Nursing Process Practice Questions Related

Review Nursing Process Practice Questions related questions and content

A client with autoimmune thrombocytopenia and a platelet count of 8,000/ul develops epistaxis and melena. Treatment with corticosteroids and immunoglobulins has been unsuccessful, and the physician recommends a splenectomy. The client states, “I don’t need surgery-this will go away on its own”. In considering her response to the client, the nurse must depend on the ethical principle of:

  • A. Beneficence
  • B. Advocacy
  • C. Autonomy
  • D. Justice
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Autonomy. Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. In this scenario, the client is expressing her desire to not undergo surgery, which is her right as an autonomous individual. The nurse must respect her decision even if it goes against medical advice. Beneficence (A) is the ethical principle of doing good for the patient, but in this case, respecting the client's autonomy takes precedence. Advocacy (B) involves supporting the client's best interests, which could align with autonomy in this case. Justice (D) refers to fairness and equal treatment, but it is not directly applicable to the client's decision regarding surgery.