A nurse considers beneficence as the guiding ethical principle ...

[swpotter12]

A nurse considers beneficence as the guiding ethical principle for nursing practice. Working within that framework, which action by the nurse best demonstrates that concept?
 
  A.
  Administering a pain medication before therapy so that the patient can participate
  B.
  Allowing the patient to make informed choices as to his or her plan of care
  C.
  Promising a pain medication in 1 hour and returning with it on time
  D.
  Turning patients to prevent pressure sores, despite causing temporary discomfort

Question 2

A nurse working with the elderly population is distressed that in order to obtain public funding for long-term care, the elderly must expend nearly all of their resources. When considering bioethical principles, which principle should the nurse choose to
 
  act from to make the biggest difference in this situation?
  A.
  Autonomy
  B.
  Fidelity
  C.
  Justice
  D.
  Veracity

[brittiany.barnes]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Beneficence means acting for the patient's benefit, or doing good. Giving a pain medication before a therapy session helps the patient fully participate, improving his or her recovery. Allowing the patient to make informed choices demonstrates autonomy. Returning when promised is an example of fidelity. Turning patients, even though it causes temporary discomfort, is non-maleficence.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The principle of justice means treating everyone fairly. Requiring the elderly to divest themselves of their resources in order to obtain funding for housing could be seen as a justice issue. Autonomy is having free will and acting according to one's own wishes when making decisions. Fidelity is keeping promises. Veracity is truth telling.