Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the family's request to honor the terminally ill mother's advance directives aligns with the principle of autonomy as it acknowledges her right to make decisions about her own care. Accountability (A) pertains to taking responsibility for one's actions, nonmaleficence (C) involves avoiding harm, and veracity (D) refers to truthfulness. While these principles are important in healthcare, in this specific case, autonomy takes precedence as it respects the patient's wishes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because keeping the RN informed of any abnormal blood pressure readings is an essential part of the UAP's responsibility. This ensures that the RN is aware of any potential issues with the patients' health and can intervene if necessary. It is important for the UAP to communicate such vital information promptly to the RN, who has the clinical expertise to assess the situation and make appropriate decisions. Choice A is incorrect because the UAP should not delegate tasks to another UAP without prior authorization from the RN. Choice C is incorrect because calling the physician directly is beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Choice D is incorrect because initiating a low-sodium diet for hypertensive patients is a clinical decision that should be made by the RN or physician, not the UAP.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: decontamination. Decontamination is the process of removing harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies to prevent further exposure and contamination. In this scenario, the disaster medical assistance team is working to contain contaminants first and then proceed with decontamination to ensure the safety of personnel. Containment (choice A) refers to preventing the spread of contaminants, not removing them. Triage (choice C) is the process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries, not removing chemicals. Scene assessment (choice D) involves evaluating the situation to determine the extent of the disaster, not the removal of harmful chemicals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: disclosure. In this scenario, the physician shared information about the accidental lung puncture with the patient's family, demonstrating transparency and honesty. This aligns with the legal principle of disclosure, which emphasizes the importance of informing patients and their families about relevant medical information. The physician's actions foster trust and open communication, ensuring that the patient and family are informed about the situation. Choice A: comparative negligence, is incorrect because it involves assessing the degree of negligence by both parties involved, which is not applicable in this context. Choice B: gross negligence, is incorrect because the physician's actions do not demonstrate recklessness or a complete disregard for the patient's safety. Choice D: the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), is incorrect because this law primarily addresses the provision of emergency medical care and ensuring access to necessary services, not the disclosure of medical errors.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides accurate information about a specific risk factor related to a particular ethnic group. American-Indian women do have a higher rate of ovarian cancer than the general population, making it crucial for the nurse to be aware of this when teaching about cancer risk factors. A is incorrect as it discusses breast cancer and not ovarian cancer. B is incorrect as it mentions esophageal cancer, which is not the specific focus of the question. D is also incorrect as it makes a general statement about cancer, heart disease, and stroke in ethnic groups without providing specific information about ovarian cancer in American-Indian women.