A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a terminal illness and is ventilator dependent. The client is alert and oriented and he wants to discontinue use of the ventilator. The nurse should be aware that continued treatment against the client’s wishes is a violation of which of the following ethical principles?
Justice
Veracity
Fidelity
Autonomy
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Justice. This answer is incorrect because justice is the ethical principle that ensures fair and equal treatment for all clients, regardless of their personal or social characteristics. Justice does not apply to this situation, as the client is not being discriminated against or denied any resources.
Choice B reason: Veracity. This answer is incorrect because veracity is the ethical principle that requires honesty and truthfulness from the provider and the nurse in providing information and education to the client. Veracity does not apply to this situation, as the client is not being deceived or misled about their condition or treatment options.
Choice C reason: Fidelity. This answer is incorrect because fidelity is the ethical principle that obligates the provider and the nurse to be faithful and loyal to the client and to honor their commitments and promises. Fidelity does not apply to this situation, as the client is not being abandoned or betrayed by the provider or the nurse.
Choice D reason: Autonomy. This answer is correct because autonomy is the ethical principle that respects the client's right to make their own decisions about their health care, even if they are different from the provider's or the nurse's recommendations. Autonomy applies to this situation, as the client is expressing their preference to discontinue the ventilator, which is a life sustaining treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Narrowed pulse pressure is not a specific manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. A normal pulse pressure is about 40 mm Hg, and a narrowed pulse pressure is less than 25 mm Hg. A narrowed pulse pressure can indicate various conditions, such as heart failure, shock, or aortic stenosis, but it is not a sign of pneumonia.
Choice B reason: Night sweats are not a common manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that can soak the bedding or clothing. Night sweats can have many causes, such as menopause, infections, medications, or cancer, but they are not typically associated with pneumonia.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not a usual manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, defined as less than 60 beats per minute. Bradycardia can be normal in some people, such as athletes or those who are very fit, or it can be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. Pneumonia does not cause bradycardia, but it can cause tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, due to the increased oxygen demand and inflammation.
Choice D reason: Confusion is a frequent manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client. Confusion is a state of impaired awareness, orientation, memory, or judgment. Confusion can occur in older adults with pneumonia due to several factors, such as hypoxia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, fever, or infection. Confusion can also increase the risk of complications, such as aspiration, falls, or delirium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mental status of the older adult client with pneumonia and report any changes to the provider..
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: History of hypertension is not a nonmodifiable risk factor for developing a stroke, but a modifiable risk factor. Hypertension is a high blood pressure, defined as 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke by causing atherosclerosis, aneurysm, or hemorrhage. The nurse should teach the clients to monitor their blood pressure and take medications as prescribed to lower their blood pressure and reduce their stroke risk.
Choice B reason: Genetics is a nonmodifiable risk factor for developing a stroke. Genetics refers to the inherited traits that are passed down from parents to children. Genetics can influence the risk of stroke by affecting the susceptibility to certain conditions, such as sickle cell disease, clotting disorders, or familial hypercholesterolemia, that can increase the risk of stroke. The nurse should teach the clients to know their family history and discuss their genetic risk factors with their provider.
Choice C reason: Obesity is not a nonmodifiable risk factor for developing a stroke, but a modifiable risk factor. Obesity is a condition of having excess body fat, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Obesity can increase the risk of stroke by contributing to other risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The nurse should teach the clients to maintain a healthy weight and follow a balanced diet and exercise regimen to lower their stroke risk.
Choice D reason: History of smoking is not a nonmodifiable risk factor for developing a stroke, but a modifiable risk factor. Smoking is the inhalation of tobacco or other substances that contain nicotine or other harmful chemicals. Smoking can increase the risk of stroke by damaging the blood vessels, increasing the blood pressure, reducing the oxygen in the blood, and promoting blood clotting. The nurse should teach the clients to quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to lower their stroke risk.
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