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: In this scenario, the correct ethical principle that the nurse should use to support the decision not to administer the medication is nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm or minimizing harm to the patient. In this case, the nurse is concerned that administering the opioid pain medication may hasten the client's death, which goes against the principle of nonmaleficence. By choosing not to administer the medication, the nurse is prioritizing the well-being and comfort of the client. Regarding the other options: A) Utilitarianism focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this case, the decision not to administer the medication is more aligned with nonmaleficence than utilitarianism. C) Fidelity refers to being faithful and keeping promises. While important, it does not directly address the ethical dilemma of potentially hastening the client's death. D) Veracity pertains to truthfulness. While honesty is crucial in nursing practice, it is not the primary ethical principle at play in this situation. Educationally, it is vital for nurses to understand and apply ethical principles in their practice to ensure patient safety and well-being. By being aware of these principles, nurses can navigate complex situations like end-of-life care with ethical integrity and patient-centered care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of client safety, understanding the primary focus of qualitative research is crucial for healthcare professionals. The correct answer is B) Understanding social phenomena in their natural context. Qualitative research aims to explore and understand the depth and complexity of human experiences, behaviors, and interactions within their natural settings. This approach allows researchers to gather rich, detailed data that can provide insights into the underlying reasons and meanings behind certain phenomena related to client safety. Option A) Generalizing findings to a population is more aligned with quantitative research, where the emphasis is on statistical generalization based on a representative sample. Option C) Statistical analysis of numerical data is also characteristic of quantitative research methods, which focus on quantifiable data and statistical tests. Option D) Testing hypotheses is a key feature of experimental research designs, which are more common in quantitative research. Educationally, understanding the primary focus of qualitative research is essential for healthcare professionals to engage in evidence-based practice, conduct meaningful research, and make informed decisions to enhance client safety. By grasping the nuances of qualitative research, professionals can better appreciate the importance of context, perspectives, and experiences in improving client outcomes and overall safety measures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Participants must be informed about the nature of the study. In research involving human participants, informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle. It is essential that participants are fully aware of the purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights before agreeing to participate. This ensures that individuals can make an autonomous and informed decision about their involvement. Option A is incorrect because deception is generally not acceptable in research involving human participants as it violates the principle of respect for persons and can harm participants' autonomy and well-being. Option C is incorrect because participants always have the right to withdraw from a study at any time, even after giving their initial consent. This is to protect the autonomy and well-being of participants. Option D is incorrect because disclosing participants' identities without their consent violates the principle of confidentiality and respect for individuals' privacy, which are crucial in research ethics. Educationally, understanding and applying ethical principles in research involving human participants is critical for ensuring the integrity, validity, and ethical conduct of research studies. Researchers and healthcare professionals must uphold these principles to protect the rights and well-being of participants and maintain the trust and credibility of the research community.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of client safety and advocating for patients undergoing surgery, the correct answer is D) Determining the client's level of understanding about the procedure. This choice is crucial as it ensures that the patient has been adequately informed about the surgical procedure, its risks, benefits, and potential alternatives. Option A, Ensuring the charge nurse is available to witness the client's signature on the consent form, is important but does not address the nurse's direct role in informed consent. Option B, Explaining the risks involved with the procedure, is a part of the informed consent process, but it is the responsibility of the provider, not the nurse, to explain these details. Option C, Discussing alternate treatment options, is also essential but falls under the provider's responsibility. Educationally, understanding the importance of informed consent in healthcare is vital for nurses. It empowers patients to make autonomous decisions about their care and treatment. Nurses play a critical role in ensuring that patients are informed, understand their treatment options, and can provide consent based on a clear understanding of the procedure. This knowledge is foundational in upholding ethical principles and promoting patient safety and autonomy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of administering ophthalmic medications, asking the patient to look at the ceiling is the correct choice (Option B). This position helps to expose the conjunctival sac, making it easier to instill the medication without it rolling out. By looking up, the patient's gaze is directed away from the dropper, reducing the likelihood of blinking and increasing the chances of successful instillation. Option A, asking the patient to lie down, is incorrect because it may cause the medication to run out of the eye before it can be absorbed. Additionally, lying down may not provide the optimal angle for proper administration. In an educational setting, it is crucial to teach students the correct techniques for administering ophthalmic medications to ensure patient safety and efficacy of treatment. Understanding the rationale behind each step is important for students to grasp the rationale behind each step, reinforcing the importance of proper technique to achieve positive outcomes in patient care.