Question 1

Staff at the hospital have decided to strike in order to try to improve working conditions.Which are some of the ethical issues that a nurse working in the hospital will have to consider when deciding whether or not to honor the picket line? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Strikers may be concerned about patient care as it is related to adequate staffing. Strikes may adversely affect patient care and outcomes. Nurses may feel allegiance to a hospital where they have worked for years. The desire to take time off and the need for higher pay are not ethical issues.
B) Strikers may be concerned about patient care as it is related to adequate staffing. Strikes may adversely affect patient care and outcomes. Nurses may feel allegiance to a hospital where they have worked for years. The desire to take time off and the need for higher pay are not ethical issues.
C) Strikers may be concerned about patient care as it is related to adequate staffing. Strikes may adversely affect patient care and outcomes. Nurses may feel allegiance to a hospital where they have worked for years. The desire to take time off and the need for higher pay are not ethical issues.
D) Strikers may be concerned about patient care as it is related to adequate staffing. Strikes may adversely affect patient care and outcomes. Nurses may feel allegiance to a hospital where they have worked for years. The desire to take time off and the need for higher pay are not ethical issues.
E) Strikers may be concerned about patient care as it is related to adequate staffing. Strikes may adversely affect patient care and outcomes. Nurses may feel allegiance to a hospital where they have worked for years. The desire to take time off and the need for higher pay are not ethical issues.

Question 2

What are some of the rights clients have when receiving care within a healthcare system? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Clients have the right to refuse care, to know when something goes wrong with their care, and to receive care that is free from discrimination. Clients do not have the right to receive information only in English and they have the right to know the names, not just titles, of their caregivers. Therefore, options A and E are incorrect.

Question 3

A nurse is providing hospice care for an older adult client.The nurse is approached by the client's adult child.The adult child believes that her other parent,who is in a nursing home,is being neglected.What suggestions can the nurse offer in this situation? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)Many large agencies have client advocates who can help ensure that client rights are maintained. It is important to consider institutionalized remedies before taking extraordinary action. Transferring clients in long-term facilities is often very difficult. The consumer protection agency is not usually involved in nursing home issues. Nursing homes, homes for the aged, and licensed facilities for the disabled are regulated at the state level, and violations committed by these agencies may be reported for investigation.
B)Many large agencies have client advocates who can help ensure that client rights are maintained. It is important to consider institutionalized remedies before taking extraordinary action. Transferring clients in long-term facilities is often very difficult. The consumer protection agency is not usually involved in nursing home issues. Nursing homes, homes for the aged, and licensed facilities for the disabled are regulated at the state level, and violations committed by these agencies may be reported for investigation.
C)Many large agencies have client advocates who can help ensure that client rights are maintained. It is important to consider institutionalized remedies before taking extraordinary action. Transferring clients in long-term facilities is often very difficult. The consumer protection agency is not usually involved in nursing home issues. Nursing homes, homes for the aged, and licensed facilities for the disabled are regulated at the state level, and violations committed by these agencies may be reported for investigation.
D)Many large agencies have client advocates who can help ensure that client rights are maintained. It is important to consider institutionalized remedies before taking extraordinary action. Transferring clients in long-term facilities is often very difficult. The consumer protection agency is not usually involved in nursing home issues. Nursing homes, homes for the aged, and licensed facilities for the disabled are regulated at the state level, and violations committed by these agencies may be reported for investigation.
E)Many large agencies have client advocates who can help ensure that client rights are maintained. It is important to consider institutionalized remedies before taking extraordinary action. Transferring clients in long-term facilities is often very difficult. The consumer protection agency is not usually involved in nursing home issues. Nursing homes, homes for the aged, and licensed facilities for the disabled are regulated at the state level, and violations committed by these agencies may be reported for investigation.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for an older adult client who will undergo surgery in the morning.While assessing the client,the nurse discovers that the client does not have an adequate understanding of the procedure.The nurse discusses the situation with the charge nurse to determine the best course.Which is the reason for the nurse to take action in this situation?

Accepted Answer

The client has the right to informed consent, which means they must have a clear understanding of the procedure, its risks, and benefits before agreeing to it. The nurse must take action in this situation to ensure the client is fully informed before giving consent for the surgery. Age, health problems, and family agreement are not reasons for the nurse to take action in this particular situation.

Question 5

A pregnant client with a history of drug use refuses testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),despite the recommendation of her nurse-midwife.Which actions by the nurse are appropriate in this situation? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) HIV testing is not mandatory for obtaining care and the refusal to be tested is legal. However, a mother-to-be who knows her HIV status will have more time to decide on effective ways to protect her health and prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and to take steps to prevent passing HIV to her partner. Suggesting counseling and consistently encouraging testing are recommended.
B) HIV testing is not mandatory for obtaining care and the refusal to be tested is legal. However, a mother-to-be who knows her HIV status will have more time to decide on effective ways to protect her health and prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and to take steps to prevent passing HIV to her partner. Suggesting counseling and consistently encouraging testing are recommended.
C) HIV testing is not mandatory for obtaining care and the refusal to be tested is legal. However, a mother-to-be who knows her HIV status will have more time to decide on effective ways to protect her health and prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and to take steps to prevent passing HIV to her partner. Suggesting counseling and consistently encouraging testing are recommended.
D) HIV testing is not mandatory for obtaining care and the refusal to be tested is legal. However, a mother-to-be who knows her HIV status will have more time to decide on effective ways to protect her health and prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and to take steps to prevent passing HIV to her partner. Suggesting counseling and consistently encouraging testing are recommended.
E) HIV testing is not mandatory for obtaining care and the refusal to be tested is legal. However, a mother-to-be who knows her HIV status will have more time to decide on effective ways to protect her health and prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and to take steps to prevent passing HIV to her partner. Suggesting counseling and consistently encouraging testing are recommended.

Question 6

The nurse on the mother-baby unit is confronted by a client who states,"I know my rights and you have to do what I tell you!" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

This response acknowledges the client's perceived rights while also reminding them of their responsibility to behave considerately towards staff. This approach is professional and maintains a respectful tone.

Question 7

An adolescent client diagnosed with leukemia decides to stop chemotherapy treatments.The parents of the client,however,want the healthcare team to continue all treatments as necessary.Which action by the nurse is appropriate when providing care to this client and family?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate action by the nurse is to help the family by providing information and allowing them to voice concerns. The nurse should facilitate a family meeting with the healthcare team to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment or stopping treatment. The client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare should be respected, but the nurse can also provide support and education to the family about the consequences of stopping treatment. Calling the authorities or obtaining a court order should only be considered if the client's decision is deemed to be a threat to their own safety or the safety of others. Confronting the parents and using judgmental language is not appropriate and may further escalate an already sensitive situation.

Question 8

A client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)is admitted to the acute care floor.According to a 2015 American Nurses Association (ANA)position statement,which stance addressing this bioethical issue is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The ANA's position statement states that nurses have a professional and moral obligation to care for patients with AIDS and other infectious diseases, unless the risk to the nurse's health and safety exceeds his or her responsibility to the patient. Nurses have a responsibility to use the appropriate precautions and personal protective equipment in caring for patients with infectious diseases. B, C, and D are not accurate statements according to the ANA position statement.

Question 9

A hospice nurse is working with a client who has ovarian cancer.The client is concerned that her two daughters are at an increased risk for cancer and asks for the nurse's help.Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) A nurse's role as educator is crucial to ethical practice. Inaccurate reassurance or avoidance does not respect client rights. Providing appropriate alternatives and options for the client and the family are correct responses to the client's concerns.
B) A nurse's role as educator is crucial to ethical practice. Inaccurate reassurance or avoidance does not respect client rights. Providing appropriate alternatives and options for the client and the family are correct responses to the client's concerns.
C) A nurse's role as educator is crucial to ethical practice. Inaccurate reassurance or avoidance does not respect client rights. Providing appropriate alternatives and options for the client and the family are correct responses to the client's concerns.
D) A nurse's role as educator is crucial to ethical practice. Inaccurate reassurance or avoidance does not respect client rights. Providing appropriate alternatives and options for the client and the family are correct responses to the client's concerns.
E) A nurse's role as educator is crucial to ethical practice. Inaccurate reassurance or avoidance does not respect client rights. Providing appropriate alternatives and options for the client and the family are correct responses to the client's concerns.

Question 10

What are some reasons the nurse might withhold food and fluids from a client? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A competent and informed client has the right to refuse food and fluids. If it is determined that administering food and fluids would be more harmful than withholding them, the nurse may withhold them. However, withholding them because someone else (such as a son) has decided it is time for the client to die or because the nurse thinks the client is in too much pain would be inappropriate. Withholding them due to a schizophrenic client's beliefs would also not be appropriate unless it is determined that administering them would actually harm the client.

Question 11

The nurse performing an admission assessment on a client must inform the client of client rights and responsibilities.Which client rights are considered standard by many healthcare agencies? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The standard client rights in many healthcare agencies include the right to be informed about the care they receive, the right to safe care, the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, and the right to be listened to. There is no standard right to be appointed a personal advocate by the healthcare provider.

Question 12

A client tells his nurse,"I really don't like the nurse on first shift.I was treated badly." Which action should the nurse take as an advocate for this client?

Accepted Answer

A)Individual clients who feel their rights have been violated or are endangered have a number of options. Many hospitals and large provider agencies have client advocates who can help clients navigate the system and intervene to ensure that their rights are maintained. Many states have an office designated by the governor or secretary of health to assist clients with issues related to patient rights in long-term care. The state's department of health may also be able to help.
B)Individual clients who feel their rights have been violated or are endangered have a number of options. Many hospitals and large provider agencies have client advocates who can help clients navigate the system and intervene to ensure that their rights are maintained. Many states have an office designated by the governor or secretary of health to assist clients with issues related to patient rights in long-term care. The state's department of health may also be able to help.
C)Individual clients who feel their rights have been violated or are endangered have a number of options. Many hospitals and large provider agencies have client advocates who can help clients navigate the system and intervene to ensure that their rights are maintained. Many states have an office designated by the governor or secretary of health to assist clients with issues related to patient rights in long-term care. The state's department of health may also be able to help.
D)Individual clients who feel their rights have been violated or are endangered have a number of options. Many hospitals and large provider agencies have client advocates who can help clients navigate the system and intervene to ensure that their rights are maintained. Many states have an office designated by the governor or secretary of health to assist clients with issues related to patient rights in long-term care. The state's department of health may also be able to help.

Question 13

A nurse educator is explaining the idea of healthcare as a partnership between provider and client.Which are client responsibilities that some hospitals have included in their client bill of rights? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)It is not essential for clients to involve their family members in healthcare decisions. Clients have the responsibility to provide complete and accurate information about their symptoms, history, and status to their healthcare team. Accepting financial responsibility for treatment does not require immediate payment. Clients must understand that noncompliance with treatment recommendations may result in poor outcomes.
B)It is not essential for clients to involve their family members in healthcare decisions. Clients have the responsibility to provide complete and accurate information about their symptoms, history, and status to their healthcare team. Accepting financial responsibility for treatment does not require immediate payment. Clients must understand that noncompliance with treatment recommendations may result in poor outcomes.
C)It is not essential for clients to involve their family members in healthcare decisions. Clients have the responsibility to provide complete and accurate information about their symptoms, history, and status to their healthcare team. Accepting financial responsibility for treatment does not require immediate payment. Clients must understand that noncompliance with treatment recommendations may result in poor outcomes.
D)It is not essential for clients to involve their family members in healthcare decisions. Clients have the responsibility to provide complete and accurate information about their symptoms, history, and status to their healthcare team. Accepting financial responsibility for treatment does not require immediate payment. Clients must understand that noncompliance with treatment recommendations may result in poor outcomes.
E)It is not essential for clients to involve their family members in healthcare decisions. Clients have the responsibility to provide complete and accurate information about their symptoms, history, and status to their healthcare team. Accepting financial responsibility for treatment does not require immediate payment. Clients must understand that noncompliance with treatment recommendations may result in poor outcomes.

Question 14

When faced with ethical dilemmas,which are some of the elements of risk management that can assist nurses in decision making? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) In addition to the ANA code of conduct in ethical situations, education and didactic training represent another source for developing primary risk-management skills. A practitioner's professional network, consisting of peers, supervisors, and colleagues, can be a significant resource for primary prevention of ethical challenges. Resource accumulation involves acquiring the requisite resources and skills prior to the occurrence of a dilemma. Righteousness and financial support are not elements of risk management.
B) In addition to the ANA code of conduct in ethical situations, education and didactic training represent another source for developing primary risk-management skills. A practitioner's professional network, consisting of peers, supervisors, and colleagues, can be a significant resource for primary prevention of ethical challenges. Resource accumulation involves acquiring the requisite resources and skills prior to the occurrence of a dilemma. Righteousness and financial support are not elements of risk management.
C) In addition to the ANA code of conduct in ethical situations, education and didactic training represent another source for developing primary risk-management skills. A practitioner's professional network, consisting of peers, supervisors, and colleagues, can be a significant resource for primary prevention of ethical challenges. Resource accumulation involves acquiring the requisite resources and skills prior to the occurrence of a dilemma. Righteousness and financial support are not elements of risk management.
D) In addition to the ANA code of conduct in ethical situations, education and didactic training represent another source for developing primary risk-management skills. A practitioner's professional network, consisting of peers, supervisors, and colleagues, can be a significant resource for primary prevention of ethical challenges. Resource accumulation involves acquiring the requisite resources and skills prior to the occurrence of a dilemma. Righteousness and financial support are not elements of risk management.
E) In addition to the ANA code of conduct in ethical situations, education and didactic training represent another source for developing primary risk-management skills. A practitioner's professional network, consisting of peers, supervisors, and colleagues, can be a significant resource for primary prevention of ethical challenges. Resource accumulation involves acquiring the requisite resources and skills prior to the occurrence of a dilemma. Righteousness and financial support are not elements of risk management.

Question 15

A pregnant woman has been rushed to the operating room for an emergency cesarean section.The physician explained the procedure to the parents,and he asked the father to wait in the waiting room until the procedure is complete.The mother asked if the father could be in the room to see the baby delivered and to help make decisions about the baby's care,but the physician explained that because of the emergency situation,that wouldn't be allowed.In this situation,which client right was violated?

Accepted Answer

The mother's right to have a personal representative has been violated as she requested the father to be present during the birth and decision-making process for the baby's care, but the physician denied it due to the emergency situation.

Quiz 44: Ethics