ATI LPN
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Healthcare Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a terminally ill client who is experiencing severe pain. The client's physician has prescribed a dose of pain medication that the nurse believes is inadequate. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse has an ethical responsibility to advocate for their client's well-being, including ensuring that they receive adequate pain management. In this situation, the nurse should consult with the physician and advocate for an increased dose of pain medication to provide effective pain relief for their client.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is involved in a situation where the patient's decision conflicts with what the nurse believes is in the patient's best interest. What should the nurse do in this ethical dilemma?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this ethical dilemma, the nurse should respect the patient's autonomy and support their decision, even if it conflicts with the nurse's belief. Respecting patient autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle, and patients have the right to make choices about their own healthcare.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a life-saving treatment due to personal beliefs. What action should the nurse take to address this legal and ethical issue?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Seeking guidance from the ethics committee or healthcare team helps navigate the conflict between patient autonomy and the nurse's duty to protect life, ensuring a balanced approach.
Question 4 of 5
Which of these statements is true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Virtue theory's explicit grounding in the community is one of its strengths because it recognizes that virtues are not solely determined by an individual's personal beliefs or desires, but are shaped and influenced by the values and norms of the community. This recognition allows for a more holistic understanding of virtue ethics, as it acknowledges the importance of the context in shaping moral character. By emphasizing the role of the community, virtue theory promotes a sense of shared responsibility and encourages individuals to consider the impact of their actions on the broader society.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is a practical obstacle to maintaining confidentiality?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Information about patients is increasingly stored on large electronic databases which may not be secure.' This is a practical obstacle because the potential lack of absolute security in storing patient information on electronic databases can lead to breaches of confidentiality, unlike the number of professionals involved or approved research, which are managed under ethical guidelines.