The patient is admitted to the hospital following an abortion, and she is septic. The physician orders antibiotics that the patient refuses stating, "I don't deserve them." The nurse providing care has anti-abortion beliefs. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "I think you need to do what is best for you."
2. "You have a serious infection and really need the drug."
3. "It seems you think you should be punished because you had an abortion"
4. "I'll call your physician and let him know about your decision."

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Telling the patient she needs to do what is best is inappropriate; the nurse knows she needs the drug.
Rationale 2: Telling the patient she needs the drug is providing the best care possible; this must be done even though the nurse's beliefs are different from the patient's beliefs.
Rationale 3: Telling the patient what she thinks is not appropriate.
Rationale 4: Calling the physician is inappropriate; the nurse knows the patient needs the drug.
Global Rationale: Telling the patient she needs the drug is providing the best care possible; this must be done even though the nurse's beliefs are different from the patient's beliefs. Telling the patient she needs to do what is best is inappropriate; the nurse knows she needs the drug. Calling the physician is inappropriate; the nurse knows the patient needs the drug. Telling the patient what she thinks is not appropriate.