Which situation would be appropriate to refer to the hospital ethics committee?
Parents are shocked when their child is diagnosed with a malignant bone tumor. The orthopedic surgeon discusses the options of limb amputation and a limb-salvage procedure. The parents are asked to consider each option.
A child in end-stage renal failure is placed on the renal transplant list. The parents are asked to sign permission for surgery after a cadaver kidney is located. One parent is out of town and gives telephone consent.
After initial therapies have failed, a child with leukemia is evaluated for a new cancer protocol. The child, age 8 years, gives assent for the new treatment, and his parents give their consent.
The physician recommends that a young child be taken off the ventilator. The parents, who are divorced and have joint custody of the child, have differing views about whether to discontinue the ventilator.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This situation does not require the involvement of the hospital ethics committee, as the parents are not refusing or requesting any treatment that is contrary to the standard of care. The surgeon is providing them with information and options, and the parents are free to make their own decision.
Choice B reason: This situation does not involve any ethical dilemma, as the parents are giving their permission for the surgery, and the telephone consent is legally valid. The hospital ethics committee is not needed to resolve any conflict or uncertainty.
Choice C reason: This situation is an example of ethical research involving children, as the child is giving assent and the parents are giving consent for the new protocol. The hospital ethics committee is not required to intervene, as the research protocol has already been approved by the institutional review board.
Choice D reason: This situation is an appropriate case for the hospital ethics committee, as it involves a life-and-death decision that affects the child's best interests and the parents' rights. The hospital ethics committee can help to mediate the conflict, provide guidance, and facilitate a resolution.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Having a decongestant available to give the child when an attack occurs is not a correct answer because decongestants are not recommended for children under 6 years old. They can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, irritability, and insomnia.
Choice B reason: Having the child sleep in a dry room is not a correct answer because dry air can worsen the inflammation and swelling of the airway. Moist air can help soothe the throat and reduce the coughing.
Choice C reason: Keeping the child's room humidified is the correct answer because humidified air can help loosen the mucus and ease the breathing. A cool-mist humidifier or a steamy bathroom can provide humidification.
Choice D reason: Giving the child an antibiotic at bedtime is not a correct answer because antibiotics are not effective for croup, which is usually caused by a virus. Antibiotics can also cause adverse reactions such as rash, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This response is not appropriate because it does not address the mother's concern about antibiotics. It also implies that the nurse is making a medical decision for the child, which is beyond the scope of practice.
Choice B reason: This response is not appropriate because it does not provide any reassurance or education to the mother. It also sounds dismissive of the child's condition and the mother's worry.
Choice C reason: This response is not appropriate because it undermines the authority and judgment of the pediatrician. It also creates doubt and confusion in the mother's mind about the quality of care her child is receiving.
Choice D reason: This response is appropriate because it explains the rationale for not prescribing antibiotics for an ear infection. It also educates the mother about the difference between viral and bacterial infections and the appropriate use of antibiotics.
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