Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Related

Review Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing related questions and content

A nurse is assigned to a unit where 95% of all patients required total care. Most days the assistive personnel are able to complete their assignments and provide high-quality care. A patient returning from a procedure was somehow "skipped" when daily baths were performed and requests that her care now be provided. The nurse discovers the bed is rumpled and damp. The RN joins with some other staff to bathe the patient, change the bed, and help make the patient comfortable. These staff members are demonstrating:

  • A. altruism.
  • B. veracity.
  • C. autonomy.
  • D. whistle-blowing.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: altruism. Altruism is the selfless concern for the wellbeing of others, which is demonstrated by the staff members helping the patient in need without hesitation. In this scenario, the staff members are putting the patient's needs above their own, showing compassion and empathy. This aligns with the principle of altruism in nursing, where caregivers prioritize the welfare of their patients.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty. While these are important traits in nursing, they are not the focus of the staff members' actions in this scenario.
C: Autonomy is the right of individuals to make decisions about their own care. In this situation, the patient is not exercising autonomy, but rather relying on the staff for assistance.
D: Whistle-blowing involves reporting unethical or illegal behavior within an organization. There is no indication of any wrongdoing that would require whistle-blowing in this scenario.