Exhibits

A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Click on the “Exhibit” button for additional information about the client. There are three tabs that contain separate categories of data.)

Choice A reason: Autonomy is the principle that addresses the patient's right to make their own decisions regarding their health care, based on their own values and preferences. When the nurse supports the client's refusal of medications, they are respecting the client's autonomy. This principle is fundamental in healthcare ethics, emphasizing the belief that patients are capable of making informed decisions about their own treatment.

Choice B reason: Beneficence involves actions that promote the well-being of others. In the context of healthcare, this principle often refers to the healthcare provider's duty to act in the patient's best interest. While beneficence is important, it must be balanced with autonomy, especially when the patient's wishes are known and legally sound.

Choice C reason: Veracity refers to the obligation to tell the truth and not deceive others. In the healthcare setting, this means providing accurate information to patients about their condition and treatment options. While veracity is crucial, it does not directly relate to the support of a patient's decision to refuse treatment.

Choice D reason: Justice in healthcare is about fairness in the distribution of resources and respect for people's rights. It involves ensuring that all individuals have equal access to treatment and care. The principle of justice does not specifically address the issue of supporting a patient's decision to refuse treatment.

Choice A reason: Providing a client with a timeline for grieving is not recommended as grief is a highly individual experience and does not follow a set timeline. Each person's journey through grief is unique, and imposing a timeline may invalidate their feelings and hinder the natural process of grieving.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to express their feelings is considered a best practice in nursing care for patients with dementia experiencing anticipatory grief. It allows the patient to acknowledge and work through their emotions, which is an important aspect of coping with grief. Open communication can also help the nurse to assess the patient's emotional state and provide appropriate support.

Choice C reason: While showing sympathy can be comforting, it is more beneficial to show empathy. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another, which helps in building a stronger connection and providing more personalized care. Sympathy might sometimes be perceived as pity, which can be counterproductive in the therapeutic relationship.

Choice D reason: Sharing personal stories of grief with the client is generally not advised as the focus should remain on the client's experiences. The nurse's role is to facilitate the client's expression of grief, not to shift the focus to their own experiences. Personal stories may also trigger additional stress for the client.