Which intervention by a psychiatric nurse best applies the ethical principle of autonomy? The nurse:
a. explores alternative solutions with a patient, who than makes a choice.
b. suggests that two patients who were fighting be restricted to the unit.
c. intervenes when a self-mutilating patient attempts to harm self.
d. stays with a patient demonstrating a high level of anxiety.
A
Autonomy is the right to self-determination, that is, to make one's own decisions. By exploring alternatives with the patient, the patient is better equipped to make an informed, autonomous decision. The distracters demonstrate beneficence, fidelity, and justice.
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What is true of criminal law?
A) Concerned with the legal rights of private persons. B) An individual can sue for damages in the form of money. C) A claim that harm or injury resulted in an individual because the nurse did not meet the required standard. D) Offenses against the general public that are detrimental to society as whole and are prosecuted by government authorities.
The nurse notes in the first few exchanges during peritoneal dialysis of a client that the effluent is tinged pink. The nurse's most appropriate action is to
a. continue the dialysis. b. notify the physician. c. send a specimen for culture. d. stop the dialysis immediately.
In collecting a 24-hour urine specimen to determine nitrogen balance for a client, the nurse would
a. conduct the urine collection before a 24-hour food record. b. correct the results by multiplying by 0.13 for clients with renal disease. c. instruct the client on foods to eat containing specified amounts of protein. d. start the urine collection at the same time a 24-hour food record starts.