A hospice nurse is working closely with a client who, on several ...

[geoffrey]

A hospice nurse is working closely with a client who, on several occasions, has asked about guidance and support in ending life.
 
  The nurse recognizes which in regard to making ethical and moral decisions in this circumstance?
  A) Euthanasia has legal implications along with moral and ethical ones.
  B) Passive euthanasia is an easy decision to arrive at.
  C) Active euthanasia is supported in the Code for Nurses.
  D) Assisted suicide is illegal in all states.

Question 2

The nurse is talking with a parent who decides to decline treatment for a 3-year-old client whose cancer has metastasized.
 
  There is a conflict between the parents and the rest of the family regarding the withdrawal of care from the child. Which should the nurse consider when determining the appropriate action for this client?
  A) The beliefs of the child
  B) The values of the parents
  C) The age of the child
  D) The values of the rest of the family

[carolinefletcherr]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A

Determining whether an action is legal is only one aspect of deciding whether it is ethical. Legality and morality are not one and the same. The nurse must know and follow the legal statutes of the profession and boundaries within the state before making any decision. Passive euthanasia involves the withdrawal of extraordinary means of life support and is never an easy decision. Active euthanasia and assisted suicide are in violation of the Code for Nurses, according to the position statement by the ANA (1995). Some states and countries have laws permitting assisted suicide for clients who are severely ill, are near death, and wish to commit suicide.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

When confronted with a conflict regarding care, one of the first actions by the nurse is to consider the values and beliefs of the parents who are making the decision. The age of the child is not a relevant factor in the decision making if the child is under 18 years. The child is too young to have values and beliefs. The nurse is respectful with the rest of the family but should consider the parents' decision only.