Which ethical principle protects clients from harm?

Psychological and Physiological Support: Hospice care places a strong emphasis on addressing the psychological and physiological needs of patients. This includes providing emotional support, managing pain and symptoms, and ensuring that patients are as comfortable as possible during their end-of-life journey.

Social Support: Hospice care teams often include social workers and counselors who provide social and emotional support to both patients and their families. They help patients and families cope with the emotional challenges of terminal illness, facilitate communication, and assist with end-of-life decisions.

Medical Support: While hospice care is not focused on curative treatments, it does provide medical support aimed at symptom management and maintaining the patient's quality of life. This may involve pain management, medication adjustments, and other medical interventions to enhance comfort.

Nutritional Support: Nutritional support is also an important aspect of hospice care, although it may not be as prominent as the other forms of support. Ensuring that patients receive appropriate nutrition and hydration is essential for their comfort and well-being.

A) The client's spouse: This choice suggests that the client's spouse has the authority to give permission for a DNR order. In most cases, it is the competent client themselves who has the authority to make decisions about their own medical treatment, including DNR orders. Spouses may have a say and their input is considered, but the ultimate decision typically lies with the competent client.

B) The client's only child: This choice suggests that the client's only child can give permission for a DNR order. Similar to the explanation for choice A, the decision-making authority for a DNR order generally rests with the competent client, not their child. However, a client may choose to discuss their medical decisions with their child and take their wishes into consideration.

C) The client: This choice correctly identifies that the competent client themselves is the one who typically has the legal and ethical authority to make decisions about their medical treatment, including DNR orders. This is based on principles of autonomy and respect for the individual's wishes.

D) Any close blood-related relative: This choice suggests that any close blood-related relative has the authority to give permission for a DNR order. Similar to choices A and B, the decision-making authority is typically with the competent client. While family members' input is valuable and should be considered, they do not have the ultimate decision-making power for the client's medical treatment.