A nurse is caring for a patient who has expressed a desire to refuse a life-saving treatment. According to ethical principles in nursing, what action should the nurse take?

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NCLEX Questions on Legal Aspect of Health Care Questions

Question 1 of 5

A nurse is caring for a patient who has expressed a desire to refuse a life-saving treatment. According to ethical principles in nursing, what action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ethical principles, such as respect for autonomy and informed consent, are vital in nursing practice. If a patient expresses a desire to refuse a life-saving treatment, the nurse's responsibility is to respect their autonomy and honor their decision, providing information and support to ensure an informed choice.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse is asked by a family member to disclose a patient's medical information without the patient's consent. What is the nurse's appropriate response to this request?

Correct Answer: B

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

Question 3 of 5

Which of the following is NOT true about confidentiality?

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.

Question 4 of 5

In medical ethics, which principle is most closely associated with the concept of 'do no harm'?

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.

Question 5 of 5

The capacity to think, decide, and act on the basis of thought and decision freely & independently (without any hindrance) best describes:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Autonomy refers to the ability to think, decide, and act freely and independently, without any external constraints or interference. It emphasizes individual freedom and self-governance, allowing individuals to make their own choices and take responsibility for their actions. This concept is often associated with personal autonomy, where individuals have the right to make decisions about their own lives.

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