Author Question: If a patient does not have an advance directive or has not expressed his wishes regarding end of ... (Read 108 times)

EY67 · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

If a patient does not have an advance directive or has not expressed his wishes regarding end of life care, what ethical principle may help the family to make the right decision?

a. Autonomy
b. Fidelity
c. Beneficence
d. Veracity

Question 2

A basis for ethical dilemma can result from a request for organ donation. Which factor may con-tribute to this conflict?

a. The patient is ventilator dependent.
b. The patient has signed her driver's license giving consent.
c. The patient has not previously expressed her wishes on organ donation.
d. The patient's religion is unclear about or-gan donations.

bob · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Beneficence may be the best principle to apply in this situation because the nurse should always advocate for the patient. If the outcome for this patient is known, it may be in the best interest of the patient to allow a quiet painless death. The other options are ethical principles that do not ap-ply.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Family members may be reluctant to consent to donation if the patient has never previously ex-pressed her wishes. Options A and B provide encouragement to the family for donation. Option D may initially cause some conflict, but because almost all major religious groups express this de-cision as a personal one, it should not cause conflict once she makes her decision.