Nokea
The family has requested a client with terminal cancer not be told of the diagnosis. The client tells the nurse, 'I think something is really wrong with me, but the doctor says everything is all right. Do you know if there is something wrong with me?' Which response by the nurse would support the ethical principle of veracity?
- A. I think you should talk to your doctor about your concerns.
- B. What makes you think something is really wrong?
- C. Your family has requested you not be told your diagnosis.
- D. The doctor would never tell you incorrect information.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Veracity (truth-telling) requires honesty; acknowledging the family’s request respects their wishes while addressing the client’s question, prompting further discussion. Other responses evade truth.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is teaching a class on ethical principles in nursing. Which statement supports the definition of beneficence?
- A. The duty to prevent or avoid doing harm.
- B. The duty to actively do good for clients.
- C. The duty to be faithful to commitments.
- D. The duty to tell the truth to the clients.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beneficence is the duty to actively promote client well-being, per ethical principles. Nonmalfeasance, fidelity, and veracity are distinct principles.
In which client situation would the AD be consulted and used in decision making?
- A. The client diagnosed with Guillain-Barré who is on a ventilator.
- B. The client with a C6 spinal cord injury in the rehabilitation unit.
- C. The client in end-stage renal disease who is in a comatose state.
- D. The client diagnosed with cancer who has Down syndrome.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ADs are consulted when a client cannot make decisions, such as in a comatose state (end-stage renal disease). Ventilated, rehab, or Down syndrome clients may still have decision-making capacity.
The client diagnosed with septicemia expired, and the family tells the nurse the client is an organ donor. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify the organ and tissue organizations to make the retrieval.
- B. Explain a systemic infection prevents the client from being a donor.
- C. Call and notify the health-care provider of the family's request.
- D. Take the body to the morgue until the organ bank makes a decision.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Systemic infections like septicemia contraindicate organ donation due to infection risk, per UNOS guidelines. Notification, HCP calls, or morgue transfer are premature.
The female client in the oncology clinic tells the nurse she has a great deal of pain but does not like to take pain medication. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Tell the client it is important for her to take her medication.
- B. Find out how the client has been dealing with the pain.
- C. Have the HCP tell the client to take the pain medications.
- D. Instruct the client not to worry-the pain will resolve itself.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing coping strategies informs a tailored pain management plan, respecting client preferences. Forcing medication, HCP involvement, or dismissing pain is premature.
The Hispanic client who has terminal cancer is requesting a curandero to come to the bedside. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Tell the client it is against policy to allow faith healers.
- B. Assist with planning the visit from the curandero.
- C. Refer the client to the pastoral care department.
- D. Determine the reason the client needs the curandero.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Facilitating a curandero visit respects Hispanic cultural beliefs, per patient-centered care. Denying, referring, or questioning the need is less culturally sensitive.