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 the client's comfort and pain relief without causing harm. Administering the pain medication as needed aligns with this principle by addressing the client's suffering without intentionally hastening death. Utilitarianism (A) focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number, which may not directly apply to the individual client's situation. Fidelity (C) pertains to keeping promises and being faithful, which is important but not the primary ethical principle in this case. Veracity (D) relates to truth-telling, which is also important but not the primary concern when addressing pain management in end-of-life care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Deductive reasoning is applied in quantitative research as it involves drawing conclusions based on general principles or theories applied to specific instances. In quantitative research, hypotheses are tested using deductive reasoning to determine relationships between variables. Qualitative research (Choice A) relies on inductive reasoning to generate theories from specific observations. Action research (Choice C) focuses on improving practices within a specific context and does not necessarily involve deductive reasoning. Applied research (Choice D) aims to solve practical problems but may use a combination of deductive and inductive reasoning depending on the research design.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Categorical variables represent distinct categories or groups without any inherent order or numerical value. Gender fits this definition as it categorizes individuals into distinct groups (male, female). In contrast, age, income, and height are numerical variables that can be ordered or measured quantitatively, making them examples of quantitative variables rather than categorical variables.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nonmaleficence. The nurse is demonstrating nonmaleficence by protecting the surgeon's privacy and confidentiality, which is an important ethical principle in healthcare. By not disclosing the surgeon's medical diagnosis without consent, the nurse is preventing harm and upholding the surgeon's right to privacy. A: Utility - This principle focuses on maximizing benefits for the greater good, which is not relevant in this scenario. B: Paternalism - This principle involves making decisions in the best interest of the patient without their input, which is not applicable here as the nurse is respecting the surgeon's autonomy. C: Justice - This principle pertains to fairness and equal treatment, but it is not directly related to the nurse's decision to maintain confidentiality in this situation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nonmaleficence. This principle emphasizes the duty to do no harm to the patient. By completing a critical care course, the nurse is ensuring that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and competent care in the ICU, thereby upholding the principle of nonmaleficence. Veracity (A) relates to truth-telling, Autonomy (B) refers to respecting the patient's right to make decisions, and Fidelity (C) pertains to being faithful and keeping promises, none of which directly apply to the nurse's situation of transferring to the ICU after completing a critical care course.