The nurse administers additional intravenous medication to a hospice client with uncontrollable pain. After receiving the additional medication, the client demonstrates apneic periods and bradycardia. Which of the following does this nurse's actions suggest?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse's actions suggest the principle of double effect, which is when a healthcare provider administers medication with the intention of alleviating suffering, but also potentially hastening death as a secondary effect. In hospice care, the goal is to provide comfort and relieve pain, even if it may unintentionally lead to a hastened death. The nurse did not intend to cause the client's respiratory and cardiac distress, but the medication could have had that effect as a secondary consequence. Euthanasia and assisted suicide involve intentionally ending a person's life, which is not the case in this scenario. Malpractice involves negligence or unprofessional conduct in the course of providing care, but there is no indication of negligence in the scenario.

The Nurse Administers Additional Intravenous Medication to a Hospice Client