A 50-year-old man who has recently been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has announced to the nurse his intention to commit suicide in order to prevent future suffering
Which of the following facts should underlie the nurse's response to this client?
A) The nurse is required to document the client's wishes and begin to facilitate an assisted suicide.
B) The nurse is obliged to protect the client from self-harm.
C) The nurse must refer the client to a physician who is authorized to assist the man with a suicide.
D) The nurse is ethically obliged to inform law enforcement.
Ans: B
While the nurse is not obliged to inform law enforcement, he or she is ethically obligated to protect the client from self-harm. Participation or referral for assisted suicide has not been recognized as an acceptable component of nursing practice.
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