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. 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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Establishing the priorities of client care is part of the planning phase, not the implementation phase.
B. Comparing laboratory values is an assessment activity that occurs before planning and implementing care.
C. Asking the client about pain is an assessment activity used to gather information rather than an implementation task.
D. Reinforcing teaching about the client's diagnosis is an action that occurs during the implementation phase, as it involves executing the care plan and providing direct client education.