A nurse is preparing to initiate pain management interventions for a child.
The nurse understands that informed consent must be obtained from the child’s legal guardian before proceeding.
Which of the following statements by the nurse would best ensure understanding and consent from the guardian?

Choice A rationale:

You and your child have the right to be informed and actively participate in pain management decisions, with age-appropriate communication and involvement.”..

The ethical principle of autonomy recognizes the right of individuals to make decisions about their own care, including pain management.

In the case of a child, this principle still applies, but it must be adapted to the child's age and developmental stage.

Age-appropriate communication and involvement are essential for respecting the child's autonomy.

A is the correct answer as it upholds the principle of autonomy.

Choice B rationale:

Your child is too young to understand, so I will make all the pain management decisions without involving them.”..

Disregarding the child's involvement and autonomy based solely on their age is not in line with the ethical principle of autonomy.

While children may not have the same decision-making capacity as adults, their preferences and input should still be considered to the extent possible, taking into account their developmental stage.

B is not the correct answer.

Choice C rationale:

I will make decisions for your child, as it's more efficient and saves time.”..

Efficiency and time-saving should not take precedence over respecting a patient's autonomy, even in the case of a child.

The primary consideration should be what is in the child's best interest and what aligns with ethical principles.

C is not the correct answer.

Choice D rationale:

Your child's pain management decisions should be solely based on my judgment, as I am the healthcare professional.”..

This statement does not respect the principle of autonomy and implies that the nurse should make unilateral decisions without considering the child's or parent's preferences.

Ethical healthcare practice involves collaboration and shared decision-making when appropriate.

D is not the correct answer.

Choice A rationale:

Ignoring the client's beliefs and administering the standard pain relief medications is not an ethical approach.

It disregards the client's strongly held religious beliefs, which should be respected.

Choice B rationale:

Consulting with the hospital's religious counselor to convince the client to accept the standard pain management methods is not appropriate.

While the religious counselor can provide guidance, it is essential to respect the client's autonomy and preferences.

Trying to convince the client against their beliefs is not in line with ethical care.

Choice C rationale:

Engaging in a discussion with the client to understand their specific beliefs and find alternative pain relief methods that align with those beliefs is the most ethical approach.

This approach respects the client's autonomy and ensures that their religious beliefs are considered in the pain management plan.

Choice D rationale:

Administering a placebo as a compromise is not ethical and can be viewed as deceptive.

Placebos should not be used in pain management, especially when there are alternative methods that can align with the client's beliefs and provide effective pain relief.