ETHICS, LEGAL, AND PREGNANCY
Some pregnancies are accompanied by additional ethical and legal issues for the mom, baby, or even
both. Women may have
... [Show More] other health issues, be involved in an abusive relationship, or be victims of
human trafficking. Nurses play a key role in the assessment and treatment of these clients. To find
solutions, nurses and other healthcare personnel should apply ethical theories and principles
to determine the burdens and benefits of any course of action.
A client, pregnant with twins, is at her 24-week appointment. The nurse takes the urine sample
provided by the client but does not dip it, yet documents everything was normal. The client
has an elevated blood pressure (BP) of 142/92. However, the nurse decides not to document
the BP and does not report anything to the healthcare provider. Which element of negligence
was demonstrated by the actions of the nurse?
The nurse made a decision not to report something that was abnormal and didn’t follow standards of
care in obtaining a urine sample. When a nurse fails to follow standards of care in performing a duty,
this is considered a breach of duty.
Nurse practice act informs what nurses can do do. This nurse did not practice out of their scope of
practice. Damage is the harm that results from not providing care. Proximate cause is when the
breach of duty, in this case not documenting and reporting the elevated blood pressure or not
completing the urine sample per standards of care, must be proved to be the cause of harm to the
client. In this situation, there is not enough information to determine that harm occurred due to the
nurse’s breach of duty.
A group of nursing students are learning about intimate partner violence. Which is true about
intimate partner violence?
Intimate partner violence affects every socioeconomic level. Intimate partner violence occurs in all
races, religions, and cultural groups.
Although violence is associated with substance abuse, it is not the singular cause. The statement that
intimate partner violence predominantly occurs at lower socioeconomic levels is false. Violence often
occurs during pregnancy; about 23% of all pregnant women seeking prenatal care are victims of
violence.
A client has legal rights when they are seeking and receiving care. Which are examples of
client rights? Select all that apply.
Autonomy: The client has the right to self-determination. This includes the right to respect, privacy,
and information necessary to make decisions based on personal values and beliefs. “The client
refuses to take medication because they don’t want the negative side effects” is an example of
autonomy and is considered a client's right.
Truth (veracity): Providers must tell the truth. ”The client’s diagnosis is explained thoroughly and as
factually as possible” is an example of veracity and one of a client's rights.
Nonmaleficence: Avoid risking or causing harm to others. “The nurse provides safe care throughout
the shift” is an example of this. The client has a right not to be harmed.
Justice: All people should be treated equally regardless of disease or social or economic status. “A
private room is given to a client who has insurance over one that does not" is an example of violating
a right to be treated equally and is not a correct choice. A client should not receive [Show Less]