A nurse is providing care to four clients in an acute care setting. The nurse should identify that which of the following client statements presents an ethical dilemma?
"I might file a lawsuit because of how my surgery went."
"Please don't tell my doctor, but I am taking my partner's oxycodone."
"Please don't get me out of bed this morning, It hurts too much."
"I don't want to take my medicine. It makes me sick to my stomach.”
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: "Please don't tell my doctor, but I am taking my partner's oxycodone."
Choice B rationale:
This statement presents an ethical dilemma as it reveals the client's engagement in potentially harmful and illegal behavior – taking a controlled substance prescribed for someone else. The nurse must balance the duty to respect the client's confidentiality with the responsibility to address potential harm to the client and others involved.
Choice A rationale:
"I might file a lawsuit because of how my surgery went" does not present an ethical dilemma, but rather a legal concern. While the nurse should listen to the client's complaints and provide appropriate support, this statement is more related to the client's dissatisfaction with their medical care.
Choice C rationale:
"Please don't get me out of bed this morning, It hurts too much" reflects a client's pain management request. While pain management is important, this statement doesn't raise an ethical dilemma on its own. It's within the scope of care to address pain and comfort concerns.
Choice D rationale:
"I don't want to take my medicine. It makes me sick to my stomach" highlights a client's concern about medication side effects. While addressing medication concerns is essential, this statement doesn't inherently pose an ethical dilemma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. The client’s output was 60 mL for the past 3 hr.
Choice A rationale:
Voiding three times during the night (nocturia) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine. While it should be monitored, it is not the most urgent issue.
Choice B rationale:
Burning and discomfort with urination could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is important to address but not as immediately critical as low urine output.
Choice C rationale:
A WBC count of 11,000/mm² is slightly elevated and could indicate an infection or inflammation, but it is not as urgent as the low urine output.
Choice D rationale:
Low urine output (oliguria) of 60 mL over 3 hours is a critical finding in CKD patients. It indicates potential acute kidney injury or worsening kidney function, which requires immediate attention to prevent further complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C: 3+ pitting edema.
Choice A rationale:
1+ pitting edema refers to mild pitting edema. It is characterized by a slight indentation that disappears rapidly. A measurement of 6 mm edema is beyond the scope of 1+ pitting edema.
Choice B rationale:
2+ pitting edema indicates moderate pitting edema. It is characterized by a deeper indentation that takes a few seconds to rebound. While 6 mm edema might be associated with 2+ pitting edema, it is not the most accurate description.
Choice C rationale:
3+ pitting edema signifies moderately severe pitting edema. It is characterized by a noticeable indentation that remains for a short duration. A measurement of 6 mm edema aligns with 3+ pitting edema, making it the correct choice.

Choice D rationale:
4+ pitting edema represents severe pitting edema. It is characterized by a deep indentation that persists for a significant amount of time. 6 mm edema is not typically associated with 4+ pitting edema.
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