A terminal patient asks the nurse if he could be given a deliberate overdose of medication that would "end this." According to the Code for Nurses, the nurse's most ethical response would be:
"Bringing on your death in this manner would be a subject you should discuss with your family and primary care provider."
"Let me have a while to consider your request."
"I cannot ethically give you a deliberate overdose."
"I can contact the primary care provider and request an order for a drug that could be used as you request"
The Correct Answer is C
"Bringing on your death in this manner would be a subject you should discuss with your family and primary care provider" (Option A): While discussing end-of-life wishes with family and healthcare providers is important, this response does not directly address the ethical issue at hand. It may be appropriate to encourage open communication and advance care planning, but administering a deliberate overdose is not ethically permissible.
"Let me have a while to consider your request" (Option B): Delaying a response to the patient's request for deliberate overdose could potentially lead to confusion and distress for the patient. Additionally, this response does not address the ethical concerns raised by the request.
"I cannot ethically give you a deliberate overdose" (Option C): This response aligns with the ethical principle of nonmaleficence, which obligates healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to patients. Administering a deliberate overdose to hasten death would violate this principle and go against the nurse's ethical obligations.
"I can contact the primary care provider and request an order for a drug that could be used as you request" (Option D): This response suggests a willingness to facilitate the patient's request for deliberate overdose, which is not ethically permissible. Administering a drug with the intention of ending a patient's life is contrary to the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. The respiratory rate increasing may indicate discomfort or agitation rather than a therapeutic response to the massage.
B. The shoulders drooping may indicate relaxation, a release of tension and potentially improved comfort.
C. The relaxation of facial muscles indicates a therapeutic response to the back massage, as it suggests the client is experiencing relief from tension or discomfort.
D. Drawing the legs up into a fetal position may indicate discomfort or agitation rather than a therapeutic response to the massage.
E. The pulse remaining within the expected range suggests that the client is not experiencing undue stress or discomfort in response to the massage, indicating a therapeutic response.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Provide laxatives and stool softeners to prevent constipation (Option A): While constipation may be a concern for immobile patients, there is no indication in the scenario that the patient is currently experiencing constipation. Therefore, providing laxatives and stool softeners would not be a priority at this time.
Provide him with an air pressure mattress (Option B): This option is appropriate because the patient is immobile and at risk of developing pressure ulcers due to prolonged bed rest. An air pressure mattress helps distribute pressure evenly and reduces the risk of pressure ulcer formation, which is crucial for maintaining skin integrity and preventing complications.
Coax him to eat high-calorie, high-fat food (Option C): Although the patient is experiencing weight loss due to poor nutrition, coaxing him to eat high-calorie, high-fat food may not be appropriate if he is experiencing nausea and anorexia. This approach may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort.
Contact the primary care provider for an order for tube feeding (Option D): While tube feeding may be considered if the patient is unable to meet his nutritional needs orally, it should not be the first intervention. Before considering tube feeding, other options for improving oral intake and addressing nausea and anorexia should be explored. Additionally, tube feeding may not address the patient's immobility and risk of pressure ulcers. Therefore, providing an air pressure mattress is a more appropriate intervention in this scenario.
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