Without authorization, a nurse administers an extra dose of narcotic tranquilizer to an agitated client. The nurses coworker observes this action but does nothing for fear of repercussion. What is the ethical interpretation of the coworkers lack of involvement?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Taking no action is still considered an action by the coworker. In this situation, the coworker witnessing the unauthorized administration of an extra dose of narcotic tranquilizer has a moral and ethical responsibility to intervene and prevent harm to the client. By choosing not to act, the coworker is passively allowing a potentially harmful situation to occur, which can be seen as complicity in the wrongdoing. Ethical principles dictate that individuals have a duty to act when they witness unethical or harmful behavior, even if it may be difficult or lead to repercussions. Thus, inaction in such a scenario does not release the coworker from ethical responsibility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A client has the right to refuse medication, and it is essential to respect their autonomy and decision-making capacity. Allowing the client to decline the medication and documenting the refusal is an ethically appropriate nursing intervention in this situation. Coercion, such as threatening hospitalization (Option B) or administering medication without consent (Option D), is not in line with ethical principles and can violate the client's rights. Similarly, adding medication to the client's orange juice without their knowledge or consent (Option C) is deceptive and unethical. Respecting the client's autonomy and documenting their refusal allows for open communication and partnership in addressing their healthcare needs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's best response is C, "If the information impacts your care, I will need to share it with the treatment team." This response explains the important aspect of confidentiality while also emphasizing that if the information is relevant to the client's care, it may need to be shared with the treatment team for better assessment and management. It shows respect for the client's privacy while also prioritizing their well-being and treatment. It balances the ethical duty of confidentiality with the responsibility to provide effective care based on all available information.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client who requires emergency commitment is the individual who is delusional and has a plan to kill his wife (Choice C). This client poses an immediate threat to themselves or others due to the specific plan of harm they have. The presence of a specific plan for harm, in this case, killing his wife, is a red flag that necessitates immediate intervention to ensure safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Stress-related disorders may be influenced by various factors, including values that are prominent in a person's life. Values that contribute to high levels of stress, such as perfectionism, workaholism, or chronic self-doubt, can increase the risk of developing stress-related disorders. These disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, and adjustment disorders, are characterized by psychological distress that exceeds typical stress responses and can significantly impact a person's mental well-being. Therefore, a nurse should recognize that certain values and beliefs held by individuals may play a role in the development or exacerbation of stress-related disorders.