Question 1
1 / 1 pts
A client with leukemia is being considered for a bone marrow transplant. The healthcare team is discussing the risks and benefits
... [Show More] of this treatment and other possible treatments with the goal of inflicting the least possible harm on the client. Which principle of healthcare ethics is the team practicing?
Justice
Fidelity
Correct!
Nonmaleficence
Autonomy
Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the avoidance of hurt or harm. Remember that in healthcare ethics, ethical practice involves not only the will to do good but also the equal commitment to do no harm. Healthcare professionals try to balance the risks and benefits of a plan of care while striving to do the least possible harm. Justice refers to fairness and equity and ensuring fair allocation of resources, such as nursing care for all clients. Fidelity is the keeping of promises made to clients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Autonomy refers to a person’s independence and represents an agreement to respect another’s right to determine his or her course of action.
Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the subject - the ethical principle being utilized. Recall the definition of each item in the options. Note the relationship of the words “least possible harm” in the question and the definition of nonmaleficence. Review: principles of healthcare ethics.
Reference: Potter, P., & Perry, A. (2009). Fundamentals of nursing (7th ed., p. 314). St. Louis: Mosby.
Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Implementation
Content Area: Ethical/Legal
Giddens Concepts: Celluar Regulation, Ethics
HESI Concepts: Advocacy/Ethical/Legal Issues, Cellular Regulation
Question 2
1 / 1 pts
Which action by the nurse represents the ethical principle of beneficence?
The nurse provides equal amounts of care to all assigned clients on the basis of illness acuity.
The nurse follows a plan of care designed to relieve pain in a client with cancer.
The nurse upholds a client’s decision to refuse chemotherapy for lung cancer.
Correct!
The nurse administers an immunization to a child even though it may cause discomfort. [Show Less]