The children of a female client 78 years of age with a recent diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease are attempting to convince their mother to move into an assisted living facility, a move to which the client is vehemently opposed. Both the client and her children have expressed to the nurse how they are entrenched in their position. Which of the following statements expresses a utilitarian approach to this dilemma?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A utilitarian approach prioritizes the decision that will yield the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this case, the decision should be made in light of the consequences, weighing the potential benefits and harms of moving the client to assisted living versus allowing her to remain at home. Autonomy, even distribution of benefits and burdens, and the client's right to self-determination are also important considerations, but a utilitarian approach places greater emphasis on the overall consequences of the decision.

The Children of a Female Client 78 Years of Age