What are some reasons the nurse might withhold food and fluids ...

[ETearle]

What are some reasons the nurse might withhold food and fluids from a client? Select all that apply.
 
  A) A competent and informed client refuses them.
  B) A son decides that it is his father's time to die.
  C) It is determined to be more harmful to administer them than to withhold them.
  D) A schizophrenic client believes that they are being poisoned.
  E) The nurse thinks that the client is in too much pain.

Question 2

A client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is admitted to the acute care floor. According to a 1994 American Nurses Association (ANA) position statement, which stance addressing this bioethical issue is appropriate?
 
  A) The nurse is morally obligated to care for the client unless the risk exceeds responsibility.
  B) The nurse has the responsibility to ensure the client gets adequate medical care.
  C) The client has the right to choose not to disclose his or her condition to staff.
  D) The client is morally bound to disclose every aspect of his or her condition to staff.

[mmpiza]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A, C

The autonomy of a competent and informed client must be respected. Family members cannot overrule client choices. Forcing an individual with terminal illness to eat, or starting artificial nutrition, will often make the client feel bloated, nauseated, and/or develop diarrhea. Clients must be capable of making informed choices. The nurse's opinion about the client's pain status is not a justification for withholding nourishment.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A

AIDS continues to bear a social stigma in our society because of its association with illicit drug use and sexual behavior. According to a 1994 ANA position statement, the nurse cannot set aside the moral obligation to care for the client infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) unless the risk exceeds the responsibility.

[ETearle]

TYSM

[mammy1697]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it