The nurse explains to a co-worker that in order to practice in an ethical manner, the first thing the nurse must do is to
a. clarify one's own values to be sure they can be helpful in ethical dilemmas
b. find an employer with organizational goals consistent with ethical practice.
c. follow an established set of rules when confronted with an ethics dilemma.
d. understand nursing's role in meeting the professional goals of nursing.
D
The first step to being able to practice in an ethical manner is to understand the goals of nursing as a profession and the responsibility each nurse has in helping the profession meet its goals.
A solid understanding of one's own values is extremely important when working with ethical dilemmas, but this is not the first step in being able to practice in an ethical manner.
Health care organizations and patient care often have competing goals, because all organizations have to consider financial matters that are different from patient care issues. Although some employers may be known for unethical patient care practices, the chances of finding an organization with goals completely consistent with ethical nursing practice are slim.
When working with ethical dilemmas, there are no rules—only guidelines—because when working with people, there are innumerable variations in background and response. Nurses need ethical guidelines and processes to help them in their practices.
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A patient has come to the clinic and been diagnosed with Lyme disease. The physician has ordered oral tetracycline. What is important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan about tetracycline? (Select all that apply.)
A) Do not take the drug with anything high in sodium content to keep from producing a state of hypernatremia in the body. B) Do not take the drug with foods or other drugs that contain calcium. C) Do not take the drug at the same time you take an iron supplement or with foods that are high in iron content. D) Avoid exposure to the sun when taking this drug as it can turn your skin purple. E) Avoid eating bananas at the same time you take this drug as the potassium content of the tetracycline can produce hyperkalemia in the body.
A patient is started on warfarin (Coumadin) that is adjusted with the results of the INR and/or PT. The nurse expects the physician to start an initial dose that is within which dosage range?
a. 2 to 5 mg b. 0.5 to 1 mg c. 6 to 8 mg d. 8 to 9 mg
A group of nurses attend an in-service regarding emergency preparedness for the hospital. One of the nurses has three small children and lives in a two-story house in the suburbs
After the class, the nurse plans to initiate which action to enhance family safety? A) Installing deadbolt locks on the doors B) Obtaining a fire escape ladder for the second floor of the home C) Planning to purchase a generator for the house D) Buying a water purification system in the home
The nurse would not adopt which of the following goals when attempting to establish a therapeutic nurse-client relationship:
A. assisting client with self care needs when appropriate. B. helping the client identify self defeating behaviors. C. providing the client with opportunities to socialize. D. facilitating communication of disturbing feelings or thoughts.