The family of a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer does not want the patient told about the diagnosis. The patient asks the nurse, "Do I have cancer?" Which ethical principles should the nurse consider to resolve this situation?
a. Autonomy and veracity
b. Beneficence and justice
c. Nonmaleficence and legal obligations
d. Welfare rights and moral obligations
ANS: A
A. Autonomy in health care refers to those individuals who are considered capable and competent making health-care decisions for themselves. Veracity is the virtue of truthfulness that requires health-care providers whenever possible to tell the truth and not intentionally deceive or mislead patients. B. Beneficence is considering and offering treatments that are likely to provide relief. Justice is the ethical principle of fairness and equality. C. Nonmaleficence is doing no harm. Legal rights are guaranteed by laws. D. Welfare rights are guaranteed by laws. Morals are standards set by our own conscience.
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Nurses work with various members of the health team. The nurse understands that the role of the hospitalist is best described as:
A) the doctor who admits the patient, assumes the management of the patient's care, and maintains communication with the primary physician while the patient is hospitalized. B) the physician who manages the patient's care in emergency and intensive care units only. C) the doctor who notifies the primary physician that their patient has been admitted to the hospital, and transfers care to a the referral specialist. D) the specialist who admits the patient to hospital, and returns care to the primary physician for all other referrals and services.
The nurse is caring for a 2-week-old newborn girl with a metabolic disorder. Which of the following activities would deviate from the characteristics of family-centered care?
A) Softening unpleasant information or prognoses B) Evaluating and changing the nursing plan of care C) Collaborating with the child and family as equals D) Showing respect for the family's beliefs and wishes
Why is it especially important for the community/public health nurse who provides direct care to clients to know federal legislation?
a. The nurse will be able to inform clients of existing federal programs for which the client may be eligible. b. The nurse will be aware of new resources and opportunities for clients. c. The nurse will be able to uphold the current administrative rules and regulations. d. The nurse will be able to protect himself or herself from "nuisance" suits by knowing all the legal safeguards.
A nurse researcher is considering the use of various nonpharmacological distraction techniques that have shown success for behavior control in troubled adolescents. The criteria this researcher is considering is which of the following?
1. Significance 2. Researchability 3. Feasibility 4. Interest