The emergency department nurse administers a prescribed narcotic for a client with renal colic and then discharges the client without ensuring the client has a designated driver. The client is subsequently involved in a motor vehicle collision on their way home, causing injury to self and others. Which ethical principle did the nurse violate?

Veracity

Autonomy

Beneficence

Nonmaleficence

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Veracity is the principle of truthfulness and honesty. It involves providing accurate information to clients and being truthful in communication. While important in healthcare, veracity does not specifically address the nurse's failure to ensure the client's safety after administering a narcotic.

Choice B reason: Autonomy refers to respecting the client's right to make their own decisions about their care. While autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle, the scenario involves the nurse's responsibility to ensure safety, which falls under a different principle.

Choice C reason: Beneficence is the principle of acting in the best interest of the client by promoting good and preventing harm. Although related to the scenario, beneficence focuses more on the proactive aspect of providing care rather than preventing harm resulting from inaction.

Choice D reason: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of "do no harm." The nurse violated this principle by discharging the client without ensuring they had a designated driver, leading to a motor vehicle collision and injuries. The nurse's action indirectly caused harm, violating the principle of nonmaleficence.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Arranging for the client to remain on bedrest may not address the underlying reasons for the client's upset and agitation. While physical rest can be beneficial, it is more important to address the client's emotional and psychological needs through communication and support.

Choice B reason: Telling the client to remain calm can be perceived as dismissive and may not effectively alleviate their distress. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide a supportive environment for them to express themselves.

Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to share their feelings is the best action to assist the client. By providing a supportive and empathetic environment, the nurse can help the client express their emotions, identify the cause of their distress, and work together to find appropriate solutions. This approach promotes therapeutic communication and can lead to a more accurate assessment and effective care plan.

Choice D reason: Giving the client time to rest and returning later for the assessment may delay addressing the client's immediate emotional needs. It is important for the nurse to engage with the client promptly to understand their concerns and provide support.

A. The nurse threatens to apply restraints to a client who is exhibiting aggressive behavior. B. The client requests to be discharged, but the nurse physically forces the client to stay. C. The charge nurse sends an email to a staff member that includes a poor performance evaluation about another person. D. The nurse overhears the provider make derogatory remarks to a client about the nurse's level of competency.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This statement describes assault because it involves a threat of harm. In this case, the nurse is threatening to apply restraints to a client, which can cause the client to fear imminent physical contact or harm. Assault does not necessarily involve physical contact, but the threat or attempt to cause harm.

Choice B reason: This statement describes battery rather than assault. Battery involves actual physical contact or harm. Physically forcing the client to stay after they request to be discharged constitutes battery, as it involves unwanted physical contact.

Choice C reason: This statement does not describe assault. Sending an email with a poor performance evaluation about another person is an issue of professional conduct and confidentiality but does not involve a threat of harm or physical contact.

Choice D reason: This statement does not describe assault. Making derogatory remarks about someone’s competency is an issue of professional behavior and respect but does not involve a threat or act of physical harm.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client who appears upset and agitated. What would be the best action for the nurse to best assist this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse educator is instructing newly hired nurses about client rights and the legal obligations of hospital staff. Which of the following would be an example to use when describing an assault in a clinical situation?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is educating a transgender female client about the expected outcomes of estrogen therapy. Which statement made by the client would indicate the need for further teaching?

When planning the delegation of tasks to assistive personnel (AP), a nurse considers the five rights of delegation. Which element regarding the role of assistive personnel should the nurse consider when delegating tasks?

The nurse is assessing a mechanically ventilated client with pneumonia after providing deep oral suctioning to the client. Which assessment finding would be unexpected and be a priority for the nurse to address?

A charge nurse notes that a staff nurse delegates a large number of tasks to the assistive personnel (AP). The nurses on the next shift also report that the staff nurse frequently leaves tasks uncompleted. Which of the following statements should the charge nurse make to resolve this conflict?

A family in the emergency department is overwhelmed at the loss of several family members due to a shooting incident in the community. Which intervention should the nurse complete first?