Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: decision support. In this scenario, the nurse inputs clinical manifestations into a computer program to assist in generating a diagnosis. Decision support systems use algorithms and data to provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based recommendations or diagnoses. In this case, the system likely recognized the combination of clinical signs as indicative of fat emboli. Telehealth (B) involves remote healthcare services, not diagnosis. Robotic technology (C) and biometric technology (D) are not directly related to clinical diagnosis like decision support systems are.

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 the nurse is at risk for HIPAA violations by sharing patient information on social media. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patients' privacy and prohibits healthcare providers from disclosing their health information without consent. In this scenario, the nurse shared specific details about the patient's health condition, visit to the ED, and financial situation, which could easily identify the patient. This violates the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the focus should be on the HIPAA violation rather than empathy, policy following, or logical fallacies. The nurse should have found alternative ways to help the patient without compromising their privacy.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Madeleine Leininger's nursing theory. Leininger's Cultural Care Theory emphasizes the importance of providing culturally congruent care to individuals, taking into account their cultural beliefs, values, and practices. This theory is particularly relevant when caring for immigrants as it helps nurses understand and address their unique cultural needs. A: Martha Rogers' nursing theory focuses on the science of unitary human beings and energy fields, not specifically on cultural care. B: Dorothea Orem's nursing theory, the Self-Care Deficit Theory, emphasizes the individual's ability to perform self-care activities, not specifically cultural care. C: Hildegard Peplau's nursing theory, the Theory of Interpersonal Relations, focuses on the nurse-patient relationship and therapeutic communication, not specifically on cultural care for immigrants.