A nurse is providing care for a surgeon on a medical-surgical unit. A nurse from another unit asks the nurse about the surgeon's medical diagnosis. The nurse responds that he is unable to provide the information requested. The nurse is displaying which of the following ethical principles?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nonmaleficence. The nurse's refusal to disclose the surgeon's medical diagnosis upholds the ethical principle of nonmaleficence, which is to do no harm. By maintaining the surgeon's confidentiality, the nurse is protecting the surgeon from potential harm or breach of privacy. This action demonstrates respect for the surgeon's autonomy and promotes trust in the nurse-patient relationship. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A: Utility - Utility refers to maximizing benefits for the greatest number of people. In this scenario, the nurse's action does not relate to maximizing benefits. B: Paternalism - Paternalism involves making decisions for someone else's well-being without their consent. The nurse's action is not an example of paternalism as the surgeon's privacy is being respected. C: Justice - Justice involves fairness and equal treatment. The nurse's response does not directly relate to the ethical principle of justice in this context.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A (Narcolepsy) is correct: 1. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep. 2. People with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness and may fall asleep at inappropriate times. 3. The sudden onset of sleep is a hallmark symptom of narcolepsy. 4. Hypersomnia (choice B) is excessive daytime sleepiness but does not involve sudden sleep attacks like narcolepsy. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: - Choice B (Hypersomnia) is incorrect because it does not involve sudden sleep attacks, which is a defining symptom of narcolepsy.