The clinic nurse often cares for clients who are considering an ...

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The clinic nurse often cares for clients who are considering an abortion. Which responsibilities does this nurse have in regard to this issue? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Informing the client about pro-life options
  b. Informing the client about pro-choice support groups
  c. Being informed about abortion from a legal standpoint
  d. Being informed about abortion from an ethical standpoint
  e. Recognizing that this issue may result in confusion for the client

Question 2

A nurse who works in the emergency department (ED) is assigned to a client who is experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding at 12 weeks' gestation.
 
  An ultrasound has confirmed the absence of a fetal heart rate, and the client is scheduled for a dilation and evacuation of the pregnancy. The nurse refuses to provide any further care for this client based on moral principles. What is the nurse manager's initial response to the nurse?
 
  a. I recall you sharing that information in your interview. I will arrange for another nurse to take report on this client.
  b. Because we are shorthanded today, you have to continue to provide care. There is no one else available to provide care for this client.
  c. I understand your point of view. You were hired to work here in the ED so you had to know this situation was possible.
  d. Abandonment is a serious issue. I have to advise you to continue to provide care for this client.

[amandalm]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C, D, E
Nurses have several responsibilities that cannot be ignored in the conflict about abortion. First, they must be informed about the complexity of the abortion issue from a legal and an ethical standpoint and know the regulations and laws in their state. Second, they must realize that for many people, abortion is an ethical dilemma that results in confusion, ambivalence, and personal distress. Informing the client about pro-life options or pro-choice support groups would not be appropriate because it is the client's decision and these interventions show bias on the nurse's part.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Nurses do not have to provide care if the care is in violation of their moral, ethical, or religious principles. However, it is the responsibility of the nurse to share these views at the time of the initial interview. Disclosing beliefs that would affect the care of clients at the point of care and refusing to provide care is unethical on behalf of the nurse. The manager cannot force the nurse to provide care if the nurse's principles were shared at the time of the initial interview. It is the manager's responsibility to disclose the type of care delivered in the department at the time of the interview. Threats of abandonment are unwarranted at this time.