Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because being surrounded by family provides emotional support, comfort, and a sense of closure. Family presence can alleviate fear, anxiety, and loneliness, contributing to a peaceful death experience. Choice B focuses on pain management but does not address emotional well-being. Choice C, while important for end-of-life care, does not directly impact the patient's immediate comfort. Choice D indicates a decline in consciousness, which may not necessarily lead to a peaceful death experience as the patient may not be aware of their surroundings or loved ones.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: appeal to tradition. The veteran nurse is objecting to the change in practice solely because it deviates from the usual way of doing things. This demonstrates a reliance on tradition rather than considering the potential benefits of the new approach. The appeal to tradition fallacy assumes that something is better or correct simply because it is the traditional way. Incorrect choices: A: Appeal to emotion - This choice involves manipulating emotions to win an argument, which is not evident in the scenario. C: Red herring - This choice involves diverting attention from the real issue, which is not the case in the scenario. D: Straw man - This choice involves misrepresenting the opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, which is not demonstrated in the scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: cultural self-assessment. This is important as it helps the nurse understand their own beliefs, values, and biases, which can impact how they interact with culturally diverse clients. By being self-aware, the nurse can better recognize and address any potential cultural misunderstandings or conflicts. A: Taking a sign language course is not the priority as not all culturally diverse clients are deaf or use sign language. C: While cultural client assessment is important, it is secondary to the nurse understanding their own cultural biases first. D: Taking a course on how to speak Spanish is helpful but may not address the broader cultural competence needed to work with diverse clients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because denying the older person with Alzheimer's disease the right to ambulate violates their autonomy by restricting their freedom to make choices about their own body and movement. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own health and well-being. In this situation, the person should have the autonomy to decide whether or not they want to ambulate, even if they have advanced Alzheimer's disease. Choice B is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse medical treatment based on their beliefs, which is an expression of autonomy. Choice C is incorrect because the mentally competent visitor has the right to refuse examination, which is also an expression of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse a local anesthetic, which is also an expression of autonomy.