In some circumstances, nurses care for patients whose outcome is ...

[Zoey63294]

In some circumstances, nurses care for patients whose outcome is predictable but, due to family dynamics, for whom advance directives are not available and therefore the patient's lives are ex-tended without realistic outcomes.
 
  This presents an ethical dilemma for many nurses. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most appropriate when the patient's outcome is unpredicta-ble and no advance directive is available? a. Advise the family of their irrational perception of the patient's ultimate outcome.
  b. Advise the family of the need for prayer to help make the decision that is right for the patient.
  c. Advise the family that you have seen patients awaken from this type of insult and function normally.
  d. Advise the family that the patient is not going to recover and for the ultimate benefit to the patient, they should reconsider the use end of life measures.

Question 2

Identify three internal and three external constraints that can lead to moral distress.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 3

As a registered nurse, you have a legal and ethical obligation to do which of the following?
 
  a. Delegate responsibility to others
  b. Show up for work on time
  c. Advocate for patients
  d. Respect the wishes of patients no matter what

[lucas dlamini]

Answer to Question 1

D

Feedback
A Does not advocate on the patient's behalf.
B Does not advocate on the patient's behalf.
C Does not advocate on the patient's behalf.
D Patient advocacy requires nurses to do the right thing for the patient regardless of family resistance. Assisting the family to realize the ultimate benefit to the patient may help them to make the right decision for the patient.

Answer to Question 2

Correct answers may include the following points.
o External constraints: physicians; law; nursing administration; hospital administration/policy
o Internal constraints: fear of job loss; self-doubt; sense of futility based on previous experience

Answer to Question 3

C
The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics (2001), as well as many state Nursing Practice Acts,
require nurses to serve as patient advocates. A patient's diagnosis, extent of illness, treatments, pain,
and the institutional nature of hospitals often result in patients becoming passive recipients of care
instead of active participants. Nurses have the obligation to advocate for patients, especially those who
are unable to do so for themselves, helping them communicate their wishes to the health care team,
being vigilant in protecting their safety, and sometimes even in protecting their legal rights.

[Zoey63294]

Thank you

[lucas dlamini]

No problemo