Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Related

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A client is in extreme pain after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident, and morphine has been ordered every hour for pain. The nurse injects saline into the client's IV line and takes the morphine for herself. The nurse is violating which principle of ethics?

  • A. Autonomy
  • B. Utilitarianism
  • C. Beneficence
  • D. Dilemmas
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beneficence. Beneficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to act in the best interest of the client and to do good. In this scenario, the nurse is not acting in the best interest of the client by withholding the prescribed medication for personal gain. This action goes against the principle of beneficence as it is causing harm to the client by denying them the necessary pain relief.

Summary:
A: Autonomy is the right of the client to make their own decisions, which is not the main issue in this scenario.
B: Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall good for the greatest number of people, which is not directly applicable here.
D: Dilemmas do not represent a specific ethical principle being violated in this situation.

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A group of nurses are assembling outside a hospital protesting the use of foreign nurses after several nurses were terminated due to what the hospital called recurring "decreased census." The nurses carry signs with messages asking potential patients to seek care elsewhere. The local newspaper picked up the story, and the hospital is receiving negative press. The nurses are participating in:

  • A. picketing.
  • B. collective bargaining.
  • C. a strike.
  • D. arbitration.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: picketing. Picketing involves protesting outside a workplace to draw attention to an issue, such as the use of foreign nurses in this case. The nurses are not actively refusing to work (strike), negotiating work conditions (collective bargaining), or submitting their dispute to a third party for resolution (arbitration). Picketing is the most appropriate term for their actions in this scenario.

It is important for nurses to know the functions of the branches of the federal government. At a local meeting of the state nurses' association, an officer reminds members that the branch that is capable of originating major policy initiatives is thebranch.

  • A. executive
  • B. legislative
  • C. judicial
  • D. administrative
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: legislative. The legislative branch, which consists of Congress, is responsible for creating and enacting laws, including major policy initiatives. This branch has the power to propose, debate, and pass legislation that shapes public policy. The executive branch (choice A) enforces laws, the judicial branch (choice C) interprets laws, and the administrative branch (choice D) oversees the implementation of laws. In this context, the legislative branch is the primary entity for originating major policy initiatives, making it crucial for nurses to understand its functions.

A nurse on the unit is heard saying, "I am not going to document that I used four catheters to start that IV; it doesn't matter anyway." What action can help the staff nurse understand the financial budget goals of the unit?

  • A. Have the nurse work in payroll for a week.
  • B. Enroll the staff in continuing education units (CEU) for personal finance.
  • C. Ask the nurse to represent the unit on the budget planning committee.
  • D. Make the nurse responsible for monitoring all disposable equipment and supplies.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because asking the nurse to represent the unit on the budget planning committee will directly expose them to the financial budget goals. This involvement will provide insight into the importance of accurate documentation and resource utilization. It offers a practical understanding of how decisions impact the unit's financial health.

Summary:
A: Working in payroll does not directly connect the nurse to the unit's financial goals.
B: Personal finance CEUs are not specific to the unit's budget goals.
D: Monitoring supplies is important but does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the unit's financial budget goals.

When the job applicant is asked to identify weaknesses, one appropriate reply for the novice nurse might be:

  • A. "I have no weaknesses."
  • B. "Are you trying to set me up?"
  • C. "Delegating to peers."
  • D. "Caring requires weakness."
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Delegating to peers." This response shows self-awareness and willingness to improve by acknowledging a common weakness for novice nurses - difficulty in delegating tasks to peers. It demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow in the role.

A: "I have no weaknesses." - This answer lacks self-awareness and does not show a willingness to improve. It comes across as overconfident.
B: "Are you trying to set me up?" - This response is defensive and unprofessional. It does not address the question directly.
D: "Caring requires weakness." - This answer is vague and does not provide a specific weakness or show a proactive approach to self-improvement.

A nurse is admitting a Mexican-American child, and the mother comments that the child was exposed to mal ojo. The nurse should expect to find which symptom associated with this exposure?

  • A. Fever
  • B. Nervous tension
  • C. Bruising
  • D. Somnolence
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nervous tension. Mal ojo, commonly known as the evil eye, is a belief in many Latin American cultures that certain people have the power to cause harm with their gaze. Symptoms associated with mal ojo typically include nervous tension, irritability, and restlessness. Fever (choice A) is not a common symptom of mal ojo. Bruising (choice C) is also not typically associated with mal ojo. Somnolence (choice D) refers to excessive sleepiness, which is not a common symptom of mal ojo. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the cultural belief and expected symptoms of mal ojo.

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