The nurse questions a health care provider's decision to not tell the patient about a cancer diagnosis. Which ethical principle is the nurse trying to uphold for the patient?
a. Consequentialism
b. Autonomy
c. Fidelity
d. Justice
ANS: B
The nurse is upholding autonomy. Autonomy refers to the freedom to make decisions free of external control. Respect for patient autonomy refers to the commitment to include patients in decisions about all aspects of care. Consequentialism is focused on the outcome and is a philosophical approach. Justice refers to fairness and is most often used in discussions about access to health care resources. Fidelity refers to the agreement to keep promises.
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An elderly man diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is being seen in the health clinic. The nurse observes the man brushing his hair with a toothbrush. This inability to process information would be documented as which of the following?
A) Anomia B) Agnosia C) Aphasia D) Apraxia
A patient was admitted on the night shift with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction
Upon auscultation, the nurse hears a harsh, holosystolic murmur along the left sternal border. The nurse notifies the physician immediately because the symptoms are indicate the patient has developed a. papillary muscle rupture. b. tricuspid stenosis. c. ventricular septal rupture. d. pericardial friction rub.
The nurse checks the chemical sterility indicators on two packs of instruments, noting that the indicator is black on package A and unchanged on package B. Which should the nurse do next in the operating room?
1. Replace package B. 2. Use neither package. 3. Disinfect package B. 4. Cancel the procedure.
A client recovering from a penetrating injury to the eye tells the nurse that he can see some shadows and movement with the eye. The nurse realizes this information would be considered as:
1. Deterioration in vision. 2. Improvement in vision. 3. An indication of poor nutrition. 4. The need for artificial tears.