead to ineffective or inappropriate care.
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Option b (avoiding discussions about cultural beliefs) limits communication and understanding, potentially leading to misunderstandings or compromised care.
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Option d (requesting reassignment based on cultural beliefs) is not the preferred solution, as it does not promote cultural competence or the development of nursing skills in providing care to diverse populations. Seeking cultural consultation and guidance is a more appropriate approach.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Seek guidance from the ethics committee or healthcare team.
Respecting patient autonomy while ensuring their well-being is crucial in addressing legal and ethical issues. In this situation, the nurse should seek guidance from the ethics committee or healthcare team to navigate the conflict between the patient's refusal and the potential harm it may cause. The ethics committee can help provide a framework for decision-making that respects both the patient's autonomy and the nurse's duty to protect life.
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Option a (respecting the patient's decision and documenting refusal) is appropriate if the refusal is informed and the patient has decision-making capacity. However, seeking guidance from the ethics committee or healthcare team is still recommended.
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Option b (convincing the patient to accept treatment) violates the principle of patient autonomy and disregards their right to make decisions based on personal beliefs.
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Option c (overriding the patient's decision) is ethically and legally inappropriate without proper justification or court authorization.
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