A nurse is providing care for a surgeon on a medical-surgical unit. A nurse from another unit asks the nurse about the surgeon's medical diagnosis. The nurse responds that he is unable to provide the information requested. The nurse is displaying which of the following ethical principles?
Utility
Non-maleficence
Paternalism
Justice
The Correct Answer is B
Answer: B. Non-maleficence
Rationale:
A. Utility:
The principle of utility refers to actions that maximize the overall good or benefit for the greatest number of people. In this scenario, the nurse’s refusal to share the surgeon's medical diagnosis does not directly relate to maximizing benefits, so this principle is not applicable.
B. Non-maleficence:
Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that involves the obligation to avoid causing harm to others. By not disclosing the surgeon's medical diagnosis, the nurse is protecting the surgeon's privacy and confidentiality, thereby preventing potential harm that could arise from sharing sensitive health information without consent.
C. Paternalism:
Paternalism refers to making decisions for others with the belief that it is in their best interest, often overriding their autonomy. The nurse's action of withholding information is not based on deciding what is best for the other nurse but rather on adhering to confidentiality principles.
D. Justice:
Justice in healthcare refers to fairness in the distribution of resources and treatment. The situation does not pertain to equitable treatment or allocation of resources, so this principle is not relevant in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Tell the child it is candy: Deceiving the child by telling them medication is candy can lead to trust issues and may cause confusion if the child later discovers the truth. It's important to promote honesty and transparency in healthcare interactions.
B. Tell the child he will have to have a shot instead: Threatening the child with a shot as an alternative to taking medication can induce fear and anxiety, making the child more resistant to cooperation. Using fear as a motivator can have negative psychological effects and should be avoided.
C. Offer the child a choice of taking the medication with juice or water: This strategy empowers the child by giving them a sense of control and autonomy over the situation. Offering choices can help the child feel more involved in their care and increase cooperation. By allowing the child to choose how they take the medication, they may be more willing to comply.
D. Hide the medication in a large dish of ice cream: While hiding medication in food may be effective for some children, it can undermine trust if the child discovers the deception. Additionally, this method does not teach the child how to take medication independently and may not be feasible in all situations. Offering choices and involving the child in the decision-making process is a more respectful and effective approach.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Polyuria: Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not typically associated with cervical spinal cord injury. In fact, urinary retention or neurogenic bladder is more commonly observed due to disruption of bladder control. Clients with cervical spinal cord injury often experience bladder dysfunction, which can lead to urinary retention rather than polyuria.
B. Hypotension: Hypotension is a common complication of cervical spinal cord injury, particularly in cases involving injury above the level of T6. Damage to the sympathetic nervous system can result in neurogenic shock, characterized by vasodilation and bradycardia, leading to hypotension. Monitoring for signs of hypotension, such as decreased blood pressure and altered mental status, is essential for early intervention and prevention of complications.
C. Weakened gag reflex: Cervical spinal cord injury can impair the gag reflex due to disruption of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and vagus nerve (CN X) function. This impairment can lead to difficulty swallowing, aspiration risk, and increased susceptibility to respiratory complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, monitoring the gag reflex and assessing for signs of dysphagia are crucial in clients with cervical spinal cord injury to prevent respiratory compromise and aspiration-related complications.
D. Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia is less commonly associated with cervical spinal cord injury. However, in some cases, autonomic dysreflexia—a potentially life-threatening condition—can occur, leading to increased body temperature among other symptoms. This is more common in injuries above the T6 level.
E. Absence of bowel sounds: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction, including the absence of bowel sounds, is a common complication of cervical spinal cord injury. Disruption of autonomic nervous system function can lead to decreased peristalsis and absent bowel sounds.
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