Question 1

A client recovering from surgery does not want to move out of bed because of pain. The nurse explains the long-term effects of staying in bed and the benefits of movement. The client agrees and is assisted out of bed. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of beneficence, which refers to the obligation of healthcare providers to do what is in the best interest of the patient. The nurse explained the benefits of movement and assisted the client out of bed, which will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for the patient. Autonomy would be if the client had made the decision independently. Nonmaleficence refers to the obligation to do no harm, and Justice refers to providing fair and equal treatment to all patients.

Question 2

The nurse caring for elderly clients begins to experience anger, guilt, and frustration over the prescribed medical treatments for the clients. The nurse is demonstrating which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is experiencing moral distress, which is defined as the psychological response to knowing the right thing to do but being unable to act accordingly due to external constraints. In this case, the nurse is experiencing distress over the prescribed medical treatments for the elderly clients, which could be outside of their control. The nurse may feel conflicted between providing the best care for the clients and following orders from healthcare professionals. Burnout and chronic or acute illness are not applicable in this scenario.

Question 3

An elderly client with septic leg wounds develops multi-system organ failure. The physicians discuss treatment options with the family but explain that success to reverse the condition is minimal. The family has decided to stop all further treatment of the client. This scenario is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of medical futility, as the physicians have determined that further treatment will not be successful in reversing the condition. The family has made the decision to stop treatment based on this information. The other options of DNR, assisted suicide, and active euthanasia are not applicable in this scenario.

Question 4

A client, hospitalized with an extensive cerebral vascular accident, is unable to make any treatment decisions. Which of the following documents addresses the client's treatment choices? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client, hospitalized with an extensive cerebral...

Question 5

When the nurse obtains a client's signature for informed consent, the nurse's responsibility is the verification that:

Accepted Answer

The nurse's responsibility during informed consent is to verify that the client was not coerced into signing the form. The client's understanding of the procedure, the presence of a witness, and asking questions are all important aspects, but the primary responsibility is to ensure the client's decision is not influenced by any external factors.

Question 6

The nurse is preparing a consent form for a client to sign before a procedure. Which of the following statements explains a characteristic of informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent can be bypassed in emergency situations where immediate medical intervention is necessary to save a life or prevent serious harm, and the patient is unable to give consent due to their condition.

Question 7

The nurse who bases client care actions on the principle of "greatest good" is implementing which ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that advocates actions that maximize the overall well-being or happiness (utility) of the involved individuals or society as a whole. The principle of "greatest good" aligns with this theory by prioritizing the option that benefits the most people or produces the most positive outcomes.

Question 8

The nurse reviews the American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses. Which of the following is included in this code?

Accepted Answer

The American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses includes providing care with compassion and respect, a primary commitment to the client, striving to protect the client's health, safety, and rights, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Question 9

The care a nurse provides to clients is considered as being a benefit to their health and recovery. The principle that supports the nurse's behavior is considered:

Accepted Answer

Beneficence is the ethical principle that underlies the nurse's behavior. This principle urges nurses to do good and promote the well-being of clients through their actions, interventions, and care. By providing quality care, nurses are benefiting the health and recovery of clients.

Question 10

The nurse is providing care for a client who is 18 years old. Which of the following ethical principles should be implemented for this client?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds a person's right to make their own decisions and participate in their own care. As an 18-year-old, the client is legally considered an adult and has the right to make their own choices about their healthcare. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and involve them in decision-making about their care.

Question 11

A client, being treated with chemotherapy and radiation for terminal cancer, decides to stop any further treatment and enter the hospice program. The nurse realizes this client's decision is supported by the ethical principle of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client, being treated with chemotherapy and...

Question 12

The nurse, caring for an elderly client recovering from a fractured coccyx, wants to discuss palliative care. The client becomes alarmed and asks "is there something you aren't telling me? Am I dying?" Which of the following should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should explain that palliative care is an approach to care that aims to relieve pain and provide support, rather than immediately assuming the client is dying. This response can help alleviate any fears or concerns the client may have. A response like option A, stating that "we are all dying," can be seen as insensitive and unhelpful. Option C is incorrect because not all elderly patients require palliative care. Option D is also incorrect because entitlement to care does not fully explain what palliative care is or why it is being recommended.

Question 13

An elderly terminally ill client is experiencing apnea periods and within an hour, dies. No efforts were provided to resuscitate this client. Which of the following would describe this client event?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An elderly terminally ill client is experiencing...

Question 14

The health care team is addressing an ethical issue regarding one client's continuing care. The nurse wants to ensure that the principle of justice is taken into consideration. Which of the following ethical decision-making modules would support this principle?

Accepted Answer

Contextual features involve considering the larger socio-cultural, economic, and legal factors that could influence the ethical decision-making process. Justice is one of the main principles involved in contextual features, as it ensures fair and equitable care for all clients. By considering the principle of justice, the health care team can ensure that the client's care is not compromised due to factors such as their socio-economic status or race.

Question 15

A client is asked to participate in a research study. The client does not want to participate but does not want to seem unwilling to receive treatment for an illness. Which of the following should the nurse explain to this client?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should explain to the client that refusing to participate is their right. It is important for clients to know that they have the right to refuse participation in research studies without it affecting their ability to receive medical treatment. The other options are not relevant or may not be true for all research studies.

Question 16

The nurse provides a terminally ill client with dose of a newly prescribed pain medication. Shortly afterwards, the client experiences respiratory arrest and dies. Which of the following describes this client scenario?

Accepted Answer

This scenario describes the principle of double effect, where the administration of a medication has both a therapeutic and potentially harmful effect (in this case, respiratory depression leading to death) but the intention is to relieve pain and suffering. This is different from euthanasia (where the intention is to hasten death) and assisted suicide (where the client actively participates in ending their own life).

Question 17

The nurse is analyzing the main principles of clinical ethics prior to planning care for a client. Which of the following are considered the main principles of clinical ethics? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The main principles of clinical ethics are autonomy (respecting the client's right to make their own decisions), nonmaleficence (avoiding harm to the client), beneficence (promoting the client's well-being), and justice (treating clients fairly and equitably). Malfeasance and liberty are not considered main principles of clinical ethics.

Question 18

The nurse is confronted with an ethical decision regarding a client's continuing care. Which of the following approaches can be used to reach a decision for this client? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

These approaches can be used to reach a decision for this client because they all take into account the client's individual circumstances and preferences.

Quiz 5: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care