A nurse is caring for a client who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. She has a prescription for an opioid pain medication PRN. The nurse is concerned that administering a dose of pain medication might hasten the client's death. Which of the following ethical principles should the nurse use to support the decision not to administer the medication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize relieving the client's pain and suffering, as alleviating pain is a fundamental aspect of nursing care. Administering the opioid pain medication PRN is aimed at providing comfort and improving the client's quality of life, not hastening death. By following the principle of nonmaleficence, the nurse is acting in the best interest of the client's well-being. A: Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall good for the majority, which may conflict with the individual client's well-being. C: Fidelity pertains to being faithful and keeping promises, but in this case, the priority is the client's comfort. D: Veracity is about truthfulness, which is important, but in this context, the focus is on pain management and comfort care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Autonomy Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make decisions about their own healthcare. In this case, the client is alert and oriented and has the right to decide to discontinue the ventilator. Respecting the client's autonomy is crucial in ethical healthcare practice. Continuing treatment against the client's wishes would violate the principle of autonomy. Veracity (A) refers to truthfulness, fidelity (C) to loyalty, and justice (D) to fairness, none of which are directly related to the client's right to make decisions about their own care in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because non-probability sampling methods do not ensure that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Non-probability sampling techniques rely on subjective judgment or convenience, leading to certain members having a higher chance of being selected. Option A is incorrect as it describes a characteristic of probability sampling. Option B is incorrect as non-probability sampling methods are not random. Option D is incorrect because non-probability samples may not be representative of the population due to the lack of randomness in selection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Bias in research refers to systematic errors that skew study results. 2. Systematic errors can occur due to flawed study design, participant selection, or data analysis. 3. These errors can lead to inaccurate conclusions and affect the validity of the research. 4. Randomizing participants (A) is a method to reduce bias, not the definition of bias. 5. Replicability (C) refers to the ability to repeat a study's findings, not bias. 6. Generalizability (D) pertains to how well findings apply to a larger population, not bias. Summary: Choice B is correct as bias is a systematic error that distorts study results, while the other choices do not accurately define bias in research.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Autonomy. Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own care. In this scenario, the client, who is alert and oriented, has expressed their wish to discontinue the ventilator. Respecting the client's autonomy means honoring their decision, even if it goes against medical advice. Veracity refers to truth-telling, fidelity to keeping promises, and justice to fairness in resource allocation. In this case, the client's autonomy takes precedence over other ethical principles.