After being told that surgery would probably benefit the patient, the patient refuses to have the surgery. In accepting the patient's choice of action, the nurse is acting on which ethical principle?
a. nonmaleficence c. veracity
b. justice d. autonomy
D
Autonomy is the respect for an individual's right to self-determination or respect for individual liberty. Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. Justice is the principle of fairness that is served when an individual is given that which he or she is due, owed, deserves, or can legitimately claim. Veracity is the obligation to tell the truth.
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When infusing a large number of banked red blood cells (RBCs), the nurse may give a calcium replacement because
A) GI bleeding causes hypocalcemia. B) extra calcium is needed during a stressful event. C) the preservative in the product binds with calcium. D) hypoperfusion to the parathyroids affects the calcium levels.
The pediatric nurse carefully monitors a patient's status by assessing the child's level of consciousness. The nurse understands that the Glasgow Coma Scale provides clues to which of the following?
A. Encephalitis B. Irreversible coma C. Neurological impairment D. Neurological status
Your client has started taking warfarin (Coumadin) for his atrial fibrillation. He tells you he would like a shave today. You:
1. tell him he will need to wait until his bleeding numbers stabilize. 2. provide him with a safety razor. 3. provide him with an electric razor. 4. allow him to follow his usual shaving routines.
A client has recovered from prostate surgery and is ready for discharge. Which of the following points would the nurse want to teach the client and family prior to discharge?
1. The client should not drive for 4 weeks after surgery. 2. The client should avoid heavy lifting for 3 weeks after surgery. 3. The client should avoid straining with bowel movements. 4. The client should call the doctor immediately for any pain.