A nurse is caring for a pediatric patient who is experiencing severe pain after a surgical procedure.
The child's parents have requested that the pain relief medications be minimized due to their concerns about potential side effects.
The nurse is faced with a challenging ethical dilemma, needing to balance the child's pain relief with the parents' wishes.
Which of the following actions by the nurse best demonstrates ethical decision-making in this situation?
Administering the pain relief medications as prescribed, disregarding the parents' concerns.
Discussing the potential side effects and benefits of pain relief medications with the parents to reach a shared decision.
Withholding all pain relief medications to honor the parents' request completely.
Consulting the hospital's legal department to overrule the parents' decision.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Administering the pain relief medications as prescribed, disregarding the parents' concerns, is not a demonstration of ethical decision-making.
It does not consider the parents' wishes or the need for shared decision-making in the child's care.
Choice B rationale:
Discussing the potential side effects and benefits of pain relief medications with the parents to reach a shared decision is the most ethical approach.
It respects the parents' concerns while also ensuring that the child receives appropriate pain relief.
Shared decision-making is a crucial component of ethical healthcare practice.
Choice C rationale:
Withholding all pain relief medications to honor the parents' request completely is not ethical and may lead to unnecessary suffering for the child.
It does not strike a balance between respecting the parents' wishes and ensuring the child's well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Consulting the hospital's legal department to overrule the parents' decision is not the best approach.
It should be reserved for situations where a child's life is in immediate danger or when there is a clear conflict of interest.
In this case, the ethical approach is to engage in open communication and shared decision-making with the parents.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The benefits of the proposed treatment should be included in the explanation of informed consent.
This allows the parent to understand the potential positive outcomes of the treatment for their child.
Choice B rationale:
The risks associated with the proposed treatment should also be included in the explanation of informed consent.
It is essential for the parent to be aware of potential risks and complications that could arise from the treatment.
Choice C rationale:
The alternatives to the proposed treatment should be discussed as well.
Providing information about alternative treatment options allows the parent to make an informed decision regarding their child's pain management.
Choice D rationale:
All of the options (benefits, risks, and alternatives) should be included in the explanation of informed consent.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the parent has a complete understanding of the treatment and can make an informed decision in the best interest of their child.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Disregard the client’s beliefs if they do not align with medical advice.
Disregarding the client's beliefs, even if they don't align with medical advice, is not a patient-centered approach and can lead to a breakdown in the patient-provider relationship.
It's essential to respect and consider the client's beliefs while providing care.
Choice B rationale:
Respect and consider these beliefs while planning care.
This is the correct choice.
Respecting and considering the client's cultural and religious beliefs is essential in providing patient-centered care.
It is crucial to acknowledge and understand the client's perspective and incorporate it into the care planning process, as long as it doesn't compromise the child's safety and well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Focus solely on what is medically best for the child, regardless of cultural or religious beliefs.
Focusing solely on medical recommendations without considering the client's cultural and religious beliefs may lead to a lack of trust and cooperation.
Healthcare should be tailored to the individual's needs and preferences, including their cultural and religious background.
Choice D rationale:
Incorporate only those beliefs that align with standard medical procedures into care planning.
Limiting the incorporation of beliefs to those that align with standard medical procedures may not be comprehensive enough.
It's essential to consider a broader range of cultural and religious beliefs to provide culturally competent care.
It should be a more flexible and patient-centered approach.
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