A nurse is caring for a client who is dying. The nurse should incorporate the principle of nonmaleficence into practice by taking which of the following actions?
Withholding a dose of narcotic pain medication when the client has respiratory depression
Discussing advance directives with the client and the client's family
Providing comfort care measures to the client
Allowing the client's family unlimited visitation at the time of death
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Withholding a dose of narcotic pain medication when there is respiratory depression aligns with nonmaleficence, as it prevents further harm by not exacerbating the client's respiratory issues.
B. Discussing advance directives is important but is more related to autonomy and respect for the client’s wishes rather than nonmaleficence.
C. Providing comfort care is a supportive measure but does not specifically address nonmaleficence in terms of preventing harm.
D. Allowing unlimited visitation respects family wishes but does not directly relate to the principle of nonmaleficence regarding the client’s immediate medical needs.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. An infant who has pertussis and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula requires immediate assessment to ensure that the oxygen therapy is adequate and to monitor for any signs of respiratory distress or worsening condition.
B. An adolescent who was admitted to the unit in sickle cell crisis and is ready for discharge instructions does not require immediate assessment as the client is stable enough for discharge planning.
C. A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and requires blood glucose monitoring should be assessed, but it is less urgent compared to a client with a respiratory condition.
D. A toddler who has both arms in casts and needs to be fed his breakfast needs attention, but this is less critical compared to monitoring a client with a respiratory condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Assisting a client to cough and deep breathe is a task that can be performed by an AP under supervision.
B. Application of antiembolic stockings is within the scope of APs, though it may be monitored by an RN.
C. Administration of an enema typically requires nursing judgment and assessment, making it more appropriate for the RN.
D. Assessing a client’s sacrum for edema requires clinical assessment skills and nursing judgment, which should be performed by an RN.