ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 5 : Legal and Ethical Issues Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is to administer a potassium supplement to the client. The nurse does not check the potassium level prior to administering the medication and later finds that the potassium level was at a critical high. What principle has this nurse violated?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the duty to do no harm to the client. For instance, if a nurse fails to check a prescription for an unusually high dose of insulin and administers it, the nurse has violated the principle of nonmaleficence. Beneficence is the duty to do good for the clients assigned to the nurse's care. The nurse has a duty to remove wrist restraints whenever possible (removing a harm) and to help the client regain independence (promoting and doing good). Fidelity is the duty to maintain commitments of professional obligations and responsibilities. Autonomy refers to a client's right to self-determination or the freedom to make choices without opposition.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is administering a medication to a client for the treatment of constipation. The client expresses preferring not to take the medication today. The nurse respects the client's right and says if the client needs it later, just let the nurse know. What professional value is the nurse displaying?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Autonomy refers to a client's right to self-determination or the freedom to make choices without opposition. Nonmaleficence is the duty to do no harm to the client. If a nurse fails to check a prescription for an unusually high dose of insulin and administers it, the nurse has violated the principle of nonmaleficence. Beneficence is the duty to do good for the clients assigned to the nurse's care. The nurse has a duty to remove wrist restraints whenever possible (removing a harm) and to help the client regain independence (promoting and doing good). Fidelity is the duty to maintain commitments of professional obligations and responsibilities.
Question 3 of 5
A client who has end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) asks the nurse, 'Am I going to be getting better? Is there a cure?' What is the best response by the nurse that demonstrates the professional value, veracity?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The professional value of veracity is the duty to tell the truth. The nurse must provide factual information so the client may exercise autonomy. 'Everything will be fine,' 'Did someone tell you that there is a cure for this?', and 'You don't need to worry about that; just get better' are nontherapeutic responses that do not answer the client's question.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assigned to care for a client who is admitted to the medical unit with an infection after having an abortion. The nurse is uncomfortable caring for this client because the religious beliefs of the nurse are very firm on the issue of abortion. What first step can the nurse make in order to solve the ethical dilemma?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The first step in the ethical dilemma decision-making process is to obtain as much information as possible to understand the situation. Evaluating the decision in terms of effects and results is the fifth step in the process. Making the decision and following through is the fourth step of the process, and listing all possible options is the second step in the process.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a terminally ill client in the intensive care unit that is on life support measures. The family members are opposed in their decision to take the client off of life support. What option does the nurse discuss with the nurse manager?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ethics committee may be called on to act as an advocate for clients who no longer are mentally capable of making their own decisions. Ethics committees are a valuable resource for reviewing difficult cases and helping ensure a careful and unbiased decision. The nurse is not practicing within the scope of practice by taking the client off of life support. The nurse does not mandate to the health care provider decisions that should be made. It is nontherapeutic for the nurse to ask the family to go out and make a decision.