Although a hospital reversed all charges when a client was the victim of wrong site surgery, the court awarded the client $5 million. The client was able to return to work in 6 weeks and had no permanent damages. This monetary compensation is termed:

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Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 5

Although a hospital reversed all charges when a client was the victim of wrong site surgery, the court awarded the client $5 million. The client was able to return to work in 6 weeks and had no permanent damages. This monetary compensation is termed:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their wrongful actions. In this case, the hospital's negligence in performing wrong site surgery resulted in harm to the client, even though the hospital reversed the charges. The court awarded $5 million to punish the hospital for their negligence, as the client suffered emotional distress and the potential risk of harm. The other choices are incorrect because: A: res ipsa loquitur is a legal doctrine used to shift the burden of proof from the plaintiff to the defendant in cases where the negligence is obvious. C: vicarious liability holds an employer responsible for the actions of their employees, which is not directly applicable in this scenario. D: immunity refers to protection from legal liability, which is not relevant in a case where the court awarded monetary compensation.

Question 2 of 5

A family requests that no additional heroic measures be instituted for their terminally ill mother who has advance directives in place. The nurse respects this decision in keeping with the principle of:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the family's request to honor the terminally ill mother's advance directives aligns with the principle of autonomy as it acknowledges her right to make decisions about her own care. Accountability (A) pertains to taking responsibility for one's actions, nonmaleficence (C) involves avoiding harm, and veracity (D) refers to truthfulness. While these principles are important in healthcare, in this specific case, autonomy takes precedence as it respects the patient's wishes.

Question 3 of 5

A researcher calculated the risk-to-benefit ratio and concluded that no harmful effects were associated with a survey of college sophomores. The researcher was applying the principles of:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: beneficence. Beneficence refers to the ethical principle of maximizing benefits and minimizing harm in research. In this scenario, the researcher calculated the risk-to-benefit ratio and concluded that no harmful effects were associated with the survey of college sophomores. By considering the well-being of the research participants and ensuring that the benefits outweigh any potential risks, the researcher demonstrated the application of beneficence. Summary: Choice A is correct because it aligns with the ethical principle of beneficence in research. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the consideration of risks and benefits in research involving human participants.

Question 4 of 5

During a seminar on ethics, the educator realizes that more information is needed when a participant describes which situation as a violation of the ethical principle of autonomy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because denying the older person with Alzheimer's disease the right to ambulate violates their autonomy by restricting their freedom to make choices about their own body and movement. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own health and well-being. In this situation, the person should have the autonomy to decide whether or not they want to ambulate, even if they have advanced Alzheimer's disease. Choice B is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse medical treatment based on their beliefs, which is an expression of autonomy. Choice C is incorrect because the mentally competent visitor has the right to refuse examination, which is also an expression of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse a local anesthetic, which is also an expression of autonomy.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse is assigned to a unit where 95% of all patients required total care. Most days the assistive personnel are able to complete their assignments and provide high-quality care. A patient returning from a procedure was somehow "skipped" when daily baths were performed and requests that her care now be provided. The nurse discovers the bed is rumpled and damp. The RN joins with some other staff to bathe the patient, change the bed, and help make the patient comfortable. These staff members are demonstrating:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: altruism. Altruism is the selfless concern for the wellbeing of others, which is demonstrated by the staff members helping the patient in need without hesitation. In this scenario, the staff members are putting the patient's needs above their own, showing compassion and empathy. This aligns with the principle of altruism in nursing, where caregivers prioritize the welfare of their patients. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty. While these are important traits in nursing, they are not the focus of the staff members' actions in this scenario. C: Autonomy is the right of individuals to make decisions about their own care. In this situation, the patient is not exercising autonomy, but rather relying on the staff for assistance. D: Whistle-blowing involves reporting unethical or illegal behavior within an organization. There is no indication of any wrongdoing that would require whistle-blowing in this scenario.

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