A nurse is caring for a client who has requested information about their prognosis that the physician has not yet discussed with them. What should be done?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nurses have an ethical responsibility of veracity which means they must provide accurate information even when it may be difficult or distressing. In this situation, the nurse should provide accurate information about prognosis while also providing emotional support.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Principlism is an ethical decision-making model that uses a framework of principles such as autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice to guide decision-making. It provides a structured approach suitable for situations requiring immediate action.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Refusing to disclose the information and explaining confidentiality upholds the nurse's legal and ethical obligation to protect patient privacy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Confidentiality is a principle that ensures privacy and protection of sensitive information. It is based on trust and is typically applied to conversations between doctors and patients. However, the statement that confidentiality should always be maintained for all personal, medical, and legal information is incorrect because there are certain situations where keeping confidentiality may cause harm, such as when there is a risk of harm to oneself or others. In such cases, healthcare professionals may have a duty to breach confidentiality to protect the patient or others.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The principle of non-maleficence in medical ethics is based on the idea of 'do no harm.' It obligates healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to patients, whether through action or inaction. This principle ensures that treatments or interventions do not result in unnecessary harm or risk. While beneficence focuses on promoting the patient's well-being, non-maleficence is specifically about avoiding harm.