A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and states that they wish to discontinue their enteral feedings. The nurse responds by saying, "You have a right to refuse treatment." This response by the nurse demonstrates which of the following ethical principles?
Autonomy
Fidelity
Beneficence
Justice
The Correct Answer is A
A. Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment, which the nurse has supported in their response.
B. Fidelity involves being faithful to commitments made to patients, such as providing care and support, but does not directly pertain to the client's right to refuse treatment.
C. Beneficence focuses on promoting the well-being of the client, which may not align with the client’s decision to refuse treatment in this context.
D. Justice refers to fairness in healthcare and ensuring equitable treatment, but it does not address the specific right of the client to refuse treatment.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Logging the previous user out of the system immediately ensures the client's health information is no longer visible, protecting the client's privacy according to HIPAA guidelines.
B. Offering to conduct an in-service on client confidentiality is a proactive measure but does not address the immediate privacy issue.
C. Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is appropriate but does not prevent unauthorized viewing of the client's information immediately.
D. Completing an incident report is necessary to document the breach, but it should occur after protecting the client’s privacy by logging out.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Respecting the daughter's decision to refuse the transfusion aligns with the principles of patient autonomy and the authority granted through the durable power of attorney for health care, meaning the daughter's wishes must be followed.
B. Encouraging the daughter to allow the transfusion would undermine her role as the decision-maker and may cause unnecessary conflict, making this option inappropriate.
C. Discussing guardianship is not necessary or appropriate in this context, as the daughter has already been designated as the decision-maker, which negates the need for additional legal intervention.
D. Asking the provider to give consent for the transfusion contradicts the authority granted to the daughter, as she is the legally recognized decision-maker and has already made her choice.