During an annual performance evaluation, a manager is mindful to avoid favoritism, which could result in a biased and unfair performance review. Which ethical principle is best demonstrated in this scenario?
Nonmaleficence
Confidentiality
Autonomy
Justice
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Nonmaleficence refers to the ethical principle of “do no harm.” It is primarily concerned with avoiding actions that could cause harm to others. While avoiding favoritism can prevent harm, the principle of nonmaleficence is more directly related to clinical and medical decisions rather than performance evaluations. In this context, the focus is on fairness and impartiality, which aligns more closely with the principle of justice.
Choice B Reason:
Confidentiality involves protecting private information and ensuring that it is not disclosed without consent. While confidentiality is important in performance evaluations to protect the privacy of employees, it is not the primary ethical principle demonstrated by avoiding favoritism. The main concern in this scenario is ensuring fairness and impartiality, which is better captured by the principle of justice.
Choice C Reason:
Autonomy refers to respecting individuals’ rights to make their own decisions and control their own lives. In the context of performance evaluations, autonomy might involve allowing employees to participate in the evaluation process or provide input. However, the primary ethical concern in avoiding favoritism is ensuring that evaluations are fair and unbiased, which is more directly related to the principle of justice.
Choice D Reason:
Justice is the ethical principle that emphasizes fairness, equality, and impartiality. In the context of performance evaluations, justice involves ensuring that all employees are evaluated based on their performance and contributions, without favoritism or bias. By being mindful to avoid favoritism, the manager is upholding the principle of justice, ensuring that the evaluation process is fair and equitable for all employees.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ms. P’s lunch tray is expected to be ready in 30 minutes. Before delivering her meal, please review with her the instructions provided by the diabetes educator earlier this morning and assist her in understanding how to manage her carbohydrate intake. Once you’ve completed this, please report back to me. This scenario involves patient education, which is beyond the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), tasks that require specialized knowledge, judgment, and skills should not be delegated to UAP. Therefore, this scenario does not demonstrate appropriate delegation.
Choice B Reason:
Mr. O requires aid to use the restroom. I recognize that you’re new and might feel uneasy about this task, but the most effective way to learn is by giving it a try independently. After you’ve completed the task, please inform me of the outcome. While assisting a patient to use the restroom is within the scope of practice for UAP, the RN’s approach in this scenario lacks proper supervision and support. Effective delegation involves providing clear instructions, ensuring the delegatee is competent, and offering necessary supervision. This scenario does not fully meet these criteria.
Choice C Reason:
Mr. P has just called, reporting dizziness. Please attend to him promptly, assess his pulse, and if you suspect hypoglycemia, provide apple juice and then check his blood sugar. Afterward, please report your findings to me. This scenario involves assessment and clinical judgment, which are responsibilities of licensed nurses. UAP should not be tasked with assessing patients or making clinical decisions, as these require professional nursing knowledge and skills. Therefore, this scenario does not demonstrate appropriate delegation.
Choice D Reason:
Ms. O in Room 17 has completed her shower and requires assistance to return to bed. Please assist her promptly and ensure you bring her cane before you help her walk. After you’ve aided her back to bed, please inform me so I can evaluate her condition. This scenario is the best example of appropriate delegation. Assisting a patient with mobility and ensuring their safety by providing a cane are tasks within the scope of practice for UAP. The RN provides clear instructions and follows up to evaluate the patient’s condition, demonstrating effective delegation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Advising the nurses to work out the problem between them can be a useful strategy in some situations, as it encourages direct communication and problem-solving. However, in this scenario, the nurses are already speaking loudly and simultaneously, indicating a high level of conflict and emotional intensity. Without managerial intervention, the situation may escalate further. Therefore, this approach may not be effective in resolving the immediate conflict.
Choice B Reason
Sending both nurses away and emphasizing that they cease their complaints is not an effective negotiation strategy. This approach dismisses the concerns of the nurses and does not address the underlying issue. It can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, potentially worsening the conflict. Effective negotiation requires active listening and addressing the concerns of all parties involved.
Choice C Reason
Requesting each nurse, individually, to state their position is an effective negotiation strategy. This approach allows the manager to understand each nurse’s perspective and the specifics of the conflict. By listening to each nurse separately, the manager can gather all relevant information, reduce the emotional intensity, and facilitate a more structured and productive discussion. This method promotes fairness and ensures that both parties feel heard and respected.
Choice D Reason
Cautioning the nurses that disciplinary actions may be necessary if the issue isn’t resolved is a punitive approach that can escalate the conflict. This strategy may create a hostile environment and discourage open communication. Effective negotiation focuses on finding mutually acceptable solutions rather than threatening consequences. It is important to address the conflict constructively and collaboratively.
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