Pediatric Practice Exam HESI Related

Review Pediatric Practice Exam HESI related questions and content

A family has decided to withhold "extraordinary care" for a newborn with severe abnormalities. How should the nurse interpret this decision?

  • A. The newborn has no rights.
  • B. It is the same as euthanasia.
  • C. It is illegal professional practice.
  • D. The newborn is being allowed to die.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Withholding extraordinary care in cases of severe abnormalities is a legal and ethical decision. It allows the newborn to die naturally without aggressive interventions. Choice A is incorrect because all individuals, including newborns, have rights. Choice B is incorrect because withholding extraordinary care is not equivalent to euthanasia, which involves actively ending a life. Choice C is incorrect because such decisions are legally and ethically permissible when made in consideration of the best interests of the newborn.