A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has recently sent the nurse a request to communicate on a social network.
Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
"It isn't appropriate for me to interact with clients on social networks.”.
"I'll need a parent's permission to communicate with you via a social network.”.
"I'll need to wait until my shift ends to communicate via social network.”.
"I can communicate with you on social media as long as it's not about your health.”.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial in nursing to protect both the client and the nurse. Engaging with clients on social media platforms blurs these boundaries, potentially compromising the therapeutic relationship. This could lead to misunderstandings, exploitation, or breaches of privacy and confidentiality, which are fundamental ethical principles in healthcare practice.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining parental permission does not negate the ethical concerns associated with nurses interacting with minor clients on social media. The inherent power imbalance in the nurse-client relationship persists, and even with consent, the potential for boundary violations, privacy issues, and the inappropriate sharing of sensitive information remains. Professional guidelines strictly discourage such interactions.
Choice C rationale
The timing of the interaction (during or after a shift) does not alter the fundamental ethical and professional concerns regarding nurse-client relationships on social media. Professional boundaries are expected to be maintained irrespective of the nurse's work schedule. The potential for blurring lines and compromising professional integrity exists regardless of when the communication occurs.
Choice D rationale
Differentiating communication topics on social media (health-related vs. non-health-related) is impractical and still poses significant risks. Even seemingly innocuous interactions can lead to the disclosure of private information, misinterpretation, or the erosion of the professional therapeutic relationship. The primary principle is to avoid personal connections with clients on social platforms altogether.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Advocating for the client is a fundamental ethical responsibility of nurses, as outlined in the ANA Code of Ethics. In this scenario, reporting abuse to social services demonstrates the nurse's commitment to protecting the client's rights, well-being, and safety, especially for vulnerable individuals who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
Choice B rationale
Committing to quality client care is a broad ethical principle that encompasses many aspects of nursing practice, including providing competent care. While reporting abuse contributes to quality care by ensuring safety, "advocating for the client" more specifically describes the nurse's direct action in protecting a vulnerable individual from harm.
Choice C rationale
Honoring the client's human dignity involves treating clients with respect and preserving their inherent worth. While reporting abuse helps to restore dignity by stopping mistreatment, the direct action of intervening on behalf of the client in a protective manner is best described as advocacy.
Choice D rationale
Promoting research to advance nursing practice involves contributing to the development of new knowledge and evidence-based interventions. While important for professional growth, it is not the primary ethical provision that describes the direct act of reporting client abuse. The immediate action is focused on client protection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements serves as a foundational document that articulates the ethical obligations and duties of every individual who enters the nursing profession. It delineates the profession's non-negotiable ethical standards and expresses nursing's commitment to society, guiding professional conduct and decision-making.
Choice B rationale
While nursing knowledge and regulation are important aspects of the profession, the primary objective of the Code of Ethics is not to inform stakeholders about the knowledge base or regulatory procedures. These aspects are typically addressed by other professional documents, such as scope and standards of practice or state nurse practice acts, which define the legal parameters.
Choice C rationale
The Code of Ethics does not limit nursing to a single focus of practice. Instead, it provides a broad ethical framework applicable across all nursing specialties and settings, acknowledging the diverse roles and responsibilities within the profession. It ensures ethical consistency while allowing for varied applications of nursing expertise.
Choice D rationale
While breaches of the Code of Ethics can lead to disciplinary actions, its primary purpose is not to serve as a legal framework for such actions. Rather, it is a moral and ethical guide. Legal frameworks for disciplinary actions are typically established by state boards of nursing through nurse practice acts, which have legal authority.
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