Exam 3: Nursing Test Bank Questions & Answers

Four patients in labor all request epidural analgesia to manage their pain at the same time. Which ethical principle is compromised when only one nurse anesthetist is on call? - Justice Justice refers to fairness and is used frequently in discussion regarding access to health care resources. The patient tells the nurse that she is afraid to speak up regarding her desire to end care for fear of upsetting her husband and children. Which principle in the nursing code of ethics ensures that the nurse will promote the patient's cause? - Advocacy A nurse's ability to adequate advocate for a patient is based on the unique relationship that develops and the opportunity to better understand the patient's point of view. The patient's son requests to view the documentation in his mother's medical record. What is the nurse's best response to this request? a. "I'll be happy to get that for you." b. "You will have to talk to the physician about that." c. "You will need your mother's permission." d. "You are not allowed to see it." - c. "You will need your mother's permission." When people work together to solve ethical dilemmas, individuals must examine their own values. This step is crucial to ensure that a. The group identifies the one correct solution. b. Fact is separated from opinion. c. Judgmental attitudes are not provoked. d. Different perspectives are respected. - d. Different perspectives are respected. Ethical dilemmas are common occurrences when caring for patients. The nurse understands that dilemmas are a result of a. Presence of conflicting values. b. Hierarchical systems. c. Judgmental perceptions of patients. d. Poor communication with the patient. - a. Presence of conflicting values. The nurse questions a physician's order to administer a placebo to the patient. The nurse's action is based on which ethical principle? a. Autonomy b. Beneficence c. Justice d. Fidelity - a. Autonomy The nurse finds it difficult to care for a patient whose advance directive states that no extraordinary resuscitation measures should be taken. Which step may help the nurse to find resolution in this assignment? a. Call for an ethical committee consult. b. Decline the assignment on religious grounds. c. Scrutinize her own personal values. d. Convince the family to challenge the directive. - c. Scrutinize her own personal values. The nurse values autonomy above all other principles. Which patient assignment will the nurse find most difficult to accept? a. Teenager in labor who requests epidural anesthesia b. Middle-aged father of three with an advance directive declining life support c. Elderly patient who requires dialysis d. Family elder who is making the decisions for a 30-year-old female member - d. Family elder who is making the decisions for a 30-year-old female member Which philosophy of health care ethics would be particularly useful when making ethical decisions about vulnerable populations? a.