Fundamentals HESI Related

Review Fundamentals HESI related questions and content

When ethical dilemmas arise, what should newly licensed nurses expect and identify as an ethical dilemma?

  • A. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit demonstrates signs of chemical impairment.
  • B. A nurse overhears another nurse telling an older adult client that if he doesn't stay in bed, she will have to apply restraints.
  • C. A family has conflicting feelings about the initiation of enteral tube feedings for their father, who is terminally ill.
  • D. A client who is terminally ill hesitates to name their partner on their durable power of attorney form.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An ethical dilemma involves a situation where there are conflicting values or principles that make it difficult to make a clear decision. In the given scenarios, option C best represents an ethical dilemma as the family has conflicting feelings about initiating enteral tube feedings for their terminally ill father. This situation presents a clash between different values and beliefs, making it challenging to reach a resolution. Options A, B, and D do not illustrate conflicting values or principles that characterize an ethical dilemma. Option A describes a nurse's impairment, which is a concern but not a direct ethical dilemma. Option B depicts a potential breach of client autonomy and restraint use, which is an ethical issue but not a true ethical dilemma. Option D involves a client's personal decision regarding a durable power of attorney form, which, although important, does not present conflicting values or principles that define an ethical dilemma.