Author Question: A family is in crisis about the steps to take after a family member is critically ill. When an ... (Read 86 times)

SO00 · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

A family is in crisis about the steps to take after a family member is critically ill. When an ethics committee meets, who will be allowed to discuss the ethical dilemma? Select all that apply.

1. The client's appointed advocate
2. The client's family
3. Other nurses on the unit
4. The nurse assigned to the client
5. The care provider

Question 2

Which is the most appropriate method a nurse can use to advocate for clients when ethical decisions are made inappropriately?

1. The nurse discusses concerns with the nurse manager, who then calls together a
meeting of the ethics committee.
2. The nurse confronts the care provider to discuss the specifics of the issue and then discusses with the team.
3. The nurse discusses concerns with the nurse manager, citing institutional policy and client rights documents.
4. The nurse discusses concerns with the client and/or family to get them to confront the care providing team.

polinasid · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1; 2; 4; 5

Rationale:
The client's appointed advocate: The client would be involved in the ethical discussion with the committee as well as he was able. If the client were not able to address the committee, an appointed advocate would be a suitable choice.
The family: The family would absolutely be allowed to discuss with the committee.
Other nurses on the unit: The other nurses on the unit would not be involved in the discussion, as this constitutes a HIPAA violation.
The nurse assigned to the client: The nurse assigned to the client would be allowed to discuss the situation with the ethics committee.
The care provider: The care provider would be allowed to discuss the dilemma with the ethics committee, as she has a major role in the decision process.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

Rationale: It is important for the nurse to follow the chain of command when advocating for clients. The nurse needs to discuss concerns with the nurse manager first. The nurse manager and nurse would then discuss with the team. Confrontation should not occur over an ethical situation, but should be discussed among team members, with consultation of the ethics committee. The nurse would not discuss concerns with the family before discussing the situation with the nurse manager.