Which, if any, of the following would violate the Code of Ethics ...

[ap345]

Which, if any, of the following would violate the Code of Ethics for Nurses?
 
  1. Deciding not to speak up and remind a rushed/forgetful physician to wash her hands before performing a quick/superficial patient exam.
   2. Remaining silent when concerned that the surgeon has given parents biased information as part of the informed consent/permission process for surgery on their child.
   3. Diluting the painful IM antibiotic with saline rather than Lidocaine so that a sexually active teen with STDs more fully experiences the consequences of her poor choices.
   4. All of the above

Question 2

A CAGE screening has been done on a 17-year-old male student. The nurse notes that the total score is
 
  1. The nurse should:
   1. Contact the doctor for further treatment options.
   2. Understand that this score does not require further intervention.
   3. Inform the doctor that the patient needs inpatient therapy.
   4. Understand that this score is suggestive of the need for further treatment.

[mrphibs]

Answer to Question 1

4
Feedback
1. Speaking up for patient safety is a priority for nurses.
2. Not providing accurate information to the patient is a violation of the Code of Ethics for Nurses.
3. Creating increased pain for a procedure is unethical for medical professionals.
4. A nurse is the advocate for the patient's safety and well-being and should intervene in the first two scenarios. The third situation demonstrates a judgmental and punitive approach that does not reflect the nonjudgmental, compassionate respect a nurse should have for the dignity of the patient.

Answer to Question 2

2
Feedback
1. The score falls within normal range, and no further treatment is needed.
2. The range is normal and does not require further treatment.
3. The patient scored in the normal range, thus does not require therapy.
4. Further treatment is not needed at this time.