A nurse cares for a client who has a genetic mutation that increases the risk for colon cancer. The client states that he does not want any family to know about this result. How should the nurse respond?
a. "It is required by law that you inform your siblings and children about this result so that they also can be tested and monitored for colon cancer."
b. "It is not necessary to tell your siblings because they are adults, but you should tell your children so that they can be tested before they decide to have children of their own."
c. "It is not required that you tell anyone about this result. However, your siblings and children may also be at risk for colon cancer and this information might help them."
d. "It is your decision to determine with whom, if anyone, you discuss this test result. However, you may be held liable if you withhold this information and a family member gets colon cancer."
ANS: C
This situation represents an ethical dilemma. It is the client's decision whether to disclose the information. However, the information can affect others in the client's family. The law does not require the client to tell family members about the results, nor can the client be held liable for not telling them. The nurse may consider it ethically correct for the client to tell family members so that they can take action to prevent the development of cancer, but the nurse must respect the client's decision.
You might also like to view...
A group of nursing students are doing their first clinical rotation in a long-term care facility. The nurse educator, in meeting the needs of this particular client group, reminds students to:
A) Treat this group of clients with a different level of respect than younger clients. B) Do all cares for the clients, since they're unable to do them independently. C) Always remember that the client's self-respect must be maintained in all interactions of the students. D) Make sure the clients' cares are done in a timely manner, and sometimes that means doing things for the client.
Zidovudine (Retrovir) has been prescribed to a client with HIV. The client asks why blood needs to be drawn on a regular basis. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
1. "This medication can cause an increase in red and white blood cells, and needs to be monitored." 2. "This medication will cause dehydration, so your blood needs to be monitored for this." 3. "Serum creatinine must be monitored for clients taking zidovudine." 4. "Reduced numbers of red and white blood cells are common, and need to be monitored."
During the planning of care for a suicidal client, which correctly written outcome should be a nurse's first priority?
A. The client will not physically harm self. B. The client will express hope for the future by day 3. C. The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. D. The client will remain safe during the hospital stay.
An older adult in hospice care develops a pressure ulcer. What should the nurse increase
in the client's diet to help heal the wound? A) Fiber content B) Fatty acids C) Protein D) Vitamins