Sandra,an RN on the surgery unit,is assisting with a procedure in the patient examination room.The physician orders a medication to be given through IV.Sandra questions the order,based on her knowledge of the patient's history and of other medications that the patient has been given.The physician reiterates the order and Sandra refuses to give it.In this instance,Sandra is demonstrating:
A) autonomy.
B) accountability.
C) authority.
D) best practice.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this situation,Sandra is exemplifying autonomy,which is the act of making independent decisions in the best interests of the patient,based on her knowledge and experience.This is analogous to the example in the text where the workers on the manufacturing floor have the independence to say "Stop the line" when something is wrong.Key to the concept of autonomy is decision making and the level of independence that is given.Accountability refers to achievement of outcomes,and authority refers to the capacity to make decisions.

Sandra,an RN on the Surgery Unit,is Assisting with a Procedure