The nurse is working a 12-hour day shift, it is now 2pm and the nurse has only had a 10-minute break at 9am, and has not had time to use the bathroom at all. The call bell rings from a patient who is asking for more prescribed pain medicine that is not scheduled to be given for at least 15 more minutes. Which action, if taken by the nurse, would demonstrate egoistic theory?
A) Quickly using the bathroom first, then going see the patient and explaining that the pain medication cannot be given right now.
B) Preparing the patient's medication before using the bathroom, so the medicine can be administered as soon as it is time.
C) Explaining to the patient that the medication is not due at this time, that you will be taking a short break and when you return you will give the patient the medicine.
D) Calling the prescribing doctor to request a change in the frequency, so you can administer the medication now and then take a break.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The egoistic theory focuses on actions that are in one's own self-interest. By choosing to use the bathroom first, the nurse is prioritizing their own immediate needs before addressing the patient's request.

The Nurse Is Working a 12-Hour Day Shift, It Is