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 D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. WBC 6,000/mm³ is within normal range and does not require follow-up.
B. BUN 15 mg/dL is within normal range and does not require follow-up.
C. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL is within normal range for most adults and does not require follow-up.
D. Platelet count 60,000/mm³ is significantly low and requires follow-up as it can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A toddler with asthma and a pulse oximetry reading of 95% is stable and manageable with current oxygen therapy.
B. An adolescent with sickle cell disease is in pain but does not require immediate intervention compared to other scenarios.
C. A toddler with otitis media has a fever and discharge but is not in immediate danger.
D. A school-age child with acute epiglottitis is at high risk for airway obstruction and requires urgent care due to the drooling and absence of spontaneous cough, which are signs of a potentially life-threatening condition.